“Cowgirl in the Sand” is a song by Neil Young, released in 1969 on the album Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere. The song is considered one of Young’s most powerful rock pieces from the early phase of his career and showcases his ability to combine emotional depth with raw musical energy.

Musically, “Cowgirl in the Sand” features driving electric guitar riffs, pounding drums, and a distinctive bass line. Young’s vocals shift between quiet, contemplative passages and intense, almost painful outbursts, giving the song a unique dynamic. Lyrically, it conveys a mix of longing, loneliness, and erotic tension, with open symbolism that leaves room for interpretation.

The song is especially famous for its live versions, where Crazy Horse as the backing band extends it into long, improvised jams. This has made “Cowgirl in the Sand” a staple of Young’s concerts and a classic of his rock repertoire.