About the song
In the vast tapestry of country music, there are moments when the stars align, creating a constellation of talent that shines brighter than any individual light. Such was the case with **The Highwaymen**, a supergroup comprising four legends: Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. Their 1985 self-titled album, “Highwayman,” gifted us with a song that transcends time and genre – the iconic title track, “**Highwayman**.”
This isn’t just a song; it’s an epic ballad, a sweeping narrative that weaves together the lives of four different characters across centuries. Each verse introduces us to a man living on the fringes of society: a highwayman, a sailor, a dam builder, and a starship captain. Through their eyes, we witness history unfold, from the lawless Wild West to the boundless expanse of space.
What makes “**Highwayman**” so captivating is its ability to evoke a sense of timelessness. The lyrics, penned by the talented Jimmy Webb, paint vivid pictures of these characters’ struggles and triumphs, their resilience in the face of adversity. The song’s structure, with each verse sung by a different Highwayman, adds a layer of depth and complexity, allowing each voice to shine while contributing to the overarching narrative.
The music itself is a masterpiece of understated power. The arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing the lyrics and the singers’ voices to take center stage. The harmonies, a hallmark of The Highwaymen’s sound, are both haunting and beautiful, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and grand.
“**Highwayman**” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the human experience. It’s a reminder that we are all connected, that our lives are part of a larger story that stretches across time and space. And in the hands of The Highwaymen, this story becomes a timeless classic, a song that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.
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
