Cool Boots
© 2009 Steve Sample

Every morning I get dressed
With my little boy distracting me
He's jumping all around
Splashing cold water in the sink
But when I reach for my boots
He has to have his too
We put 'em together
And I tell him why they're cool

'Cause they're big time
Catch your eye
Initials burned in the side
More genuine than a handmade suit
They're cow hide
Worn with pride
Represent a way of life
They're bona fide cool boots

They don't make a pair of shoes
That my little boy will even wear
It's always boots with shorts
And his momma don't really care
'Cause she know's one day in school
All the girls will like 'em too
That's how she fell for me
In a pair of cowboy boots

Repeat Chorus

If that boy's like me, his style might change
When he goes through a hard rock music phase
But I bet he keeps it county, sticks to his roots
When he sees all the rock stars wear 'em too

Repeat Chorus

My little boy's got some real cool boots

Growing up in Texas, cowboy boots represent a way of life. We are introduced to them at a very early age. Whether you get a new pair or have an old pair handed down to you, you get excited about it every time no matter your age.

In that spirit, the idea for this song was a culmination of three things. It was my sense of pride that I get every time I put on my favorite pair of boots. It was our first son (and the other two since then) trying to put on my boots and walk around in them. And it was memories of me as a kid loving and wearing my boots no matter what else I was wearing or where we were going.

Our first son used to be fascinated with splashing water in the sink when I was getting dressed for work. But he was easily distracted and would give me some space if I pulled my boots out. He would put them on up to his hips and try to walk in them waiting for me to give him praise by saying "Cool Boots, man. Those are some cool boots you got on." Those words made him smile and laugh every time.

Verse one is obviously about him. Verse two was more about me when I was his age. The bridge is technically about the boots, it was also meant to be a universal message about life. We all go through phases, but usually make our way back to our roots. The chorus, however, is really what I think makes the song. The melody allowed me to get away with all of the long "i" rhymes and help drive home how cool boots really are.

My kids still put on my boots from time to time and try to walk around in them. As for me, it's been at while since I've worn boots with shorts. I mean, at least a year or so I think. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoy the song.