About the song
The Highwaymen – American Remains
Imagine this: A crackling vinyl record, the soft glow of a vintage lamp, and the haunting melodies of country music legends. This is the setting that perfectly encapsulates the timeless appeal of The Highwaymen’s latest release, “American Remains”. A poignant reflection on the changing landscape of America, this album is a testament to the group’s enduring legacy and their ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
“American Remains” is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a journey through the heartland of America. With each track, the Highwaymen paint vivid pictures of small towns, dusty roads, and the unwavering spirit of the American people. The album’s title track, in particular, is a powerful meditation on the passage of time and the enduring nature of the American dream.
One of the most striking aspects of this album is the harmony between the four legendary voices: Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. Their voices blend together seamlessly, creating a rich and textured sound that is both comforting and evocative. The lyrics, filled with poetic imagery and heartfelt emotion, explore themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human nature.
“American Remains” is a must-listen for fans of traditional country music and anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling through song. The album’s timeless appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, reminding us of the simple beauty of life and the importance of cherishing our roots.
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Lyrics
I am a shotgun rider for the San Jacinto line
The desert is my brother, my skin is cracked and dry
I was ridin’ on a folk coach and everything was fine
‘Til we took a shorter road to save some time
The bandits only fired once, they shot me in the chest
They may have wounded me but they’ll never get the best
Of better men ’cause I’ll ride again
I am a river gambler, I make a livin’ dealin’ cards
My clothes are smooth and honest, my heart is cold and hard
I was shufflin’ for some delta boys on a boat for New Orleans
I was the greatest shark they’d ever seen
But the captain bumped a sandbar and an ace fell from my sleeve
They threw me overboard as I swore I didn’t cheat
But I could swim and I’ll ride again
We are heroes of the homeland, American remains
We live in many faces and answer many names
We will not be forgotten, we won’t be left behind
Our memories live on in mortal minds
And poets pens, we’ll ride again
I am a midwest farmer, I make a livin’ off the land
I ride a John Deere tractor, I’m a liberated man
But the rain, it hasn’t fallen
Since the middle of July
And if it don’t come soon, my crops will die
The bankman says he likes me, but there’s nothin’ he can do
He tells me that he’s comin’, but the clouds are comin’ too
He ain’t my friend and I’ll ride again
I am an American Indian, my tribe is Cherokee
My forefathers loved this land, they left it here for me
But the white man came with boats and trains and dirty factories
Poisoned my existence with his deeds
Nature is our mother, we are sucklings at her breast
And he who tries to beat her down will lose her to the rest
They’ll never win, I’ll ride again
We are heroes of the homeland, American remains
We live in many faces and answer many names
We will not be forgotten, we won’t be left behind
Our memories live on in mortal minds
And poets pens, we’ll ride again