Space Cowboy (Kacey Musgraves song)

"Space Cowboy" is a song co-written and performed by American country pop singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves. It was released as the second single from her fourth studio album, Golden Hour, on March 2, 2018.

The song is a slow-tempo, country-tinged ballad that explores themes of letting go, acceptance, and the bittersweet nature of relationships ending. The lyrics depict a scenario where the narrator acknowledges that their partner is destined for a different path, using the "space cowboy" metaphor to represent someone independent, free-spirited, and perhaps emotionally distant. The term suggests a person who roams and explores without being tied down.

"Space Cowboy" was critically acclaimed, praised for its poignant lyrics, Musgraves' vocal delivery, and its overall atmospheric quality. The song resonated with listeners due to its relatable themes of heartache and the difficult decision to release someone you love. It won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in 2019. The song charted on both the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Hot 100 charts in the United States. Its success further solidified Musgraves' status as a prominent figure in the contemporary country music scene.