About the song
“Rose of Cimarron,” released in 1976, is a standout track from Poco’s album of the same name. This song, primarily written by Rusty Young, showcases the band’s signature blend of country-rock and folk influences. It’s a narrative-driven song that paints a vivid picture of the American West, telling a story of love, loss, and the untamed spirit of the frontier. “Rose of Cimarron” is a prime example of Poco’s ability to craft compelling stories within a musically rich setting.
The song is characterized by its gentle acoustic guitar melodies, layered vocal harmonies, and a distinct country-rock instrumentation, featuring pedal steel guitar and banjo. The lyrics are evocative and poetic, transporting the listener to a bygone era. The storytelling aspect of “Rose of Cimarron,” combined with its beautiful harmonies and instrumentation, makes it a captivating and immersive listening experience. It blends a sense of wistful romance with the ruggedness of the Western landscape.
While “Rose of Cimarron” didn’t achieve widespread mainstream chart success, it remains a fan favorite and a defining track in Poco’s discography. The album Rose of Cimarron did reach number 76 on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating its popularity within the country-rock scene. Although the song itself didn’t garner any specific awards, its impact on the country-rock genre and its enduring appeal among fans are undeniable. The song’s critical acclaim and lasting legacy have solidified its status as a classic within the genre.
“Rose of Cimarron” has been praised for its authentic portrayal of the American West, its compelling storytelling, and its masterful musicianship. It has influenced many artists within the country-rock and Americana genres, and its enduring appeal speaks to its timeless quality. It’s a track that transports listeners to another time and place, offering a blend of nostalgia, romance, and the rugged beauty of the American frontier. The song exemplifies Poco’s talent for combining strong narratives with musical innovation, making it a cherished piece of country-rock history.
Video
Lyrics
Roll along, roll on
Rose of Cimarron
Dusty days are gone
Rose of Cimarron
Shadows touch the sand and
Look to see who’s standin’
Waitin’ at your window
Watchin’, will they ever show?
Can you hear them callin’?
You know they have fallen
On campfires cold and dark
That never see a spark burn bright
Roll along, roll on
Rose of Cimarron
Dusty days are gone
Rose of Cimarron
Trails that brought them home
Echo names they’ve known
Four days high and lonely
Comin’ to you only
You’re the one they turned to
The only one they knew who’d do
All her best to be around
When the chips were down
Roll along, roll on
Rose of Cimarron
Dusty days are gone
Rose of Cimarron
Shadows touch the sand and
Look to see who’s standin’
Waitin’ at your window
Watchin’, will they ever show?
Roll along, roll on
Rose of Cimarron
Dusty days are gone
Rose of Cimarron
Roll along, roll on
Rose of Cimarron
Dusty days are gone
Rose of Cimarron
Hearts like yours belong
Following the dawn
Wrapped up in a song
Rose of Cimarron