About the song
The song “**Highwayman**” by **The Highwaymen** is a timeless classic that resonates deeply with those who appreciate the beauty of storytelling through music. Released in 1985, this song brought together four iconic country music legends—**Johnny Cash**, **Waylon Jennings**, **Willie Nelson**, and **Kris Kristofferson**—to form the supergroup known as **The Highwaymen**. These legendary voices, each with their own distinctive style and remarkable career, came together to tell a tale that spans centuries and encapsulates themes of life, death, and reincarnation in a way few songs have done.
“Highwayman” is not just a song; it’s an evocative narrative that weaves together the lives of four characters, each of whom faces death only to be reborn in a new form. The song begins with the first character, a **highwayman**, who is hanged after being caught by the law. But instead of simply being an end, death becomes a transition as the highwayman reappears in the next verse as a **ship captain**. From there, the song takes listeners through various incarnations, with the character appearing as a **railroad man**, and finally as a **starship pilot** in the future. The song’s lyrics, penned by **Jimmy Webb**, are poetic and profound, creating a cycle of reincarnation that is both haunting and beautiful.
What truly sets “**Highwayman**” apart is the powerful harmony of **The Highwaymen**’s voices. Their deep, resonant tones blend in a way that enhances the song’s meditative and reflective nature. **Johnny Cash’s** rich, baritone voice anchors the song, while **Waylon Jennings** adds a sense of rugged determination, **Willie Nelson** brings his unmistakable smoothness, and **Kris Kristofferson** infuses a raw, emotional depth. Together, they deliver a message that speaks to the enduring nature of the human spirit, and the cyclical, eternal journey that transcends both time and space.
This song has stood the test of time, resonating with audiences across generations. It remains a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the inevitability of change. “**Highwayman**” by **The Highwaymen** is not just a song about reincarnation—it is a meditation on the human experience, a journey through death and beyond, that speaks to the heart of all listeners, young and old alike. Whether you are a long-time fan of country music or someone discovering the song for the first time, it offers a powerful, unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression.
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 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
