Boys Don’t Cry – I Wanna Be A Cowboy (US 12″) (1988)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Previous post date: April 11, 2017

In 1985, British band Boys Don’t Cry delivered one of the most delightfully offbeat and unforgettable novelty hits of the decade — “I Wanna Be A Cowboy.” Equal parts synth-pop, humor, and Wild West fantasy, the track carved out a unique space on radio and dance floors alike.

Formed in 1983, Boys Don’t Cry was the brainchild of lead vocalist and keyboardist Nick Richards, who had just purchased Maison Rouge Recording Studios in London. An early lineup of the group featured Richards alongside guitarist Richard Taee and drummer Steve Creese, with additional support from session musicians.

From the moment that iconic spoken intro kicks in — “I wanna be a cowboy…” — you know you’re in for something different. The track blends playful storytelling with a catchy synth-driven groove, creating a sound that feels both quintessentially mid-80s and completely its own.

The 12″ Experience

As with many tracks featured here on Burning the Ground, the real magic happens in the 12″ format.

The extended mix takes everything that made the single memorable and stretches it into a full-on dancefloor experience. The groove is given more room to breathe, the instrumental passages are expanded, and the quirky western motifs — including whip cracks and cinematic flourishes — are emphasized to full effect.

This is where the song truly shines. What might come across as a novelty on the radio becomes something hypnotic and immersive in its extended form. DJs in the mid-80s understood this, and the track found a welcome home in clubs where its infectious rhythm and playful energy could really connect with audiences.

Chart Success & Cultural Impact

“I Wanna Be A Cowboy” became a major hit in the United States, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbing even higher on the Dance Chart. Its accompanying music video — featuring a humorous Wild West storyline — received heavy rotation on MTV, helping cement its place in 80s pop culture.

Though Boys Don’t Cry would not replicate this level of success with later releases, this single remains a beloved time capsule of an era when pop music didn’t take itself too seriously — and was all the better for it.

Why It Still Works

Nearly four decades later, “I Wanna Be A Cowboy” still holds up — not just as a nostalgic novelty, but as a genuinely well-crafted pop track. Its blend of humor, melody, and production polish captures a moment in time when creativity and fun were at the forefront of the music scene.

And in its 12″ incarnation, it’s more than just a curiosity — it’s a reminder of how the extended format could transform even the most unexpected songs into something club-ready and unforgettable.

If you have this one in your collection, you already know — sometimes the most unlikely tracks end up being the most enduring.

Saddle up and enjoy.

SIDE A:
I Wanna Be A Cowboy (12″ Saddle Mix) 6:05

SIDE B:
I Wanna Be A Cowboy (Instrumental Saloon Mix) 6:05

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Boys Don’t Cry: *I Wanna Be A Cowboy* (1985)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Hot 100	#12	1986
US Billboard Hot Dance Music / Maxi-Singles Sales	#12	1986
US Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play	#44	1986
Australia (Kent Music Report)	#4	1986
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)	#1	1986
Canada (Top Singles RPM)	#19	1986
Belgium (Ultrapop 50 Flanders)	#24	1985
South Africa (Springbok Radio)	#11	1985
UK Singles (OCC)	#77	1985
West Germany (GfK)	#41	1985

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Profile Records – PRO-7084
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Single, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop

CREDITS:

Engineer – Chris Potter*, Tony Taverner
Photography By – Simon Fowler (2)
Producer – Boys Don’t Cry
Written-By – Chatton*, Seopardie*, Richards*, Ramsden*

NOTES:
Jacket Made In Canada
Message in run-out groove, side A: This Cowboy Ride is BLAZE-“ing” HOT!!!

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner

SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!

Password: burningtheground

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.

April 9, 2026

We’re Halfway There – April Fundraiser Update!

Hello friends and music lovers,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported Burning the Ground’s Spring fundraiser so far. Because of your generosity, we’re already over halfway to our $1,500 goal—thank you so much.

Your support is making a real difference—helping cover hosting and security costs, keeping equipment running smoothly, and allowing me to track down rare records for future posts. Every contribution goes right back into keeping BTG alive, secure, and filled with the music we all love.

We still have a little way to go, and if you haven’t had a chance to contribute yet, there’s still time. The fundraiser will run through April 13. You can make a secure donation by debit card, credit card, or PayPal through the Donation Page, or by clicking any of the yellow Donate buttons throughout the site.

Thank you again for your incredible support—whether through donations, sharing the site, or simply stopping by to enjoy a favorite track. It truly means a lot.

—Paul

April 8, 2026

Voice Of The Beehive – I Say Nothing (US 12″) (1987)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

Formed in London in the mid-1980s, Voice Of The Beehive brought together American-born vocalists Tracey Bryn and Melissa Brooke Belland, who created a bright, infectious pop sound that blended jangly guitars with a distinctly alternative edge. The band quickly became part of the late ’80s indie/pop crossover scene, delivering catchy hooks with just enough attitude to set them apart.

“I Say Nothing” was originally released in 1987 as the second single from their debut album Let It Bee. The track perfectly captures the band’s signature style—upbeat and melodic on the surface, but with lyrics that hint at frustration and emotional restraint.

Produced by Hugh Jones, known for his work with artists like Echo & the Bunnymen and The Sound, the song features crisp guitars, driving rhythm, and layered harmonies that give it that unmistakable late-’80s alternative pop sheen.

While “I Say Nothing” didn’t make a major impact on the U.S. charts, it became one of the band’s most recognizable tracks and remains a fan favorite among those who followed the UK indie scene at the time reaching #45 on the UK singles chart. Its blend of pop sensibility and indie credibility helped Voice Of The Beehive carve out a unique space during a period when guitar-driven pop was evolving into something brighter and more accessible.

There’s a certain charm to “I Say Nothing” that still resonates today—it’s one of those tracks that feels effortlessly catchy while carrying just enough emotional weight beneath the surface.

The single was reissued in 1988, peaking at #11 on the US Billboard Alternative chart. The re-issue also charted again in the UK at #46.

SIDE A:
I Say Nothing 3:27
Lyrics By [Words] – T. Bryn
Music By – M. Jones, T. Bryn
Producer – Pete Collins

SIDE B:
The Things You See When You Don’t Have Your Gun (Live At ULU) 2:29
Producer – Peter Collins
Written-By – Brooke-Belland, Bryn

In The Flesh 2:30
Producer – M. Jones
Written-By – C. Stein, D. Harry*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Voice Of The Beehive: *I Say Nothing* (1988)
Chart	Peak Position	Date
US Billboard Alternative Tracks	#11	1988
UK Singles	#46	1988
Australia	#73	1987

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: London Records – 886 370-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Single, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Alternative Rock, Pop Rock

CREDITS:

Design – Vivid I.D.
Photography – Simon Fowler

NOTES:
“I Say Nothing” From the London album “Let It Bee”

Printed in U.S.A.

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!

Password: burningtheground

You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.

April 7, 2026

Burning The Ground – April 2026 Fundraiser

Hello, friends and fellow music lovers,

It’s that time again — the Burning the Ground Spring Fundraiser is officially underway!

Burning the Ground is a labor of love dedicated to preserving and sharing rare 12″ remixes, extended versions, and hard-to-find vinyl gems from the ’80s and ’90s. Whether you’re here to relive a favorite dancefloor memory or discover something new, I’m truly grateful to have you as part of this community.

Twice a year, in April and October, I hold a fundraiser to help keep the site running smoothly and to continue bringing you the music you love. The goal for this Spring fundraiser is $1,500. The fundraiser will run through April 13.

Your generous support goes directly toward:

🔒 Website hosting, security, monitoring, and protection
💿 Purchasing vinyl for future posts and requests
🛠️ Equipment maintenance and upgrades

If you’d like to support Burning the Ground, you can make a secure donation via PayPal using the Donation Page or by clicking any of the yellow Donate buttons throughout the site.

If you’re not able to contribute at this time, please don’t worry—just being here, listening, and sharing your memories means just as much.

Thank you for your continued support, your kind comments, and for helping keep this music alive for fans and collectors around the world. I truly couldn’t do this without you.

Much love,
=Paul
Burning the Ground