“Old Town Road” is a genre-blending hit that fuses country and hip-hop, featuring a banjo-driven melody with trap beats. Lil Nas X’s deep, laid-back vocals complement the song’s Western-themed lyrics, creating a unique and catchy sound. The track’s minimalist production, combined with its infectious rhythm, helped it become a viral sensation and a record-breaking hit.

Song Credits

  • Artist: Lil Nas X
  • Album: 7
  • Released: December 3, 2018 (Original); April 5, 2019 (Billy Ray Cyrus remix)
  • Recorded: December 2, 2018
  • Length: 1:53 (original version); 2:37 (Billy Ray Cyrus remix)
  • Label: Columbia Records
  • Writer: Lil Nas X
  • Producer: YoungKio, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross

Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road” Official MV

Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road” Lyrics

[Intro: Billy Ray Cyrus]
Oh, oh-oh
Oh

[Chorus: Billy Ray Cyrus]
Yeah, I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road
I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more
I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road
I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more (Kio, Kio)

[Verse 1: Lil Nas X]
I got the horses in the back
Horse tack is attached
Hat is matte black
Got the boots that's black to match
Ridin' on a horse, ha
You can whip your Porsche
I been in the valley
You ain't been up off that porch, now

[Refrain: Lil Nas X]
Can't nobody tell me nothin'
You can't tell me nothin'
Can't nobody tell me nothin'
You can't tell me nothin'
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[Verse 2: Lil Nas X]
Ridin' on a tractor
Lean all in my bladder
Cheated on my baby
You can go and ask her
My life is a movie
Bull ridin' and boobies
Cowboy hat from Gucci
Wrangler on my booty

[Refrain: Lil Nas X]
Can't nobody tell me nothin'
You can't tell me nothin'
Can't nobody tell me nothin'
You can't tell me nothin'

[Chorus: Lil Nas X]
Yeah, I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road
I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more
I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road
I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more

[Verse 3: Billy Ray Cyrus]
Hat down, cross town, livin' like a rockstar
Spent a lot of money on my brand new guitar
Baby's got a habit: diamond rings and Fendi sports bras
Ridin' down Rodeo in my Maserati sports car
Got no stress, I've been through all that
I'm like a Marlboro Man so I kick on back
Wish I could roll on back to that old town road
I wanna ride 'til I can't no more


[Chorus: Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus]
Yeah, I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road
I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more
I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road
I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more

Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road” Meaning

“Old Town Road” is a symbol of Lil Nas X’s journey to success. The “old town road” represents his path to fame, fortune, and limitless opportunities, which he embraces fully, vowing to “ride till he can’t no more.” Lines like “I got the horses in the back” reflect his confidence in his talent, proving he doesn’t need luxury or status symbols to make it in the industry. Instead of a flashy car, he rides an old-school horse, showing his belief that pure talent is enough to succeed.

The song also addresses those who doubted him, making it clear that he refuses to be held back by negativity. While parts of the lyrics reference a rockstar lifestyle, Lil Nas X later clarified that he was imagining what fame might bring rather than promoting it. His fusion of country and hip-hop is reflected in his mix of simple and high-end imagery, balancing humility with success. Billy Ray Cyrus’s verse adds another perspective, reflecting on his own journey and the ups and downs of fame. While he enjoys the luxury that success has brought him, he also hints at missing a simpler life.

Though “Old Town Road” was seen as a fun, family-friendly hit, Lil Nas X later reminded fans that the song contains mature themes like substance use and infidelity. He wrote it as a message to himself during a time of doubt, unsure if he should continue pursuing music. However, as he worked on the song, he realized it would become a defining symbol of his success, a journey that, against all odds, turned into a record-breaking phenomenon.