The story behind a hit song can often be as captivating as the music itself. In the case of “The Highwayman,” a classic song celebrated for its storytelling and reincarnation theme, the origin story is deeply rooted in a vivid dream experienced by the acclaimed songwriter Jimmy Webb. This article delves into Webb’s inspiration and the fascinating journey of “The Highwayman Song” to becoming a timeless piece.
Webb, while in London working on his album El Mirage with George Martin, found himself in a creative space fueled by a surreal dream. He recounted a night where, after spending time with friend Harry Nilsson, he dreamt of being a highwayman. This was no romanticized vision, but a terrifying flight from the law. “I had an old brace of pistols in my belt and I was riding, hell-bent for leather, down these country roads, with sweat pouring off of my body. I was terrified because I was being pursued by police, who were on the verge of shooting me. It was very real,” Webb described. The intensity of this dream propelled him from his bed straight to the piano, where the initial chords and lyrics of “Highwayman” began to materialize. Within hours, the first verse of what would become the iconic “highwayman song” was born.
The opening line, “Along the coach roads I did ride,” almost faced an early revision courtesy of Nilsson, who playfully questioned the archaic phrasing. However, Webb defended his choice, feeling it added to the song’s historical and timeless quality, befitting the narrative of a highwayman.
As the song evolved, Webb realized the highwayman’s story didn’t end with his death in the first verse. The concept of reincarnation took hold, expanding the narrative and thematic scope of the song. “I realized that this guy doesn’t really die in the first verse. He’s reincarnated,” Webb explained. This realization led to the subsequent verses, where the highwayman’s soul journeys through different eras and lives. He transforms into a sailor, then a dam builder, each verse adding a layer to the overarching theme of enduring spirit and rebirth.
Perhaps the most innovative turn in “The Highwayman song” is the final verse, shifting into the future tense. Webb envisioned the soul’s journey continuing into the cosmos: “I’ll fly a starship across the universe divide until I reach the other side.” This futuristic verse broadened the song’s appeal, transforming it from a historical ballad into an epic about the timeless human spirit capable of transcending even death and time.
Despite Webb’s own recording of “The Highwayman,” the song initially faced years of obscurity. This period serves as a reminder to aspiring songwriters that even great songs can take time to find their audience. Webb himself emphasizes perseverance: “You can’t sit around and brood about it. You move on and write more.” Eventually, Glen Campbell recognized the song’s potential. Interestingly, Campbell’s belief in “The Highwayman” was so strong that he reportedly left Capitol Records when they hesitated to release it. This anecdote highlights the sometimes unpredictable journey of a song from creation to recognition.
The turning point arrived when Glen Campbell played “The Highwayman” for Johnny Cash. Coincidentally, Cash was in the process of creating a quartet album with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson – the legendary Highwaymen. The song, with its four distinct verses, seemed almost pre-destined for this collaboration. As Webb humorously noted, “There were four verses to ‘The Highwayman.’ Talk about predestination.” The quartet format perfectly suited the song’s structure, with each Highwayman taking a verse, culminating in Johnny Cash’s powerful rendition of the final verse. For Webb, having Johnny Cash, an icon of American music, conclude his song was akin to “having God singing your song.”
“The Highwayman song,” born from a dream and nurtured through years of perseverance, ultimately achieved iconic status, thanks to its compelling narrative, Webb’s songwriting genius, and the legendary voices of The Highwaymen. Its journey from a midnight dream in London to a global hit is a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted song and the often-unforeseen paths to success in the music world.
