Toy Story Fangirl

We’ve known for quite some time that Randy Newman would be scoring Toy Story 4, just like he did the other three films.  And just this week, we got our first sneak peek at his latest work, when Pixar released a new, original song that he’s composed for the movie!

The song, “The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy,” is performed by award-winning country artist Chris Stapleton.  It’s very catchy, and very much Newman:

Stapleton also promoted it on his own channel:

Disney Music lists all the locations where the song can currently be found as a single, including Apple Music and Amazon.  It will also be on the movie’s soundtrack, which will be available on June 21 – the same day Toy Story 4 hits theaters, both as a download and a CD.

A press release provided further insights from those involved with the film’s music.  Chris Stapleton said he was honored to sing his version of “The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy,” which will be played during the end credits:

“To me what has made the Toy Story films hold up over time has been the strength of the stories and the songs and the writing and the characters.  There’s something for people of all ages to enjoy in the world that is Toy Story. It’s a tremendous honor to get to sing a Randy Newman song in what is without question one of the most iconic animated franchises in history.”

“Woody feels like he was a lonesome cowboy until someone comes along and changes his world.  Chris Stapleton did a great job on this song.”

“He gets it in his head that he’s disposable, so he keeps trying to throw himself in the trash can.  And Woody has put himself in charge of keeping him from doing so.”

“I have great affection for the films, and it was good to be back in that world again.  Important things are happening to people we love.  There’s plenty of action, but there’s a lot of deeper stuff.  This picture had a lot of opportunity to do things of some depth emotionally — but not overdo it.”

“His music defines these movies.  I can’t imagine making a fourth one without Randy Newman.”