About the song
“American Remains: A Timeless Ballad of Nostalgia and Loss
The Highwaymen, a supergroup comprised of country music legends Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, gifted us with a rich tapestry of musical storytelling throughout their careers. Among their most poignant and evocative works is the haunting ballad, “American Remains,” found on their 1990 album, Highwayman 2.
This song is a heartfelt meditation on the passage of time, the fading of dreams, and the enduring spirit of America. The lyrics, penned by Kris Kristofferson, paint a vivid picture of a nation changing rapidly, leaving behind remnants of its past. The imagery is both nostalgic and melancholic, as the songwriters reflect on the loss of innocence and the challenges faced by ordinary people.
The music itself is a masterclass in country balladry, with a simple yet evocative arrangement that allows the lyrics to take center stage. The gentle strumming of acoustic guitars, combined with the warm harmonies of the four vocalists, creates a timeless and comforting atmosphere. The instrumentation is understated, allowing the weight of the lyrics to fully resonate with the listener.
The song’s title, “American Remains,” is particularly striking. It suggests that while the country may be changing, the core of what it means to be American remains constant. This theme of enduring spirit is a recurring motif in country music, and The Highwaymen explore it with great depth and sensitivity.
“American Remains” is a song that rewards repeated listenings. With each playthrough, new layers of meaning are revealed. It is a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting and the timeless appeal of country music. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Highwaymen or simply appreciate well-crafted music, this song is sure to resonate with you.
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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