About the song
“Highwayman” by The Highwaymen is a legendary collaboration that embodies the spirit of adventure and resilience. Featured on their self-titled album “The Highwaymen,” this iconic song tells the tale of a reincarnating soul destined to roam the highways of time.
Written by the prolific songwriter Jimmy Webb, “Highwayman” weaves together the stories of four different characters – a highwayman, a sailor, a dam builder, and a starship captain – each meeting their demise only to be reborn in a new form. The song’s poignant lyrics and haunting melodies evoke a sense of awe and wonder, inviting listeners to ponder the mysteries of life and mortality.
As a supergroup comprised of country music legends Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, The Highwaymen brought together an unparalleled level of talent and experience to the table. Their collaborative effort on “Highwayman” earned them widespread acclaim, propelling the song to the top of the charts and solidifying their status as icons of the genre.
“Highwayman” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking a significant milestone in The Highwaymen’s illustrious career. Its success is a testament to the enduring appeal of their collective talent and the timeless nature of the song’s themes.
As listeners embark on a musical journey with “Highwayman,” they are transported to realms of adventure and mystery, guided by the ethereal voices of The Highwaymen. In their capable hands, this iconic song becomes more than just a tale of reincarnation – it is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
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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 life blood on my blade
The bastards hung me in the spring of ’25
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 to furl 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 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
I’ll fly a star ship 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