About the song
**Introduction to “Highwayman” by The Highwaymen**
“Highwayman,” the debut studio album by the iconic country supergroup The Highwaymen, stands as a testament to the collective genius of its four legendary members: Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. Released in 1985 under Columbia Records, this album not only marked a historic collaboration but also revitalized the careers of these seasoned artists.
**Background**
The origins of The Highwaymen trace back to a serendipitous meeting in 1984, orchestrated by Johnny Cash during a Christmas special in Montreux, Switzerland. Despite their distinct styles and diverse backgrounds within country music, Cash, Jennings, Nelson, and Kristofferson found a remarkable synergy. Each had carved out a niche in the industry: Cash, the enduring Man in Black; Jennings and Nelson, pioneers of the Outlaw movement; and Kristofferson, celebrated for his introspective songwriting. Their union was not just a musical collaboration but a strategic move to reignite their careers amidst changing industry trends.
**Recording and Composition**
Produced by Chips Moman, “Highwayman” featured ten tracks that seamlessly blended the quartet’s distinct voices and musical sensibilities. The titular track, a rendition of Jimmy Webb’s “Highwayman,” soared to the top of the country charts, followed by hits like “Desperados Waiting for a Train,” originally penned by Guy Clark. Marty Stuart’s masterful guitar and mandolin contributions added depth to the album, enhancing its nostalgic appeal.
The album’s diversity was evident in songs like “Big River,” enriched by Jennings’ omitted verse from Cash’s earlier recording, and the poignant “The Twentieth Century Is Almost Over,” co-written by the late Steve Goodman and John Prine. While praised for its musical cohesion, “Highwayman” also incorporated synthesizers, occasionally veering towards an AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) style, a reflection of its era.
**Legacy**
“Highwayman” not only garnered critical acclaim but also resonated with a wide audience, reaffirming the enduring appeal of these country music legends. Its success led to subsequent albums under the group’s moniker, “The Highwaymen,” solidifying their place in musical history.
In retrospect, “Highwayman” remains a cornerstone of country music, showcasing the enduring talent and collaborative spirit of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. Beyond its commercial success, the album stands as a testament to their shared musical vision and enduring legacy in American music.
Video
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