For those who know me, they know that I'm from the hills of East Tennessee. I grew up on a farm, went the University of Tennessee, and my favorite style of music is bluegrass. I'm a hillbilly!
Since I've grown up and gone out in to the big bad world, I find that there are a lot of misconceptions about my hillbilly brethren. For one, they think that we don't understand metaphysics (tell that to someone handling a rattlesnake in church!) and that we don't believe in past lives. Yes, our beloved Dolores Cannon received the cold shoulder from some of her Ozark Mountain hillbilly neighbors. But we're not all closed minded!
As proof, I'd like to share the lyrics of an old country music song. Country and bluegrass music are ubiquitous up in the hills. Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Earl Scruggs, the Oak Ridge Boys...that's what we listened to. One of my favorite country music songs speaks directly of past lives - Highwayman. I thought I'd share the touching and beautiful lyrics. Yes, even us hillbillies can understand the greater cosmos and concept of reincarnation. Enjoy!
Highwayman
I was a highwayman Along the coach roads I did ride With sword and pistol by my side Many a young maid lost her baubles to my trade Many a soldier shed his lifeblood on my blade The bastards hung me in the spring of twenty-five But I am still alive
I was a sailor I was born upon the tide And with the sea I did abide I sailed a schooner round the Horn to Mexico I went aloft and furled the mainsail in a blow And when the yards broke off they said that I got killed But I am living still
I was a dam builder Across the river deep and wide Where steel and water did collide A place called Boulder on the wild Colorado I slipped and fell into the wet concrete below They buried me in that great tomb that knows no sound But I am still around I'll always be around and around and around and around and around
I fly a starship Across the Universe divide And when I reach the other side I'll find a place to rest my spirit if I can Perhaps I may become a highwayman again Or I may simply be a single drop of rain But I will remain And I'll be back again, and again and again and again and again
Songwriters: Jimmy Webb
Highwayman lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management US, LLC