About the song
“The Highwayman” is a song that has become synonymous with the legendary country music supergroup The Highwaymen, consisting of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. This iconic track was performed live at Farm Aid in 1993, showcasing the talents and camaraderie of these four country music giants. The live performance of “Highwayman” at this event remains one of the most memorable moments in the history of country music.
Originally written by songwriter Jimmy Webb, “Highwayman” tells the story of four different lives through history—a highwayman, a sailor, a dam builder, and a starship pilot—each meeting their end only to be reborn in another form. The song’s themes of resilience, reincarnation, and the enduring spirit are perfectly captured by the voices of Cash, Nelson, Jennings, and Kristofferson, each taking on a verse and embodying one of the characters. The blend of their distinctive voices, coupled with their deep, personal connections to the material, gives the song a powerful, almost mystical quality.
When performed live at Farm Aid 1993, “Highwayman” took on an even greater significance. Farm Aid, an annual benefit concert founded in 1985 by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp, aims to raise awareness and funds for American family farmers. The presence of The Highwaymen at this event was more than just a musical performance; it was a statement of solidarity with the cause, a reflection of the band’s connection to the land and the working people of America.
In this live rendition, the audience can feel the energy and mutual respect among the four legends on stage. Each verse is delivered with a sense of gravitas and conviction, the crowd fully engaged as these titans of country music brought the song’s narrative to life. The harmonies and the interplay between the artists, combined with the historical and spiritual undertones of the song, make this performance a deeply moving experience.
“The Highwayman” at Farm Aid 1993 is a reminder of the timelessness of good storytelling in music. It’s not just a song about past lives; it’s about the journey of life itself, and the enduring nature of the human spirit. The Highwaymen, through their performance, leave a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences today, showcasing the power of country music to tell stories that transcend time and place.
For older audiences, particularly those who grew up with these artists, this performance is a poignant reminder of the golden era of country music. It reflects the best of what these artists brought to the genre—honesty, storytelling, and an unbreakable bond with their audience. The 1993 live performance of “Highwayman” at Farm Aid stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of The Highwaymen and their contribution to the rich tapestry of American music.
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