About The Song
Willie Nelson, the weathered sage of country music, has gifted us with countless timeless tunes. Among them, “Highwayman” stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the universality of the human experience.
Released in 1983 as part of the supergroup The Highwaymen, “Highwayman” is a poignant ballad that weaves together the tales of four legendary outlaws: Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. The song is a poignant meditation on life, death, and the enduring nature of legacy.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of each outlaw’s life, from the romanticism of the open road to the harsh realities of their existence. The song is a tribute to these iconic figures, but it is also a reflection on the human condition. It speaks to the universal themes of loss, longing, and the search for meaning.
The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, with a haunting melody and a driving rhythm. Nelson’s vocals, along with those of his fellow Highwaymen, are filled with emotion and conviction. The harmonies are rich and full, creating a sense of unity and togetherness.
“Highwayman” has become a classic of country music, and for good reason. It is a song that transcends generations, resonating with listeners who appreciate great storytelling and beautiful music. The song’s themes of mortality, legacy, and the enduring power of the human spirit continue to resonate with audiences today.
Willie Nelson’s contribution to the song, both as a performer and as a co-writer, is significant. His distinctive voice and his ability to convey deep emotion helped to make “Highwayman” the iconic song that it is.
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Lyric
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 ’25
But I am still aliveI was a sailor
I was born upon the tide
And with the sea I did abide
I sailed a schooner around 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 stillI was a dam builder
Across a 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 gray 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, 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, and again…