‘Cowboy Up’ by Elyse Saunders review
- Gary @ BootsofUK
- 3. juni
- 3 min lesing
Elyse Saunders is a country artist building momentum and popularity across Canada, Australia and Nashville. Elyse has released previous hits such as ‘Never Have I Ever’ (top 30 Canadian country radio, top 10 Australian country radio), as well as ‘Dirt’, and ‘Rent Free’ and is hoping to build on that success and fan base with her latest release ‘Cowboy Up’ available from 3rd April 2026.
Written as a trio with Bonnie Baker (@bkercrtv) and Raquel Cole (@raquelcolemusic); Elyse explains how:
“I wanted to write something that felt empowering and something that represents showing up strong in the world while still leading with heart. Not backing down when challenges come your way.”
Elyse elaborates by referencing watching 1883 and the character Elsa and says having never written a song with a title inspired by a character before, she saw parts of herself within Elsa and thinks others will see the same in themselves too.
“It’s about standing strong in who you are, leading with heart, and finding the strength to keep going even through the longest, hardest miles. It’s a message I think a lot of people can relate to, and it really reflects my artist journey and where I’m headed next.”
“Yeah I can slip on a dress
Turn on my hollywood smile
Be the girl nobody can forget
And I can toss on a hat
Saddle up and take a hold of the reins
Be your ride or die girl just like that.
So watch me go and throw it down”
The first verse paints the picture of doing on a date or simply going out for a good time, yet it may not be how you’re feeling. ‘Turn on my Hollywood smile’ is evident of this but is proof that sometimes we need to fake it until we make it. ‘Saddle up and take a hold of the reins’ speaks to having or giving control. Something that on occasions can feel like we don’t have.
“Cowboy up, get it done, giddy up, let's go Throw on my boots, get ready and roll
Right through whatever, this burning desert
I'm gonna ride it out
Cowboy up with the sun, chase the dust, get wild
Never give up on the longest mile
I might fall off but I ain't staying down Cowboy up, cowboy up, cowboy up, oh”
The chorus continues the theme and references to Cowboys and about getting things done. It also leans into the space of hardship and however we’re feeling we’ve just to ‘’Throw on my boots’ and ‘ride it out’. Being ‘up with the sun’ is all about maximising our productivity whilst also being able to bask in the daylight hours to enable ourselves to feel great. The chorus also speaks of perseverance ‘never give up on the longest mile, I might fall off but I ain’t staying down’. With the chorus being so anthemic, it is somewhat hard to envisage not being perked up and having your mindset change even the slightest.
“No I'm, I'm not gonna run
When a storm comes rolling' in Cause that's what cowgirls are made of
I'm a wildflower in the weeds
I’ll be the home on the range
Won't blow away 'cause these roots run deep
'Cause when the rain comes crashing down..”
The second verse represents defiance ‘I’m not gonna run when a storm comes rolling in’ this demonstrates a resilience and self belief to be able to withstand whatever storm, whether literal or metaphorical, that comes our way. This defiance is also emphasised with the reference to ‘wildflower’ and ‘won’t blow away ‘cause these roots run deep’. A testament to having a strong foundation in our lives means that irrespective of what life’s challenges come our way, we will be able to handle them.
The song returns to the chorus, repeating to close out the song. I’ve no doubt that this is intentional serving to remind the lister to ‘Throw on my boots, get ready and roll’, in other words seize every opportunity, and be ready for what comes our way.
‘Cowboy Up’ was released April 3rd 2026 and is available to download and stream from your usual music platforms. make sure to check out Elyse on her social media too!
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