Cities of the Plain portrays the fading away of a particular lifestyle. The cowboys who work on Mac’s ranch are the last remaining examples of men so bonded to their environment that they would rather sacrifice the comforts of modern life in favor of their attachment to the natural world, even though that natural world can be brutal and indifferent. The cowboys only know one way of life and only want to live one way. Many explain that they have worked in other industries and countries, but they remain drawn to life on the ranch because no other profession can satisfy their desires. When the men venture out into the wilderness and camp under the stars, the sense of satisfaction they feel is palpable. They share stories about their experiences, broadening their knowledge of the natural world and bonding together in the enjoyment of their lifestyle.

For many of these men, including Billy and John Grady, the cowboy profession is a family affair—they are following in the footsteps of the generations that came before them. Billy clings to the memories of his brother and his loved ones, ensuring that his life is a remembrance of the people he has lost.