The Highwayman

The Highwayman

Frustration with this song idea was what prompted me to start taking voice lessons in the first place. I stumbled on the guitar riff and figured it needed something really rocking. Like Toadies level.

[As an aside, I love The Toadies. As an adolescent in the latter 90’s, my musically-impoverished upbringing and hyper-conservative temperament had barely caught up to appreciation of classic rock. The Toadies Rubberneck, along with Weezer’s Blue Album, were the only records capable of dragging me into “alternative” music. And, as usual, about a decade after everyone else had already arrived].

But my voice wasn’t going to cut it, which really ticked me off. I credit my wonderful vocal teacher Ona with getting me to this point.

I give you – The Highwayman

(This one is sprinkled with local color and lore)

High on Pacheco Pass
Summit attained at last
But daylight fading fast

Some godforsaken space
The final resting place
Of all who’ve seen his face

Surrender your silver or surrender your life!
Think of your children, consider your wife
Fly away while you still can
Lest you’re bound to test the mettle
Of The Highwayman

Quit playin’ with that gun
Ain’t gonna need it son
Drop all your things and run!

Dead cowboys who dreamt of renown
Gleaming bones litter the ground
Pale riders in his train
Discarded hopes, forgotten names

[Note – Tiny House living is NOT conducive to a functional studio environment]