About the song
**The Highwaymen – Highwayman** is a song that stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of country music and its ability to convey deep, timeless themes. This iconic track, recorded by the legendary supergroup **The Highwaymen**, brings together the talents of some of the most respected figures in country music: Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. Released in 1985 as part of their debut album, the song became an immediate classic, resonating with audiences of all ages due to its evocative lyrics, haunting melody, and stellar performances.
At its core, **”Highwayman”** is a song about reincarnation and the cyclical nature of life, told through the voices of four men who reflect on their existence across different lives and eras. Each verse of the song is sung by a different member of **The Highwaymen**, with each one adopting the persona of a man from a different time period — a highwayman, a sailor, a dam builder, and finally, a starship pilot. The lyrics beautifully weave a narrative that spans centuries, exploring themes of death, rebirth, and the unyielding desire to continue through different forms. It’s a deeply philosophical and reflective piece, but it’s also a song that holds a certain ruggedness and pride, fitting for the voices of these country music legends.
What truly sets **”Highwayman”** apart is its masterful arrangement and production. The song features a rich blend of acoustic guitars, subtle strings, and a steady rhythm that allows the voices of **The Highwaymen** to shine. The harmonies between Cash, Nelson, Jennings, and Kristofferson are impeccable, creating a sense of unity while still allowing each artist’s unique style to stand out. The pacing of the song, with its quiet introspection giving way to the powerful chorus, mirrors the journey of life and death, making it both musically and thematically compelling.
For many fans, **”Highwayman”** is not just a song, but a powerful narrative that speaks to the universal human experience. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing while simultaneously providing a profound reflection on the transient nature of existence. The collaboration of these four country music titans has given us a song that is as much a piece of art as it is a song. **”Highwayman”** is a reminder of the incredible storytelling power of country music, and it continues to be celebrated as one of the genre’s finest moments.
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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 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
