About The Song
Ah, “American Remains” by The Highwaymen. This is a song that cuts right to the heart of the American experience, offering a poignant and thought-provoking commentary on the lives of ordinary working people and the often-unseen struggles they face. For those of us who appreciate music that blends compelling storytelling with a touch of social awareness, this track by The Highwaymen delivers a powerful and resonant message.
The Highwaymen, the legendary collective of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson, were known for their ability to capture the essence of the American spirit in their music. While often associated with tales of outlaws and wanderers, they also possessed a keen understanding of the everyday lives and quiet dignity of the common person. “American Remains” stands as a testament to this aspect of their artistry, shining a light on the often-unacknowledged sacrifices and hardships endured by many.
This particular song, appearing on their third album, paints a vivid picture of the working class, the individuals who toil tirelessly to build and maintain the fabric of society, often with little recognition or reward. The lyrics, delivered with a stark and unflinching honesty, speak of long hours, hard labor, and the quiet resilience of those who form the backbone of the nation. There’s a sense of both pride and a subtle lament in the portrayal of these lives, acknowledging their vital contributions while also hinting at the difficulties they face.
The musical arrangement typically features a grounded and straightforward sound, often relying on acoustic guitars, a steady rhythm, and harmonies that underscore the collective experience being described. The voices of Cash, Jennings, Nelson, and Kristofferson, with their inherent authenticity and world-weariness, lend a profound sense of truth to the narrative. You can almost feel the grit and determination of the individuals they are singing about in their delivery.
Consider the themes explored in “American Remains”. It delves into the often-unseen realities of the working class, the sacrifices they make, and the enduring spirit that allows them to persevere despite the challenges. The song subtly critiques a society that may overlook or take for granted the contributions of these individuals, highlighting the disparity between their essential role and the recognition they receive.
The lyrics often evoke images of physical labor, of hands that are calloused and backs that are weary. Yet, there’s also a sense of quiet dignity and an unspoken pride in the work that they do. The song suggests that these “American remains” are not just the physical remnants of hard labor but also the enduring spirit and the foundational strength of the nation.
Furthermore, The Highwaymen’s choice to record and perform this song speaks to their awareness of social issues and their willingness to use their platform to give voice to the often-unheard. At a time when their stardom was firmly established, they opted to sing about the lives of ordinary working people, lending their considerable influence to a narrative that might otherwise go unnoticed.
“American Remains” serves as a powerful reminder of the human element behind the infrastructure and the prosperity of a nation. It encourages listeners to look beyond the surface and to acknowledge the sacrifices and the quiet strength of those who often remain in the shadows. The Highwaymen, with their characteristic blend of storytelling and musical integrity, delivered this important message with a sincerity and depth that continues to resonate. It’s a poignant tribute to the working class and a powerful reflection on the true foundations of American society. For those who appreciate music with substance and a message that speaks to the heart of the human experience, “American Remains” stands as a significant and moving work in The Highwaymen’s distinguished catalog.
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Lyric
🎵 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 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 again
