The Highway Song

James Taylor · Other Songs - James Taylor

Father, let us build a boat and sail away

There's nothing for you here

And brother, let us throw our lot out upon the sea

It's been done before



I'm thinking 'bout a broken heart

I'm talking 'bout the break of dawn

You love me while I'm here

Then you can miss me when I'm gone

Sweet misunderstanding

Won't you leave a poor boy alone

I'm the one eyed seed of a tumbleweed

In the belly of a rolling stone



(Chorus)

Back on the highway, yeah, yeah, yeah

Back on the road again



I had a little woman in Memphis

She wanted to be my bride

She said, settle on down, traveling man

You can stay right by my side

I tried so hard to please her

But I couldn't hold out too long

'Cause one Saturday night I was laying in bed

And I heard that highway song



- Chorus -



Now one of these days that highway song will lose its appeal to me

I'm gonna settle on down like a natural born man

I'm gonna live my life naturally (Free and easy)

Until that day the thunder's gonna roll

And I notice there's a sign of rain

So I grab my bags and I pack my clothes

And I'm back on the road again



- Chorus -



I'm thinking 'bout a broken heart

I been talking 'bout the break of dawn

You loved me while I'm here

and you can miss me when I'm gone

And I said sweet misunderstanding

Won't you leave a poor boy alone

'Cause I'm the one eyed seed of a tumbleweed

In the belly of a rolling stone



- Chorus -



Here I am again

Holiday Inn

Same old four walls again

Gee, but it's fine to be back home again (whoa, now)

Say, Holiday Inn, I'm on the road again

About The Highway Song

James Taylor's "The Highway Song," originally recorded on the 1971 album *Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon*, stands as a quintessential example of her early folk-rock style. The track captures the restless spirit of the American road, blending acoustic guitar with a melodic structure that became a signature of her early career. While the song is often associated with the broader folk revival movement of the early 1970s, Taylor's delivery adds a distinct personal touch, focusing on themes of wandering and the allure of the open road. The recording showcases Taylor's ability to craft intimate yet expansive songs that resonated deeply with listeners during that era. It remains a staple in her discography, reflecting the period when she was establishing her reputation as a vocalist and songwriter capable of blending traditional folk sensibilities with rock instrumentation. The song's enduring appeal lies in its simple, evocative narrative and the warmth of its performance, cementing its place in her body of work.