About The Song
In the realm of country music, few supergroups have achieved the legendary status of The Highwaymen. This quartet of musical titans – Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson – united their voices and songwriting prowess in 1985 to create a masterpiece of Americana: “Highwayman.”
“Highwayman” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that weaves a tale of reincarnation and redemption across the vast expanse of time. The song’s narrator, a highwayman in a bygone era, recounts his life of thievery and violence, his eventual capture and execution, and his soul’s subsequent rebirth through the ages.
With each reincarnation, the highwayman finds himself in a different setting, yet his core identity remains the same. He’s a sailor traversing the stormy seas, a steelworker toiling on the Hoover Dam, and finally, a starship captain venturing into the cosmos. Through these diverse experiences, the highwayman grapples with his past transgressions and seeks a path towards redemption.
The song’s lyrics, penned by the celebrated songwriter Jimmy Webb, are imbued with rich imagery and profound introspection. Webb’s masterful storytelling transports listeners across time and space, immersing them in the highwayman’s tumultuous journey.
The Highwaymen’s rendition of “Highwayman” is nothing short of extraordinary. Each member brings his distinct vocal style and instrumental prowess to the performance, creating a harmonious blend that perfectly complements the song’s narrative. Cash’s deep, resonant voice lends gravitas to the lyrics, while Nelson’s smooth, emotive delivery adds a touch of vulnerability. Jennings’ twangy guitar riffs provide a driving rhythm, and Kristofferson’s introspective harmonica solos add depth and texture.
“Highwayman” is more than just a song; it’s an epic saga that resonates with themes of mortality, spirituality, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The song’s message of redemption and the pursuit of self-improvement is as relevant today as it was when it was first released in 1985.
As the highwayman’s soul embarks on its final journey among the stars, he reflects on the lessons learned and the hope for a better future. The song’s poignant conclusion leaves listeners with a sense of both melancholy and hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the possibility of redemption is always within reach.
“Highwayman” stands as a cornerstone of country music, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the collective genius of The Highwaymen. It’s a song that deserves to be cherished for generations to come, its melodies and lyrics echoing through the ages, reminding us of the enduring power of the human spirit to seek redemption and find solace in the vast tapestry of existence.
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Lyric
I was a highwayman. Along the coach roads I did rideWith sword and pistol by my side Many a young maid lost her baubles to my trade Many a soldier shed his lifeblood on my blade The bastards hung me in the spring of twenty-five But I am still alive.I was a sailor. I was born upon the tideAnd with the sea I did abide. I sailed a schooner round the Horn to Mexico I went aloft and furled the mainsail in a blow And when the yards broke off they said that I got killed But I am living still.I was a dam builder across the river deep and wideWhere steel and water did collide A place called Boulder on the wild Colorado I slipped and fell into the wet concrete below They buried me in that great tomb that knows no sound But I am still around.I’ll always be around.and around and around and Around and aroundI fly a starship across the Universe divideAnd when I reach the other side I’ll find a place to rest my spirit if I can Perhaps I may become a highwayman again Or I may simply be a single drop of rain But I will remain And I’ll be back again, and again and again and again and again