About the song
“The Highwayman: A Timeless Ballad of Love and Loss
In the realm of country music, few songs have captured the hearts of listeners quite like The Highwayman by the legendary supergroup, The Highwaymen. This iconic ballad, released in 1985, is a poignant and timeless exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory.
Comprised of country music legends Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson, The Highwaymen brought together four distinct voices and songwriting styles to create a truly unforgettable ensemble. Their harmonious blend on The Highwayman is nothing short of magical, as each artist contributes their unique perspective to the narrative.
The song tells the tragic tale of a highwayman who is betrayed and executed, leaving behind a heartbroken lover. The lyrics, penned by Jimmy Webb, are filled with vivid imagery and poetic language that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The haunting melody, combined with the soulful vocals of the Highwaymen, creates a deeply emotional experience for the listener.
The Highwayman has resonated with audiences for generations, thanks in part to its universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The song’s enduring popularity can also be attributed to the stellar performances of the Highwaymen, who deliver their lines with conviction and heartfelt emotion.
One of the most striking aspects of The Highwayman is its timeless quality. The song’s themes and message are as relevant today as they were when it was first released. The ballad serves as a reminder of the enduring power of music to connect us to our shared humanity and to transport us to different times and places.
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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
