“Desperados Waiting for a Train” by The Highwaymen is a song that captures the essence of a bygone era, wrapped in a narrative that reflects on life, friendship, and the inexorable passage of time. Released as part of their 1985 debut album, The Highwayman, this track showcases the combined talents of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, each bringing their unique vocal style to the storytelling.
Originally written by Guy Clark, “Desperados Waiting for a Train” tells the story of a young boy’s relationship with an aging drifter, whom he views as a grandfather figure. The drifter, a former roustabout and oilman, represents a connection to a wilder, untamed past, a life lived on the edge. Through the boy’s eyes, we see the drifter’s life as one of adventure and mystery, even as the years weigh him down.
The song’s title, “Desperados Waiting for a Train,” serves as a metaphor for the inevitability of aging and death. The “desperados” are not outlaws in the traditional sense, but rather, they are men out of time—people who lived a life full of vigor and now find themselves waiting for the end. The train symbolizes the passage of time, an unstoppable force that eventually claims everyone, no matter how fiercely they lived.
The narrative of the song is filled with vivid imagery and poignant reflections. The boy admires the old man’s tales of the past, the stories of roughnecks, drifters, and the oil fields. These tales paint a picture of a life that was once full of excitement and danger, contrasting sharply with the present reality of the drifter’s declining years. The lyrics “We were friends, me and this old man” emphasize the deep bond between the two, a bond that transcends generations.
Musically, The Highwaymen deliver the song with a sense of reverence and authenticity. Each of the four members takes a turn at the verses, their voices blending in the chorus to create a harmonious yet haunting reflection on the themes of the song. The instrumentation is simple but effective, with acoustic guitars and a steady rhythm that allows the lyrics to shine.
Johnny Cash brings his trademark gravitas to the opening verse, setting the tone for the story. Willie Nelson’s unmistakable voice adds a layer of wistfulness, while Waylon Jennings injects a sense of ruggedness. Kris Kristofferson rounds out the group with his introspective delivery, making the song feel like a collective meditation on time and memory.
The emotional core of “Desperados Waiting for a Train” is its exploration of mortality and the way people come to terms with the end of their lives. The old man in the song is a symbol of resilience and defiance, even as he faces the inevitable. The boy, now grown, reflects on what the old man meant to him and how the stories he heard shaped his understanding of life and death.
When The Highwaymen released this song, it resonated with many listeners who saw in it a reflection of their own experiences with aging and loss. The song became a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we love.
In conclusion, “Desperados Waiting for a Train” is more than just a song; it’s a piece of storytelling that taps into universal themes of friendship, aging, and the passage of time. The Highwaymen’s rendition of Guy Clark’s classic brings these themes to life with emotional depth and musical sincerity. It’s a song that continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us all of the inevitable journey we must take, and the memories we leave behind.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Kristofferson]
I played the Red River Valley
And he’d sit out in the kitchen and cry
An’ run his fingers through 70 years of livin’
An’ wonder Lord, as ever, will that drill run dry?
We were friends, me an this old man
[All]
Like desperados waiting for a train
Like desperados waiting for a train
[Jennings]
He’s a drifter, and a driller of oil wells
And an old-school man of the world
He’d let me drive his car when he’s too drunk to
And he’d wink, and give me money for the girls
And our lives were like some old western movie
[All]
Like desperados waiting for a train
Like desperados waiting for a train
[Nelson]
From the time that I could walk, he’d take me with him
To a bar, called the Green Frog Cafe
And there were old men, with beer-guts and dominoes
Lying about their lives while they play
And I was just a kid, they called his sidekick
[All]
Like desperados waiting for a train
Like desperados waiting for a train
[Cash]
One day I looked up, and he’s pushing 80
And there’s brown tobacco stains all down his chin
To me he’s one of the heroes of this country
So why is he all dressed up like them old men?
Drinkin’ beer and playing Moon in 42
[All]
Like desperados waiting for a train
Like desperados waiting for a train
[Nelson]
The day before he died, I went to see him
I was grown, and he was almost gone
[Cash]
So we just closed our eyes and dreamed of supper kitchens
And sang another verse to that old song
[Jennings spoken]
Come on Jack, that son-of-a-gun’s a-comin’.
[All]
Like desperados waiting for a train
Like desperados waiting for a train
Like desperados waiting for a train
Like desperados waiting for a train