“It Is What It Is” by The Highwaymen is a striking example of the collective power of four legendary artists—Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson—coming together to explore themes that resonate deeply with their listeners. As one of the standout tracks from their 1995 album “The Road Goes on Forever”, this song captures the raw authenticity and storytelling prowess that each member of the group is known for.
Released at a time when country music was undergoing significant changes, this track stood as a reminder of the grit and rebellious spirit that defined the outlaw country movement. While the song didn’t achieve top chart positions like some of their other hits, “It Is What It Is” holds a special place in the hearts of country music enthusiasts who admire the unique chemistry of these four iconic voices.
The lyrics reflect the reflective and, at times, fatalistic outlook that often characterizes The Highwaymen’s work. “It Is What It Is” isn’t just a shrug of resignation; it’s an acceptance of life’s inevitable hardships, twists, and turns. Each verse, delivered by a different member of the group, adds a distinct layer to the song. When Johnny Cash’s unmistakable baritone delivers a line, it carries the weight of hard-earned wisdom, while Willie Nelson’s soft yet rugged vocals bring a soulful, melancholic edge to the narrative.
At its core, the song speaks to the inevitability of life’s ups and downs. The chorus, simple yet profound, captures the essence of accepting the things you cannot change. In life, as in love, loss, or aging, sometimes the only thing left to do is embrace the reality, as summed up by the refrain, “It is what it is.” The Highwaymen were no strangers to these sentiments, having lived through years of personal struggles, triumphs, and tragedies both on and off the stage. This song, like many of their works, is infused with a sense of experience and authenticity that few others can claim.
Musically, “It Is What It Is” stays true to the sound that The Highwaymen became known for: a blend of country, folk, and rock influences with straightforward instrumentation that allows the lyrics to shine. The arrangement is sparse yet effective, featuring acoustic guitars, light percussion, and a subtle but haunting harmonica. The simplicity of the music mirrors the song’s message—sometimes life’s answers are clear and unadorned, even if they are not what we want to hear.
While each of the members of The Highwaymen enjoyed immense success individually, it’s songs like “It Is What It Is” that remind us of the magic that happens when they come together. Their voices, all seasoned with years of life’s trials and triumphs, harmonize perfectly, delivering a song that is both personal and universal. The song invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and challenges, reminding them that acceptance is often the only path forward.
This track also reflects the bond that the four legends shared. As individual artists, they had each walked their own path, but together, they embodied the spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect. In many ways, “It Is What It Is” serves as a fitting metaphor for their friendship—an acknowledgment that life doesn’t always go as planned, but with the right people by your side, you can face whatever comes your way.
Ultimately, “It Is What It Is” might not have the radio-friendly hooks or commercial appeal of some of their bigger hits, but it’s a song that resonates deeply with those who understand the weight of its message. It’s a song for the road-worn, for those who’ve loved, lost, and learned to keep going despite it all. It’s a song that, much like The Highwaymen themselves, will stand the test of time.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I’ve been obnoxious, I’ve been unconscious,
I’ve been all kind of things that are hard to spell.
I’ve been unruly, speaking truly,
I’ve been so cool I couldn’t hardly even stand myself.
I’ve been a monster, without a sponsor,
I’ve been Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
I’ve been a goner, I’ve been a loner,
And when my mixture was right,
I’m a nice bunch of guys.
I am what I am cause I ain’t what I used to be.
‘Cause it is what it is but it ain’t what it used to be.
I’ve been a mover, I was a shaker,
He had a girlfriend, I tried to snake her.
I been mysterious, I been delirious,
I been so weird it woulda killed a normal man.
I wanted money, I wanted power,
I want a monument kinda like the Eiffel Tower.
I been lost at sea, I been lost in space,
And when I fall in love I fall all over the place.
I am what I am cause I ain’t what I used to be. (oooh, yeah)
Cause it is what it is but it ain’t what it used to be.
[Spoken:] Well, tell ’em about it
And you can go on forever and make the same mistakes,
Or you can stand up on your hind legs and change your fate.
Go on and do it till you finally see,
What it is that it was that you don’t want to be.
[Spoken:] Walking tall, hoo!
I was an outlaw, I was an in-law,
I was a scapegoat, that was the last straw.
I hit the highway, singin’ my way,
But it wound up sounding like ‘you’ll never walk alone’.
I got a story, reflected glory,
Is the way that I been seeing for most of my life.
I heard the laughter, up in the rafters,
But I never ever thought that the joke was on me.
I am what I am cause I ain’t what I used to be. ([Spoken:] well, maybe just a little.)
Cause it is what it is but it ain’t what it used to be.
Yeah, I am what I am cause I ain’t what I used to be.
Cause it is what it is but it ain’t what it used to be.