05/06/2024
I like to change song lyrics, and I especially like it when other musicians do it. Dylan has dozens of variations of “Tangled Up In Blue”, and Leonard Cohen faxed fifteen pages of “Hallelujah” lyrics to John Cale, who ultimately saved that song from obscurity.
“Highwayman” was one of those iconic masterpieces when The Highwaymen released it 40+ , years ago. In subsequent years, many versions of it have been covered, none of which stuck with me. Until I heard “Highwoman”, done by a quartet collaborating as The Highwomen.
They completely changed the lyrics, keeping just as few words or references to the original. And each of the personal stories told in the four verses are poignant in their details while sweeping in their observations of women’s power.
Recommendation:
First listen to the Highwaymen to grok the song’s structure and vibe.
Then listen to the Highwaywomen to see what can, and should be done to songs to keep them fresh, relevant, and inspiring.
Both are linked in the comments below (ignore the primitive video in the first one).
