About the song
When we talk about the timeless legacy of country music, few names stand out like The Highwaymen. This iconic supergroup—comprised of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson—embodied the rebellious spirit of the outlaw country movement. In their 1990 live performance of “Highwayman” at the Nassau Coliseum, the quartet delivered a masterclass in storytelling, camaraderie, and musicianship, a moment that captured the very essence of their collective artistry.
“Highwayman” isn’t just a song—it’s a narrative odyssey. Written by Jimmy Webb, the track is a sweeping tale of reincarnation and resilience, following a soul as it traverses lifetimes as a highwayman, a sailor, a dam builder, and finally, a space traveler. Each verse is steeped in vivid imagery, painting a picture of lives lived on the edge of danger and adventure. The song’s poetic structure gives each member of the group a spotlight to shine, allowing their distinct voices and personalities to embody these richly drawn characters.
When performed live, as it was during this legendary 1990 concert, the song takes on an even greater resonance. The Nassau Coliseum was alive with the energy of thousands of devoted fans, their excitement palpable as these four towering figures of country music shared the stage. The performance is not merely a recitation of a hit song; it’s a celebration of the shared history and artistry of four men who had redefined the genre.
The song opens with Willie Nelson’s unmistakable voice, earthy and raw, setting the tone with the first verse about the rugged, daring highwayman. The audience is drawn into the narrative immediately, as Nelson’s delivery captures both the romance and the peril of life on the edge. Waylon Jennings follows with his verse about the sailor, his baritone rich and authoritative, grounding the song in the maritime imagery of the sea. Johnny Cash then enters with the tale of the dam builder, his deep, resonant voice giving weight to the story of sacrifice and determination. Finally, Kris Kristofferson closes with the verse of the space traveler, his slightly weathered voice lending a futuristic yet introspective tone, tying the narrative together with a sense of hope and transcendence.
But beyond the individual performances, what truly sets this rendition apart is the chemistry between these four legends. They weren’t just colleagues—they were friends, collaborators, and co-conspirators in challenging the conventions of Nashville’s establishment. Their collective charisma and mutual respect shine through every note, making this performance of “Highwayman” an unforgettable moment in country music history.
So, as the opening chords echo through the Coliseum, sit back and let yourself be carried away by the magic of The Highwaymen. This is more than a song—it’s a journey through time, a celebration of resilience, and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in 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 born 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
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
