The words and music of "Under New Mexico Skies", written by Syd Masters, are declared to be the official state cowboy song. The words of the state cowboy song are as follows:
"(first verse)
Where the Pi on Mesa rolls
And the campfire cures your woes
Watchin' the sly roadrunner flee
On the tail of an autumn breeze
I'm leanin' against a juniper bole
As the creek water takes a stroll
(chorus)
That's where you'll find me
Where the big back country lies
There the cowboy's free to ride
Out under New Mexico skies
(second verse)
Where the lean jack hops along
And the coyote sings his song
Up high the rocky spires shade
The sunny desert days
I'm leanin' against adobe walls of old
Their stories to be told
(chorus)
That's where you'll find me
Where the big back country lies
There the cowboy's free to ride
Out under New Mexico skies
(third verse)
Just me and a covey of gamblin' quail
Lopin' down the Turquoise Trail
(chorus)
That's where you'll find me
Where the big back country lies
There the cowboy's free to ride
Out under New Mexico skies."
History: Laws 2009, ch. 28, § 1.
Effective dates. — Laws 2009, ch. 28 contained no effective date provision, but, pursuant to N.M. Const., art. IV, § 23, was effective June 19, 2009, 90 days after the adjournment of the legislature.