About the Song
“Silver Stallion,” a song written by Lee Clayton, first appeared on his 1978 album Border Affair. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics found new life when Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson—together known as The Highwaymen—covered it as the opening track of their 1990 album Highwayman 2. Released as a lead single, the track climbed to No. 25 on the U.S. Billboard country chart in April 1990, with “American Remains” on the B-side.
The song captures a spirit of rebellion, freedom, and boundless adventure. The narrator dreams of stealing a silver stallion and embarking on a journey filled with risk and exhilaration. He envisions forging a bond of trust with the stallion, treating it as a loyal companion, and finding a daring woman who embodies danger and excitement. Together, the narrator, the horse, and the woman will race through life, chasing the sky and the wind in an unending pursuit of freedom.
With vivid imagery and poetic symbolism, “Silver Stallion” reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the desire to seize every moment before it slips away. The Highwaymen’s rendition of the song enhances its themes, combining their iconic voices to create a timeless ode to adventure and the untamed spirit of the open road.
Lyrics
I’m gonna steal me a silver stallion,
With not a mark upon his silky hide
Teach me he can trust me like a brother,
One day we’ll saddle up and rideAnd we’re gonna ride,
We’re gonna ride
Ride like the one eyed jack of diamonds with the devil close behind
We’re gonna ride
I’m gonna find me a reckless woman,
Razor blades and dice in her eyes
Just a touch of sadness in her fingers,
Thunder and lightning in her thighs
And we’re gonna ride,
We’re gonna ride
Ride like the one eyed jack of diamonds with the devil close behind
We’re gonna ride
I’m gonna chase the sky forever,
With the woman and the stallion and the wind
And the sun is gonna burn into a cinder,
Before we ever pass this way again
And we’re gonna ride,
We’re gonna ride
Ride like the one eyed jack of diamonds with the devil close behind
We’re gonna rideAdvertisement
