In this stirring ballad, Parker McCollum uses the metaphor of a cowboy to depict a man who struggles with his rebellious nature. From childhood, he's been drawn to an adventurous and lawless lifestyle, which he compares to a cowboy on the run. Despite his love for his partner, he acknowledges that his restless spirit may not allow him to stay put. The refrain of "riding like a thief on the run" and "flying like the wind to the sunset" reinforces this sense of constant movement and freedom. Ultimately, this song is an honest confession about grappling with one's true nature and the potential heartbreak that can cause in relationships.
