About the song
“The Highwayman” is a haunting ballad by the country supergroup The Highwaymen, released in 1985. Written by Jimmy Webb, the song tells the tragic tale of a highwayman who is hanged for his crimes, leaving behind his devoted wife and young son.
The song opens with the highwayman riding along the coach roads, a notorious figure who preys on the wealthy. He is a skilled swordsman and pistolero, and his reputation precedes him. Despite his dangerous lifestyle, he is deeply in love with his wife, and the two share a passionate bond.
One fateful night, the highwayman is ambushed by a posse of lawmen. After a fierce battle, he is wounded and captured. He is brought to trial and quickly convicted, sentenced to hang.
Before his execution, the highwayman is allowed to see his wife one last time. Their reunion is bittersweet, filled with love and grief. The highwayman asks his wife to take care of their son and promises to watch over her from heaven.
The following morning, the highwayman is hanged. His wife watches from afar, her heart broken. She takes solace in the knowledge that they will be reunited someday.
“The Highwayman” is a powerful ballad that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. The song’s lyrics are poetic and evocative, and the melody is both haunting and beautiful. The Highwaymen’s performance is heartfelt and moving, capturing the raw emotion of the story.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Country charts in 1985. It has since become a country music classic, covered by numerous artists over the years. “The Highwayman” is a timeless ballad that continues to touch the hearts of listeners with its poignant story and beautiful music.
Additional details:
- Songwriters: Jimmy Webb
- Album: The Highwaymen (1985)
- Billboard Hot Country Songs chart: #1
- Grammy Awards: Nominated for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1986