About the song
“Don’t Fence Me In” is a classic song that embodies the spirit of the American West, and when performed by the legendary Roy Rogers, it takes on an even deeper resonance. Roy Rogers, often referred to as the “King of the Cowboys,” was not just a beloved actor and singer but a cultural icon whose performances brought the cowboy way of life into the hearts of millions. His rendition of “Don’t Fence Me In” at the Hollywood Canteen is a perfect example of how his music captured the essence of freedom and wide-open spaces that have long been associated with the Western genre.
The song itself, written by the famous composer Cole Porter and lyricist Robert Fletcher, was originally penned for a 1944 film but quickly became popular on its own. Its lyrics speak to the yearning for freedom and a life unfettered by restrictions—an ideal that resonates with the cowboy archetype that Roy Rogers so perfectly embodied. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it an instantly memorable tune, but it’s the lyrics that truly capture the imagination. Phrases like “Give me land, lots of land under starry skies above, don’t fence me in” evoke images of endless prairies and the boundless opportunities they represent.
When Roy Rogers performed “Don’t Fence Me In” at the Hollywood Canteen, a club that entertained American servicemen during World War II, the song took on an even greater significance. It became a symbol of the freedoms that the soldiers were fighting to protect, and Rogers’ warm, heartfelt delivery provided a comforting reminder of home to those far from it. The Hollywood Canteen itself was a venue where stars volunteered their time to support the troops, and Rogers’ performance there is a shining example of how music can lift spirits and provide solace in difficult times.
Roy Rogers’ version of “Don’t Fence Me In” is more than just a song; it’s a piece of American history. His performance at the Hollywood Canteen remains a testament to the power of music to inspire and bring comfort. The song continues to be a beloved standard, cherished by generations who associate it with the timeless appeal of the American West and the enduring legacy of Roy Rogers. Whether you’re a fan of classic Westerns or simply appreciate a good tune, “Don’t Fence Me In” as sung by Roy Rogers is sure to stir a sense of nostalgia and pride.
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Lyrics
O give me land, lots of land, and the starry skies above
Don’t fence me in
Let me ride through the wide open country that I love
Don’t fence me inLet me be by myself in the evening breeze
Listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees
Send me off forever but I ask you please
Don’t fence me inJust turn me loose, let me straddle my on saddle
Underneath the western skies
On my cayuse, let me wander over yonder
Till I see the mountains riseI want to ride to the ridge where the West commences
To many words, gaze at the moon till I lose my senses
Can’t look at hobbles and I can’t stand fences
Don’t fence me inO give me land, lots of land, and the starry skies above
Don’t fence me in
Let me ride through the wide open country that I love
Don’t fence me inLet me be by myself in the evening breeze
Listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees
Send me off forever but I ask you please
Don’t fence me inJust turn me loose, let me straddle my on saddle
Underneath the western skies
On my cayuse, let me wander over yonder
Till I see the mountains riseI want to ride to the ridge where the West commences
Gaze at the moon till I lose my senses
Can’t look at hobbles and I can’t stand fences
Don’t fence me in