The Highwaymen: A Timeless Tribute to America
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. Their music, a blend of country, folk, and rock, has captivated audiences for decades.
Background
One of their most poignant and patriotic songs, “American Remains,” is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of America.
Released in 1995 on their album The Highwaymen: The Final Chapter, “American Remains” is a powerful and evocative ballad that celebrates the beauty and resilience of the American landscape and its people.
The song’s sweeping melody, combined with the harmonious vocals of the four legendary artists, creates a sense of awe and wonder.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of America’s diverse landscapes, from the rugged mountains to the vast plains, and pay homage to the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.
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.
“American Remains” is a prime example of the group’s ability to create music that transcends genre and generation.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I am a shotgun rider for the San Jacinto lineThe desert is my brother, my skin is cracked and dryI was ridin’ on a folk coach and everything was fine‘Til we took a shorter road to save some timeThe bandits only fired once, they shot me in the chestThey may have wounded me but they’ll never get the bestOf better men ’cause I’ll ride againI am a river gambler, I make a livin’ dealin’ cardsMy clothes are smooth and honest, my heart is cold and hardI was shufflin’ for some delta boys on a boat for New OrleansI was the greatest shark they’d ever seenBut the captain bumped a sandbar and an ace fell from my sleeveThey threw me overboard as I swore I didn’t cheatBut I could swim and I’ll ride againWe are heroes of the homeland, American remainsWe live in many faces and answer many namesWe will not be forgotten, we won’t be left behindOur memories live on in mortal mindsAnd poets pens, we’ll ride againI am a midwest farmer, I make a livin’ off the landI ride a John Deere tractor, I’m a liberated manBut the rain, it hasn’t fallenSince the middle of JulyAnd if it don’t come soon, my crops will dieThe bankman says he likes me, but there’s nothin’ he can doHe tells me that he’s comin’, but the clouds are comin’ tooHe ain’t my friend and I’ll ride againI am an American Indian, my tribe is CherokeeMy forefathers loved this land, they left it here for meBut the white man came with boats and trains and dirty factoriesPoisoned my existence with his deedsNature is our mother, we are sucklings at her breastAnd he who tries to beat her down will lose her to the restThey’ll never win, I’ll ride again