About the song
Highwayman – A Legendary Song by The Highwaymen
Highwayman is one of the most iconic songs in country music history, performed by the supergroup The Highwaymen, which included Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. Released in 1985 as the title track of their debut album, the song became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It remains a timeless classic, showcasing the unique voices and storytelling abilities of four of country music’s greatest legends.
The song itself is a masterpiece of storytelling. Written by Jimmy Webb, Highwayman tells the tale of a soul that lives through different lifetimes, experiencing the world as a highwayman, a sailor, a dam builder, and a starship pilot. Each verse is sung by a different member of The Highwaymen, making the song feel like a journey through history and beyond. The lyrics explore themes of fate, resilience, and the idea that life continues in different forms. This deep and poetic storytelling is part of what makes the song so special.
Musically, Highwayman blends traditional country with a haunting melody and a steady rhythm. The instrumental arrangement is simple yet powerful, allowing the focus to remain on the voices and lyrics. Each singer brings their own unique style to the song—Cash’s deep, commanding tone, Nelson’s smooth delivery, Jennings’ rugged sound, and Kristofferson’s poetic touch. Together, they create a performance that is unforgettable.
Highwayman is more than just a song; it is a statement of endurance and legacy. It perfectly represents the spirit of The Highwaymen, a group formed by artists who had already built legendary careers but came together to create something even greater. Even today, the song continues to inspire, reminding listeners of the power of great storytelling and timeless 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 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
