I just love cowboy songs. Most of my favorites (Tyin' A Knot, Goodnight Loving Trail, Tumblin' Tumbleweeds) have been mentioned but I can think of a few more favorites. I think that Willie Nelson's "Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies..." is as powerful and believable as Marty Robbins' "El Paso" or Jimmy Driftwood's folksy "Tennesee Stud" I think that I prefer the written "art" songs to the rougher folk songs. Even art songs can go into common culture. "Home On The Range" is so beautiful that I went out and learned the other verses.
Oh, and don't forget the haunting melody of "Green Grow The Lilacs".

                         Mike