About the song
“Living Legend” is more than just a song; it’s a musical embodiment of the collective spirit and individual legacies of four country music titans: Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. As The Highwaymen, they represented a convergence of talent, experience, and a shared sense of outlaw country ethos.
This particular song captures the essence of their enduring impact on music and culture. It’s a reflection on their journeys, their struggles, and their ultimate triumph as “living legends.” The lyrics, penned by Kris Kristofferson, resonate with a sense of hard-earned wisdom and a deep appreciation for the passage of time.
The Highwaymen, as a group, symbolized a kind of musical brotherhood, a coming together of artists who had each carved their own unique paths. “Living Legend” serves as a testament to their collective strength, their ability to transcend individual fame and create something truly special.
The song’s arrangement is characterized by its understated power, allowing the lyrics and the voices of these iconic performers to take center stage. Each member of The Highwaymen brings their own distinct vocal style to the song, creating a rich and textured sound that is both powerful and moving.
“Living Legend” is a song that invites listeners to reflect on the nature of legacy, the importance of perseverance, and the enduring power of music. It’s a fitting tribute to four artists who have left an indelible mark on the landscape of American music. To hear this song, is to hear a collection of stories, experiences, and a combining of some of the best that country music has ever offered.
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Lyrics
Was it bitter then with our backs against the wall?
Were we better men than we’d ever been before?
Say, if she came again today, would you still answer to the call?
Tell the truth, my friend, don’t it matter anymore?
We were simple men by her side when she was born
It was simple then like the freedom when you fall
And we were smaller then, you see, but soon we gathered like a storm.
They don’t understand what that thunder meant at all.
Was he crucified? Was he done in by the lawman?
Are you satisfied that he’ll never ride again?
Some people say he got away; they say he never died at all.
If that story’s true, does it bother you, my friend?
Was it bitter then, with our backs against the wall?
Were we better men than we’d ever been before?
Say, if she came again today, would you still answer to the call?
Tell the truth, my friend, don’t it matter anymore?
