LISTEN: Catie Offerman's 'OK Cowboy' is Based on an Inside Joke

Traditionally, it's the cowboy who rides off into the sunset at the end of the song, leaving the woman who loves him heartbroken, but the roles reverse in Catie Offerman's just-released "OK Cowboy."

Mid-tempo and forlorn with a heavy dose of strings, this new track is all classic country -- but its inspiration is a little more light-hearted, Offerman explained to Taste of Country and other outlets while walking a red carpet event at the Country Cares for St. Jdue Kids weekend at Memphis, Tenn.'s St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"It's a funny little thing. One of my best friends, he's a songwriter. He and I would always say 'Okay cowboy' to each other in a squeaky little voice," she says. "One day, I was in a write with other songwriters, and I was like, I have this idea and it's called 'OK Cowboy.'

"So now I give [my friend] a hard time -- I'm like, 'I promise if I ever make money with that song, I'm gonna give you some money,'" Offerman jokes.

All inside jokes aside, "OK Cowboy" highlights Offerman's traditionalist side, creating a sonic vibe that'll pair well with her upcoming tour schedule. She's booked to open several dates for Parker McCollum this winter, plus two dates in November as a supporting act for George Strait. "OK Cowboy" embraces classic country while still making it Offerman's own, marking the song with a dose of gender script-flipping humor.

"I think the funny edge to this song is -- everybody always thinks that the guys leave," she reflects. "But sometimes cowgirls venture out, too. It's kinda [about] leaving with a smile on your face."

50 Great Modern Traditional Country Songs, with Artists

There's some great traditional country music out there, but you may need to hunt for it. We did the legwork with this list of 50 modern traditional country songs (from 50 different artists!).

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

50 Great Modern Traditional Country Songs (and Artists!):