About the song
*”The Highwayman by The Highwaymen is a timeless country ballad that has captured the hearts of listeners for generations. Released in 1985, this iconic song brought together four legendary country music stars – Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson – to create a masterpiece that perfectly blends elements of storytelling, folk, and traditional country.
The song’s narrative follows the tale of a highwayman who is executed for his crimes, only to return as a ghost to haunt his lover. This haunting tale of love, loss, and redemption is brought to life through the powerful vocals of the four artists, each contributing their unique style and emotion. The lyrics, penned by Jimmy Webb, are filled with vivid imagery and poetic language that paints a picture of the American West and the romantic ideals of the outlaw.
The Highwayman is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone that has resonated with audiences of all ages. The track’s themes of love, loss, and the passage of time are universal, and its message of enduring love continues to inspire listeners today. The song’s success can be attributed to several factors, including the star power of The Highwaymen, the timeless quality of the lyrics, and the haunting melody.
Moreover, the song’s release coincided with a resurgence of interest in traditional country music, and it helped to solidify the reputations of its performers as some of the greatest country artists of all time. The Highwayman remains a beloved classic, and it continues to be celebrated by country music fans around the world.”*
Video
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 borne 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 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
I’ll be back again and again and again and again and again and again