Lyric discussion by JMJM1951 

Cover art for The Highwayman lyrics by Loreena McKennitt

Everything said so far is valid. But do not forget that the original poem was written at a time when British rule of Ireland was unpopular. The poem portrays the Highwayman (a criminal) to have superior motives and morals to the Kingsmen (legal authority). As such it has a subtext below the beautiful, tragic storytelling.

Positive
Subjective
Enjoyment
Historical Context
Subtext
Morality
Authority
Storytelling