Am I The Only One Who Loves "The Highwayman"?

SortaSavageLike · #1 02-09-2009, 09:54 PM

Yes, it has almost no tune to speak of. Yes, a good chunk of Stevie's vocal sounds really phoned in. And yes, Don Henley doesn't really add anything to the song.

But God, does this song leave me an emotional wreck. Hits me harder than anything else in Stevie's discography - even more than Storms. I cried the first time I listened to Bella Donna back in 2005, and my reaction is still the same. I listened to the album again the day after my father died, and again, I was choking back the tears as I listened. I think those last two verses are what do it for me - they're just pure broken-hearted poetry, and although I'm not really what you'd call a "romatic," that last "and still they try...again..." and the fadeout always leave me in stunned silence.

So, as a piece of music, The Highwayman is seriously flawed. But I still think it's one of the most touching/heartfelt songs I've ever heard.

Anyone agree?

GODDESS6 · #2 02-09-2009, 10:19 PM

i have always loved this song~

Steviefan49 · #3 02-09-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SortaSavageLike

Yes, it has almost no tune to speak of. Yes, a good chunk of Stevie's vocal sounds really phoned in. And yes, Don Henley doesn't really add anything to the song.

But God, does this song leave me an emotional wreck. Hits me harder than anything else in Stevie's discography - even more than Storms. I cried the first time I listened to Bella Donna back in 2005, and my reaction is still the same. I listened to the album again the day after my father died, and again, I was choking back the tears as I listened. I think those last two verses are what do it for me - they're just pure broken-hearted poetry, and although I'm not really what you'd call a "romatic," that last "and still they try...again..." and the fadeout always leave me in stunned silence.

So, as a piece of music, The Highwayman is seriously flawed. But I still think it's one of the most touching/heartfelt songs I've ever heard.

Anyone agree?

Absolutely!! This was my boyfriend's favorite song, back when I met him in 2003, and it still is today! It got me all emotional too, and I love those heart-felt lyrics! So you have 2 votes from my household! LOL

Hugs,

Arlene

kennation · #4 02-09-2009, 11:41 PM

This song is AMAZING!!!! I love Highwayman!!! I thought that Iwas the only one!!! Glad to see that there are others who appreciate it's greatness...

Phoenix · #5 02-09-2009, 11:54 PM

You are not alone.

Sahara · #6 02-10-2009, 07:02 AM

Doesn't do it for me, sorry!

It's the only BD track I skip.

kennation · #7 02-10-2009, 09:27 AM

"And she in all her magic
With hands as quick as light
Took him to be a challenge
And went into the night" - BRILLIANT!!! I LOVE THIS SONG!!!

sherhiannon · #8 02-10-2009, 02:24 PM

You are not alone...I adore this song and it touches me emotionally too!

PenguinHead · #9 02-10-2009, 03:10 PM

I think it's one of her best songs, especially in her country mode. I never thought she phoned in the vocal or thought the song was flawed in any way. Didn't Waylon Jennings cover it? It's a rarity because it has one the most consistant , accessible, and effective narrative of any of her songs.

kennation · #10 02-10-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PenguinHead

I think it's one of her best songs, especially in her country mode. I never thought she phoned in the vocal or thought the song was flawed in any way. Didn't Waylon Jennings cover it? It's a rarity because it has one the most consistant , accessible, and effective narrative of any of her songs.

Absolutely. Totally agree. I am think it's one of the best. "And only the highway woman keeps up with the likes of those..."

steviefan59 · #11 02-10-2009, 04:00 PM

well i absolutely loved this song from the moment i got bd...it to me was the most touching of the songs on the album and stevie's voice is pure magic...glad to find so many ppl feel the same as i do...hugs pat

wolfontherun · #12 02-10-2009, 06:22 PM

Great song. Needs a lush arrangement though. It sounds scratchy and like is was recorded through a telephone.

PenguinHead · #13 02-10-2009, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfontherun

Great song. Needs a lush arrangement though. It sounds scratchy and like is was recorded through a telephone.

Perhaps it was recorded on a highway?

starshine · #14 02-10-2009, 07:21 PM

I like it too but I really love the Masters versions better esp when you can hear Don Henley better in it....Great song......I guess people either love it or hate it....but I like it.....

louielouie2000 · #15 02-10-2009, 08:10 PM

I've never cared for this one... I guess it's always been to sappy for me. I certainly understand the sentiment behind it... chasing after someone who can't be had. But it's just too over the top for me I think.