About the song
Desperados Waiting for a Train by The Highwaymen: A Country Music Classic
In the realm of country music, few songs evoke the spirit of the Wild West as vividly as “Desperados Waiting for a Train” by The Highwaymen. This iconic ballad, penned by the legendary songwriter Guy Clark, paints a captivating tale of outlaws, betrayal, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.
The song’s opening lines immediately transport the listener to a dusty frontier town, where a group of desperados lies in wait for an approaching train. The tension is palpable as the anticipation builds, and the outlaws prepare to make their move.
The Highwaymen, a country supergroup composed of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, deliver a powerful rendition of “Desperados Waiting for a Train”. Their weathered voices, imbued with years of experience and countless stories, perfectly capture the world-weariness and desperation of the outlaws.
As the train pulls into the station, the outlaws spring into action, robbing the passengers and making their escape. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the chaos and violence that ensues, with gunfire echoing through the night and innocent lives caught in the crossfire.
Amidst the mayhem, a lone figure emerges, a lawman determined to bring the outlaws to justice. The lawman’s pursuit is relentless, and he tracks the desperados through the rugged terrain, vowing to bring them to face the consequences of their actions.
“Desperados Waiting for a Train” is more than just a thrilling tale of outlaws and lawmen; it is a profound exploration of the human condition. The song delves into themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of light.
The song’s climax arrives as the lawman finally corners the desperados. A showdown ensues, and the lawman emerges victorious, bringing the outlaws to justice. The final lines of the song offer a sense of closure, as the lawman rides off into the sunset, leaving behind the echoes of a bygone era.
“Desperados Waiting for a Train” is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for generations. Its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and powerful performances by The Highwaymen have ensured its place among the most iconic songs in country music history. The song’s themes of justice, redemption, and the enduring power of the human spirit continue to resonate with listeners today, making it a true testament to the enduring power of great storytelling.
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Lyrics
… {Kris
] I’d sing the red river valley
And he’d sit out in the kitchen and cry
And run his fingers through seventy years of living’
Wondering, lord, has every well i drilled ran dry
We were friends, me and that old man
… Like desperados waiting for the train
Like desperados waiting for the train
{Waylon
] He’s a drifter and a driller of oil wells
And an old school man of the world
Taught me how to drive his car when he’s too drunk to
And he’d wink and give me money for the girls
And our lives was like some old western movie
… Like desperados waiting for the train
Like desperados waiting for the train
From the time that i could walk he’d take me with him
To a place called the green frog cafe
And there was old men with beer guts and dominoes
Lying’ about their lives while they played
And i was called his sidekick[willie
… Like desperados waiting for the train
Like desperados waiting for the train
[John
] I looked up and he was pushing eighty
And there was brown tobacco stains all down his chin
To me he’s one of the heroes of this country
So why’s he all dressed up like some old man
Drinking’ beer and playing’ moon in forty-two
… Like desperados waiting for the train
Like desperados waiting for the train
[Willie
] The day before he died i went to see him
I was grown and he was almost gone
So we just closed our eyes and dreamt us up a kitchen
And sang another verse to that old song[john
[Waylon
]”come on, jack, that son of a guns a coming”
… Like desperados waiting for the train
Like desperados waiting for the train
Like desperados waiting for the train