Story Behind The Song

bad guys doing bad things

Song Description

Telling a story about a notorious highway man with a warning.

Lyrics

John Penny

He was early disappointing but a hero in his mind
Traveled in dark places staying with the thieving kind
Wild storms bloke the sun deadly shadows across the moon
Holds up the well of heal then sleeps off the drink till noon

Highwaymen are lonely and most are surely doomed
John Penny John Penny riding like a shadow across the moon

It was all sadly wrought the gentry two were badly met
They held to their purses too hard- John Penny's guns did the rest
A grim bell resonate sound -John Penny for the gibbet soon
Gold and copper counts while John Penny a hider in a dreary room

Highwaymen are lonely and most are surely doomed
John Penny John Penny riding like a shadow across the moon

A crossed mate played the Judas- gave up his hide and seek
John Penny slipped the noose and preyed further on the weak
Like a rider on the wind with hellhounds on his heels
Fiercely snapping crying vengeance no judge to make a deal

Highwaymen are lonely and most are surely doomed
John Penny John Penny riding like a shadow across the moon

He succumbed in a night dark canyon- the law dogs took his wretched life
They put coppers on his eyes- let blood and earth mix proper and rife
John Penny John Penny did ride like a shadow mean and cruel
His soul repented and weary- hell's strain sings to his heedless rue

Highwaymen are lonely and most are surely doomed
John Penny John Penny riding like a shadow across the moon
Highwaymen are lonely and most are surely doomed
John Penny John Penny a wailing ghost shadow across the moon

© 2003 Ken Lehnig Desert Windsong Publishing