About the song
“The Highwayman” by The Highwaymen is a timeless classic that effortlessly weaves together elements of folk, country, and storytelling. Released in 1985 as the title track of their debut album, “Highwayman,” this song has since become an emblem of the outlaw country genre, captivating listeners with its evocative narrative and haunting melody.
Composed by the legendary American songwriter Jimmy Webb, “The Highwayman” tells the tale of a soul reincarnated through the ages, from a highwayman in the 18th century to a sailor, a dam builder, and finally, a starship pilot in the distant future. The song’s transcendent theme of eternal existence resonates deeply, inviting listeners to ponder the cyclical nature of life and the enduring spirit of adventure.
The Highwaymen, a supergroup comprising country music icons Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson, lent their distinctive voices to this mesmerizing ballad, infusing it with raw emotion and authenticity. Their collaborative rendition elevated the song to new heights, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
Upon its release, “The Highwayman” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, showcasing the enduring appeal of the Highwaymen’s collective talent. Its cinematic storytelling and lush instrumentation struck a chord with audiences, earning it a place in the pantheon of country music classics.
With its captivating narrative, rich musical tapestry, and stellar vocal performances, “The Highwayman” remains a cornerstone of the Highwaymen’s legacy, embodying the spirit of adventure and resilience that defines the genre of outlaw country. As listeners embark on a journey through time and space with the song’s enigmatic protagonist, they are reminded of the enduring power of storytelling and the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
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Lyrics
I was a highwayman. Along the coach roads I did ride
With 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 tide
And 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 wide
Where 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 around
I fly a starship across the Universe divide
And 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