cowboy like me – English Lyrics

• By: Taylor Swift
• Album: evermore

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the world of storytelling with 'cowboy like me'. This song is a masterclass in English idioms and narrative structure, making it perfect for learners who want to understand how to use irony, metaphors, and character-driven storytelling in English.

[English]

And the tennis court was covered up

With some tent-like thing

And you asked me to dance

But I said, "Dancing is a dangerous game"

Oh, I thought

This is gonna be one of those things

Now I know

I'm never gonna love again

I've got some tricks up my sleeve

Takes one to know one

You're a cowboy like me

Never wanted love

Just a fancy car

Now I'm waiting by the phone

Like I'm sitting in an airport bar

You had some tricks up your sleeve

Takes one to know one

You're a cowboy like me

Perched in the dark

Telling all the rich folks anything they wanna hear

Like it could be love

I could be the way forward

Only if they pay for it

You're a bandit like me

Eyes full of stars

Hustling for the good life

Never thought I'd meet you here

It could be love

We could be the way forward

And I know I'll pay for it

...

You're a cowboy like me

Perched in the dark

Telling all the rich folks anything they wanna hear

Like it could be love

I could be the way forward

Only if they pay for it

You're a bandit like me

Eyes full of stars

Hustling for the good life

Never thought I'd meet you here

It could be love

We could be the way forward

And I know I'll pay for it

And the skeletons in both our closets

Plotted hard to fuck this up

And the old men that I've swindled

Really did believe I was the one

And the ladies lunching have their stories about

When you passed through town

But that was all before I locked it down

...

Now you hang from my lips

Like the Gardens of Babylon

With your boots beneath my bed

Forever is the sweetest con

I've had some tricks up my sleeve

Takes one to know one

You're a cowboy like me

And I'm never gonna love again

...

I'm never gonna love again

Mm, mm, oh, oh

I'm never gonna love again

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
covered /ˈkʌvərd/ B1	verb - to place something over or in front of something else, usually to protect or hide it.
dangerous /ˈdeɪndʒərəs/ B1	adjective - able to cause harm or injury.
tricks /trɪks/ A2	noun - a clever or skillful action or maneuver.
sleeve /sliːv/ A2	noun - the part of a garment that covers the arm.
fancy /ˈfænsi/ B1	adjective - attractive or elaborate in appearance.
waiting /ˈweɪtɪŋ/ A2	verb - remaining inactive in expectation.
perched /pɜːrtʃt/ B2	verb - to be positioned on something.
folks /foʊks/ A2	noun - people.
bandit /ˈbændɪt/ B2	noun - a robber, especially one operating in a lawless area.
hustling /ˈhʌslɪŋ/ B1	verb - to proceed or work rapidly or energetically.
skeletons /ˈskelɪtənz/ B2	noun - a framework of bones supporting a body.
closets /ˈklɒzɪts/ A2	noun - a small room used for storing things.
swindled /ˈswɪndəld/ C1	verb - to use deception to deprive someone of money or possessions.
locked /lɒkt/ A2	verb - to fasten something with a lock.
lips /lɪps/ A1	noun - either of the two fleshy parts forming the edge of the mouth.
forever /fərˈevər/ A2	adverb - for all time.
con /kɒn/ B2	noun - a deception; a swindle.

Key Grammar Structures

• And the tennis court was covered up With some tent-like thing

  ➔ Past Passive Voice

  ➔ The verb phrase 'was covered up' demonstrates the past passive voice. The subject ('tennis court') *receives* the action, rather than performing it. The structure is 'be + past participle'.

• I've got some tricks up my sleeve

  ➔ Present Perfect with Idiomatic Expression

  ➔ 'I've got' is a contraction of 'I have got', indicating possession or ability. 'Tricks up my sleeve' is an idiom meaning having secret plans or advantages.

• Takes one to know one

  ➔ Idiomatic Expression/Proverb

  ➔ This is a common proverb meaning that someone who recognizes a particular trait in another person likely possesses that same trait themselves.

• Like it could be love

  ➔ Conditional Mood (Subjunctive)

  ➔ The phrase 'like it could be love' expresses a hypothetical possibility. 'Could be' indicates something that is not certain, but is being considered as a potential outcome.

• And the skeletons in both our closets Plotted hard to fuck this up

  ➔ Metaphorical Language & Strong Verb Choice

  ➔ 'Skeletons in our closets' is a metaphor for hidden secrets or shameful past experiences. 'Plotted hard to fuck this up' uses a very strong, informal verb ('fuck') to emphasize the deliberate and malicious intent.