Low Country Sound/Elektra Records
Low Country Sound/Elektra RecordsFor the title track of the new album by the all-female supergroup the Highwomen, Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, and Amanda Shires re-imagine 1985’s “Highwayman,” previously recorded by Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings.
This time, however, they’ve updated and re-worked the lyrics from a female perspective, Carlile tells Rolling Stone.
“We rewrote it with fates that befell women,” she says. “A doctor convicted of witchcraft, an immigrant who dies trying to get over the border but got the kids over safe and sound, a preacher, and a freedom rider who gets shot.”
Legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb, who penned and recorded the tune in 1977, helped with the new version.
U.K. songwriter Yola contributes vocals as the freedom rider, while Sheryl Crow adds backgrounds as well.
You can stream or download the “Highwomen” track now, with the full The Highwomen album set to arrive September 6.
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