Customer Reviews

Highwayman

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jimmy Webb's epic The Highwayman (1984) is the song that gave the country supergroup of Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson their name (The Highwaymen), and was the first song on their first album. It was the group's signature song, their first #1 hit single and still remains their most popular song ever.

The Highwayman tells the story of death and rebirth in four parts, and each part is sung by a different member of the group. The first three characters (Willie, Kris, Waylon) meet their deaths and are somehow resurrected. Johnny's character has already left his former life and is in the process of being reincarnated. His character may also represent all of The Highwaymen.

Or all of us...

Willie:

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 bas***ds hung me in the spring of '25
But I am still alive

Kris:

I was a sailor. I was born upon the tide
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 still

Waylon:

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 to 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

Johnny:

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...

This song is one of my favorite of all time. It's simply amazing. I love how all the talents of this group are highlighted so well in this number.