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


Lyrics submitted by Ocean Soul

Highwayman Lyrics as written by Jimmy Webb

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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Highwayman (Johnny Cash cover) song meanings
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    General Comment

    I agree with TaylorMorrison.

    Highwayman is one of THE best songs of all time. The Highwaymen did a create job of it. I think this is one of Jimmy Webb's best songs. I also beleive that he does of a good job of singing it, just him and a piano. Check it out if you can.

    But you are right, its all about dying, birth and reincarnation. The last part of the song always confuses me though...

    dbirchumon January 20, 2009   Link

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