The Highwaymen: A Supergroup’s Dark and Powerful Ballad
The Highwaymen, a legendary supergroup comprised of country music icons Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson, have left an indelible mark on the genre.
Background
Their music, a blend of country, folk, and rock, has captivated audiences for decades. One of their most powerful and haunting songs, “The Devil’s Right Hand,” delves into the darker side of human nature, exploring themes of sin, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Released in 1990 on their self-titled album, “The Devil’s Right Hand” is a haunting ballad that showcases the group’s ability to create a dark and atmospheric soundscape. The song’s slow tempo, combined with the deep, resonant vocals of the four legendary artists, creates a sense of foreboding and dread. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man consumed by sin and the destructive power of evil.
The Highwaymen’s collaboration was a unique and powerful force in country music. Their combined talents and shared passion for music resulted in a series of iconic albums and unforgettable performances. “The Devil’s Right Hand” is a prime example of the group’s ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating.
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Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
About the time, my daddy left to fight the big warI saw my first pistol in the general storeThe general store, when I was 13Thought it was the finest thing I ever had seenI asked if I could have one some day when I grew upMama dropped a dozen eggs, she really blew upShe really blew up, and I didn’t understandMama said, “The pistol is the devil’s right hand”The devil’s right hand, the devil’s right handMama said, “The pistol is the devil’s right hand”My very first pistol was a cap and ball ColtShoots like lightnin’ but it loads a mite slowIt loads a mite slow, and I soon found outIt can get you into trouble, but it can’t get you outSo then I went and bought myself a Colt 45Called a peacemaker, but I never knew whyI never knew why, I didn’t understandMama said, “The pistol is the devil’s right hand”The devil’s right hand, the devil’s right handMama said, “The pistol is the devil’s right handThe devil’s right hand, the devil’s right handMama said, “The pistol is the devil’s right hand”I got into a card game in a Cumberland townI caught a miner cheating, and I shot the dog downI shot the dog down, I watched the man fallHe never touched his holster, never had a chance to draw