I saw him live last year...Or maybe the year before.. But he had a bad voice so you might think that let his performance down. But actually he just told some anecdotes about meeting Sinatra and other amazing singers. Which were amazing.
Though for about 80% of the songs, that didnt require a high note he was fine on.
One of my very favourite songs which I have performed many times, this is the first time I've ever heard Jimmy's original, SUPERB , it has facets not explored in the Highwaymen's version.
There should be more performance by this pro on youtube. I've seen him perform and his version is always very compelling. Great song writer. Terrific performer.
I know its a pretty old comment but still i just had to lol at it, you say to try to disprove you when you got your information from wikipedia , im not saying your wrong but wow lol do you believe everything on wikipedia that whole-heartedly hahaha and in your first comment you said it was written and composed by an Englishman so you were wrong, you shouldve checked wikipedia, the source of all your knowledge.
@mofredur he means "cape horn" the most southern point of american continent. if you dont know that much about basics of geography, don´t teach others
@arborlon91 WIKIPEIDA HIGHWAYMAN: Webb wrote the song while in a LONDON hotel suite. His suite included a piano, and after he woke up from a dream about being an ENGLISH highwayman, he went to the piano and started writing the song.[2]
So its is STILL IRONIC, try to disrprove me this time.
@w0rdisbond Jimmy Layne Webb was born in Elk City, Oklahoma. As an American, and a fellow Oklahoman, I don't know anyone that considers this song terribly patriotic. Yes, he wrote it in London, but that doesn't make it ironic. He's an American, the rest of the characters in the song are from the America's; save possibly the pilot who may well be from another planet. Can't you be satisfied with all the good music that has originated in the UK and stop trying to shanghi the USA's?
You can see why he sold it on, it doesn't suit him and the arrangement doesn't suit the song, and you can't beat Johnny Cash can you? Anyway it doesn't matter whether he is good or not he wouldn't have got as much money in royalties as he did for selling it on if it was just him and at least his songs get heard
What was it like? Would you write a little about it? He sounds like a cool, humble guy. He certainly is a hell of a craftsman!
What I think people forget too, is that here he is playing the songs "straight" without the adornment of a slick arrangement. It's a different thing to hear Glen Campbell or Linda Ronstadt singing his tunes with the support of a great arrangement that supports their unique voices.
But, without his songs, there'd be nothing to arrange to in the first place! Webb rocks!
@Allen2saint I couldn't agree more, this is a beautiful song and though he is no doubt not viewed as a "real" singer, he more than does it justice, singing with passion and sensitivity. It also sounds great like this, on piano alone. To my taste the Glen Campbell version, for one, is way too over-arranged anyway.
The best song ever written. I heard Glen Campbell do it on TV years ago. I figured out the chords, and wrote down the words. I've been singing it for decades now. Wish I'd have written it.
I'll repost my original comment: There's no need for an argument on this video, some people may prefer the original, some people may prefer the cover, that choice is up to them, it is all a matter of opinion. I personally prefer the cover by the Highwaymen, but that's just me.
@number1covers that arguement kinda defeats itself cuz the original artist wrote and arranged the music to be played to their own style, and very rarely is a cover better. You really think that Mariah careys "bringing on the heartache" was better than def leppards, or that pearl jams "last kiss" was better than the original (the original artist escapes me at the moment)
I don't understand what all the arguing is about. In my opinion the version by the Highwaymen is far superior to this version, regardless of whether it's a cover song or not, but like I said, that's my opinion, no one can change it. There really is no point in arguing over which version is better. Just enjoy the song.
@Buttridge92 I agree with "buttridge92", the cover version is almost always better than the original. Oftentimes the person who wrote the song is too caught up in his own style to let the song come thru properly. For instance, this performance is much too "piano-y". Check out any of my band's excellent videos and you'll see what can be done without keys.
@Buttridge92 As a professional musician with many years experience playing, writing, and arranging music (see my videos), I feel my opinion has more weight than that of a casual listener. Surely you can set aside your attempts to start arguments here on youtube long enough to see the logic in that.
@number1covers Dude I just checked out some of your videos and it's nice stuff, intriguing, well thought out, very unique. Besides anything else, it's great to see some who don't care what others think of their music, as long as they know they are doing what they set out to achieve. It's good stuff.
@Buttridge92 "Don't be ignorant, I am not trying to start arguments, on the contrary, I am stating the pointlessness in having one, in fact you are the one starting the argument by asserting that your opinion offers more weight than mine. My opinion means more because I'm smarter."
I've been trying to set this guy straight on a number of issues but he won't listen. You just can't get thru to some people. Maybe someone else here on youtube can help him, I grow weary of the endeavour.
@number1covers What the hell are you on about? You've posted two comments in response to mine, one which asserted that I was right in saying something I hadn't even said (and I corrected you on the matter), and another responding to that asserting that your opinion is worth more than other people's on here, which I simply stated that I disagree with and explained why.
@Burbridge92 You haven't tried to set me straight on a number of issues, you've brought up one, which I, as someone with a good knowledge of music like yourself, respectfully disagreed with, and I was willing to listen to your ideas and respond to them in a rational manner.
@Burbridge92 What I do show contempt for is quote-mining, the technique which you have employed here. I never said "My opinion means more because I'm smarter", and yet you have put that in your quote here. Taking what someone says out of context and then asserting that they are ignorant is hypocritical to say the least.
Jimmy Webb may be the best songwriter of the second half of the Twentieth century. If he is not he is their match. He puts to shame writers like Andrew Loyd Webber.
To those questioning if Jimmy is still alive. He just released an album this past June (2010) covering his tune with lot of well-known singers. He may not have the best voice, but the emotion he puts into this children (his songs) contribute much more to the song that "mere cover artists" never quite manage. And though they are good, they "can't touch the hem of the garment" of the Master.
Jimmy, if you're within the sound of my voice, Come to Portland, OR...and Send along a miracle ticket.
Some years ago I saw Jimmy at The Basement in Sydney and he sang a wonderful song called "Right as Rain". I've never heard of it since, so if anyone out there knows if it's been recorded, please let me know. Many thatnks.
@pianosydney Yes, if you can get hold of the Japanese issue of Jimmys' album "Twilight Of The Renegades", you'll find "Right As Rain" is a bonus track.
Wow - this is the first time that I've seen Jimmy Webb sing and play his own music. I've always admired him as a songwriter, but I didn't know he was also a gifted performer. The more famous version of this song - THE HIGHWAYMAN by The HIGHWAYMEN (Willie, Kris, Waylon, & Johnny) had the dramatic impact of 4 strong recognizable voices singing the 4 verses. There is no need to compare the versions (they are both great), but I doubt if any of the "Highwaymen" could have done a better job solo.
Jimmy Webb was one of the greatest songwriter's of our time! My personal favorite is " Wichita Lineman", A big hit for Glen Campbell! This guy takes a back seat to nobody!
@Rhondalove, I found some lyrics for this years re-release. "I am crack dealer, sell you crack for fifty pound, if you dont pay, Ill be back again, and again"
all I can say is that the song is wonderful, and he sings really good, but, the song looks like it's means for the highwaymen. this verson i really good. but highwaymen are 4, and the version they are singing are more "happier". also it's strange that I never heard of jimmy webb before now.... he sings amazing!
Jimmy may have actually wrote this song, in that fact I honor his words, but I believe that the Outlaws(Jonny, Willie, Kris and Waylon) sound a hell of a lot better singing this song.
It's a great song, you can tell he puts a lot of him in it. I think the Highwaymen did it better, mostly because they build the whole idea of the band around it, they clearly were found of the song.
It's a phenomenal song though when you think of who wrote it ^^^^^ and who has covered it over there years, may be the best songs of all time.
@dkpara6 THIS MAY SOUND A LITTLE CRAZY, BUT I REMEMBER JIMMY FROM THE '60'S AND WHAT A BIG DEAL HE WAS BACK THEN, AND THEN IN THE 70'S I DIDN'T HEAR NO MORE ABOUT HIM. I REALLY DON'T EVEN KNOW IF HE'S STILL ALIVE.
@gotch09 He wrote songs for other people (made more money that way I am sure) he was never a 'singer song writer'. I seen him @ "The Basement" in Sydney a few years ago...always a pleasure to hear the guy that wrote the stuff in its simplest form...Galveston was the first song I ever remember on the radio and it was such a good thing to see and hear it performed by the man himself.
@mastertusk I only remember him as the boy genius songwriter of the 60's. "McArthur's Park" was my personal favorite. Wasn''t aware that he sang too untill a few months ago.
He may have wrote the song, and it is an excellent song but he certainly cant sing it - there are songwriters like this - brilliant at lyrics and music but to be honest slightly useless at vocals. Jimmy fits this category.
always interesting comparing the writers version of a song to a cover version, even moreso when the cover version is the one you know and love. More often than not i find myself going back to the songwriters version, gimme Kristofferson's rendition of Sunday morning comin down over JC's anyday.
Jimmy Webb's music is, in my opinion, the finest example of poetry set to music that the U.S.A. has ever produced or that I have ever heard. For my tastes, the song, 'The Moon's A Harsh Mistress' is the zenith of his creation. To me it is the perfect marriage of poetry and instrumentation. And for a song "writer" he's not a bad performer either.
@Varkoz .... Once a woman informed Abraham Lincoln that 'sugar' was the only word in the English language that was spelled SU but pronounced SH ... to which Lincoln replied, "Are you sure?"
@Varkoz are you retarded? obviously Jimmy Webb is American, wrote this song along with McArthur Park, Wichita Lineman, etc. Why would you post something when you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about?
I'm amazed at some of ignorance of these comments. I worked with Jimmy and some of the great songwriters of our Generation in Washington DC at the library of Congress last year. He is a national treasure. Comparing the writer's version to the people who had the hits is absurd, but I guess to some people music is sports, how many records sold, who's version is better, instead of seeing the beauty of the lyric, This one is about the journey, and those who dared to sail into the unknown.
I admit its very good and an excellent writer, but Glen Campbell does a masterful job on it, perhaps thats why Jimmy Webb loved Glen doing his songs and interpreting his tapestries - what a combination.
The man is a genius! MacArthur Park is still one of my faves.
'His compositions include "Up, Up and Away", "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston" and "MacArthur Park". ... According to BMI, his song "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" was the third most performed song in the fifty years between 1940 to 1990.[1] He is the only artist to have ever received Grammy Awards for music, lyrics, and orchestration.' - from Wikipedia
wait wait wait, is one of the lines "i sailed a schooner round the horn of mexico"? that isn't possible in multiple ways. am i not getting the line or something?
Love this song and the man is a brilliant song writer but i love glenn campbells version best with the guitar :D still a great song whoever sings it!!!
@atomic116090 This is NOT the orginal version! This, my friend is the way Webb heard the song as he created in his mind. This is what all songwriters call the "wish" version. They hope someone hears the demo that can do the song justice and wish like hell that they do it. The version that is cut by the artist is what some producer hears. If he didn't change it from the writers version, then he wouldn't be called a producer! This is one great song by one great writer.
@atomic116090 The words and the basic chord structure is the same, but the presentation is entirely different. A song's presentation will always be different when it is done with only one instrument. I assume you don't play an instument or you would understand that but what I really meant, however, is that when Campbell put this out with strings, horns, etc. it took on an entirely different melodic structure than this version. When the "Highwaymen" put it out even the tempo changed. Understand?
The "Highwaymen" (record label threw them together to make a few million) -- is senseless, because this song's about reincarnation, isn't it? Same man, over and over, around and around, always come back again. Why have three *different* men sing it? Lunacy. IMO.
May be very true. Because i never thought the highwaymenversion as a song about reincarnation. Too me it was just a song about people who died diffrent ways in diffrent ages of time. But i like the highway men version better because i like the producing and singing better.
right around the time he recorded this, Webb was supposed to collaborate on an album with Frank Sinatra, unfortunately it never happened. That could have been interesting if Frank did a cover of this.
The original version of this song put out by Webb in 1977 is amazing, surely better than any cover versions. The orchestral arrangement and the overall feeling and depth Webb projects is spectacular. Any Webb fans who haven't heard his album El Mirage, pick it up on Amazon and listen.
I love the Highwaymens version aswell, but always had a soft spot for the writers singing their own songs, and the feeling he puts into this song really makes me appreciate it.
Love the version by The Highwaymen. I didn't know until tonight that Webb wrote it. This version with piano is seriously awesome. I think I will still prefer the other because that's the one I know first and best, but this... a fantastic version. Makes me want to buy his music!
How can the creator of a piece of art "slaughter it " ! it belongs to him , he is just kind enough to share it with us !!! Please check out Jimmy singing another ofhis own compositions PF Sloan .....can't find it on YT ,anybody help ??
Glen Campbell was the first major artist to record this song. It was "hidden" on an album he did years ago. Never did get to be a single back then. You just didn't talk about reincarnation back then--well, at least "the Nashville music gurus" thought it would offend some people.. They thought it would never make it.. I guess that's why Willie, Waylon, Johnny and Chris went other places to record their music.... Don't you think??
An absoloutely beautiful song.
I saw him live last year...Or maybe the year before.. But he had a bad voice so you might think that let his performance down. But actually he just told some anecdotes about meeting Sinatra and other amazing singers. Which were amazing.
Though for about 80% of the songs, that didnt require a high note he was fine on.
rorrt 2 weeks ago
14 people (dislikes) died by Jimmy Webb's blade.
jamesdt1980 3 weeks ago 3
One of my very favourite songs which I have performed many times, this is the first time I've ever heard Jimmy's original, SUPERB , it has facets not explored in the Highwaymen's version.
DerekEynon 3 weeks ago
genius
seussville1 1 month ago
There should be more performance by this pro on youtube. I've seen him perform and his version is always very compelling. Great song writer. Terrific performer.
talkinglens1 2 months ago
This song gives me goosebumps...Jimmy is a true poet.
valorra65 2 months ago
@w0rdisbond
I know its a pretty old comment but still i just had to lol at it, you say to try to disprove you when you got your information from wikipedia , im not saying your wrong but wow lol do you believe everything on wikipedia that whole-heartedly hahaha and in your first comment you said it was written and composed by an Englishman so you were wrong, you shouldve checked wikipedia, the source of all your knowledge.
yazid3848 2 months ago
The Highwayman's version is better (Johnny Cash & co.). this one's awesome too though.
ootje444 3 months ago
I'd like to know where the hell the "Horn of Mexico" is. Me thinks Webb needs a refresher course in geography.
tomasenpv 4 months ago
@tomasenpv there is no horn of mexico i think he means sailing around florida into the gulf of mexico
(i´m icelandic so i´m not sure)
mofredur 3 months ago
@mofredur Ithink he say's the horn ta Mexico...
pecowart 3 months ago
@mofredur he means "cape horn" the most southern point of american continent. if you dont know that much about basics of geography, don´t teach others
Forvolet 2 months ago
Was wondering who wrote this song. Cissy said he looks like John Edwards with a wig on....
frostellie 4 months ago
he looks like james maye from top gear
zao96854 5 months ago
ironic that americans think this is patriotic song when its in fact written and composed by an englishman! (about english highwaymen)
w0rdisbond 5 months ago
@w0rdisbond
That's about as ironic as 10,000 spoons, when all you need if a knife.
But, I had no idea that Jimmy Webb was born in Elk City, Oklahoma, United Kingdom. Is that near Wells?
arborlon91 5 months ago
@arborlon91 WIKIPEIDA HIGHWAYMAN: Webb wrote the song while in a LONDON hotel suite. His suite included a piano, and after he woke up from a dream about being an ENGLISH highwayman, he went to the piano and started writing the song.[2]
So its is STILL IRONIC, try to disrprove me this time.
w0rdisbond 5 months ago
@w0rdisbond Jimmy Layne Webb was born in Elk City, Oklahoma. As an American, and a fellow Oklahoman, I don't know anyone that considers this song terribly patriotic. Yes, he wrote it in London, but that doesn't make it ironic. He's an American, the rest of the characters in the song are from the America's; save possibly the pilot who may well be from another planet. Can't you be satisfied with all the good music that has originated in the UK and stop trying to shanghi the USA's?
jasoneb2006 3 months ago
@jasoneb2006 truth is truth. ok so he is in fact an american. pat yourself on the back.
w0rdisbond 3 months ago
Amazing song....
sandboy007 8 months ago
You can see why he sold it on, it doesn't suit him and the arrangement doesn't suit the song, and you can't beat Johnny Cash can you? Anyway it doesn't matter whether he is good or not he wouldn't have got as much money in royalties as he did for selling it on if it was just him and at least his songs get heard
floxroxbo 8 months ago
The truth !!! Forever!!
thebeastic 8 months ago
Dad Showed me this for the first time at the weekend its EPIC!!!!!!! I had to rush out and buy it
quig15 10 months ago
What was it like? Would you write a little about it? He sounds like a cool, humble guy. He certainly is a hell of a craftsman!
What I think people forget too, is that here he is playing the songs "straight" without the adornment of a slick arrangement. It's a different thing to hear Glen Campbell or Linda Ronstadt singing his tunes with the support of a great arrangement that supports their unique voices.
But, without his songs, there'd be nothing to arrange to in the first place! Webb rocks!
Allen2saint 10 months ago
@Allen2saint I couldn't agree more, this is a beautiful song and though he is no doubt not viewed as a "real" singer, he more than does it justice, singing with passion and sensitivity. It also sounds great like this, on piano alone. To my taste the Glen Campbell version, for one, is way too over-arranged anyway.
raysteer 8 months ago
I reckon that if you can write songs THAT good - you can sing them any damn way you like.
michael68000 10 months ago 27
amazing song, but highwaymen rendition is awesome
depsterboy 10 months ago
One of the many many great song writers, close to the top of the heap. When you think about it, that's a great compliment.
makjac46 11 months ago
Great tune. this songwriting reminds me of Gordon Lightfoot. Quality.
chaseman12 11 months ago
@chaseman12 A GL tune is what got me here--well called!
juliano66 8 months ago
The best song ever written. I heard Glen Campbell do it on TV years ago. I figured out the chords, and wrote down the words. I've been singing it for decades now. Wish I'd have written it.
dingolero22 11 months ago
beautiful song about reincarnation.... =)
Ricksteady8 11 months ago
I'll repost my original comment: There's no need for an argument on this video, some people may prefer the original, some people may prefer the cover, that choice is up to them, it is all a matter of opinion. I personally prefer the cover by the Highwaymen, but that's just me.
Burbridge92 11 months ago
Jimmy, you are the greatest. Saw you at Iridium in NYC and your stories and song were a true inspiration. So special.
Marty1086 1 year ago
this is so much better than the over-produced '80's country pop version... and i THOUGHT i loved that one
i'll find a place to rest my spirit, if i can. perhaps i may become a highwayman again...
finitenoir 1 year ago
this is so much better than the over-produced '80's country pop version... and i THOUGHT i loved that one
finitenoir 1 year ago
I WAS THEREE!!!!!! I WAS THERE WHEN HE PLAYED!!!!! I WAS AT THAT EXACT PLACE!!!
GR33TINGSEARTHL1NGS 1 year ago
@number1covers that arguement kinda defeats itself cuz the original artist wrote and arranged the music to be played to their own style, and very rarely is a cover better. You really think that Mariah careys "bringing on the heartache" was better than def leppards, or that pearl jams "last kiss" was better than the original (the original artist escapes me at the moment)
woodyburns 1 year ago
great song
eopol87 1 year ago
Beautiful....
lune1234567 1 year ago
Best Songwriter doesnt mean he is performing those songs the best.
After hearing both versions back to back it seems like he even wrote it for them (which he didn't).
mithaw 1 year ago
I don't understand what all the arguing is about. In my opinion the version by the Highwaymen is far superior to this version, regardless of whether it's a cover song or not, but like I said, that's my opinion, no one can change it. There really is no point in arguing over which version is better. Just enjoy the song.
Burbridge92 1 year ago
@Buttridge92 I agree with "buttridge92", the cover version is almost always better than the original. Oftentimes the person who wrote the song is too caught up in his own style to let the song come thru properly. For instance, this performance is much too "piano-y". Check out any of my band's excellent videos and you'll see what can be done without keys.
number1covers 1 year ago
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Burbridge92 1 year ago
@Buttridge92 As a professional musician with many years experience playing, writing, and arranging music (see my videos), I feel my opinion has more weight than that of a casual listener. Surely you can set aside your attempts to start arguments here on youtube long enough to see the logic in that.
number1covers 11 months ago
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Burbridge92 11 months ago
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Burbridge92 11 months ago
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Burbridge92 11 months ago
@number1covers Dude I just checked out some of your videos and it's nice stuff, intriguing, well thought out, very unique. Besides anything else, it's great to see some who don't care what others think of their music, as long as they know they are doing what they set out to achieve. It's good stuff.
Burbridge92 11 months ago
@Buttridge92 "Don't be ignorant, I am not trying to start arguments, on the contrary, I am stating the pointlessness in having one, in fact you are the one starting the argument by asserting that your opinion offers more weight than mine. My opinion means more because I'm smarter."
I've been trying to set this guy straight on a number of issues but he won't listen. You just can't get thru to some people. Maybe someone else here on youtube can help him, I grow weary of the endeavour.
number1covers 11 months ago
@number1covers What the hell are you on about? You've posted two comments in response to mine, one which asserted that I was right in saying something I hadn't even said (and I corrected you on the matter), and another responding to that asserting that your opinion is worth more than other people's on here, which I simply stated that I disagree with and explained why.
Burbridge92 11 months ago
@Burbridge92 You haven't tried to set me straight on a number of issues, you've brought up one, which I, as someone with a good knowledge of music like yourself, respectfully disagreed with, and I was willing to listen to your ideas and respond to them in a rational manner.
Burbridge92 11 months ago
@Burbridge92 What I do show contempt for is quote-mining, the technique which you have employed here. I never said "My opinion means more because I'm smarter", and yet you have put that in your quote here. Taking what someone says out of context and then asserting that they are ignorant is hypocritical to say the least.
Burbridge92 11 months ago
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@number1covers Shut up you fuckin asshole!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yachtabaco 1 year ago
is he still alive cause he writes great music i love this
freeziepop141 1 year ago
Love these lyrics.
downhill240 1 year ago
was a man named Jimmy Webb...came to earth ...wrote songs...we listened.... grew in the process...........thanks JW
laphant 1 year ago
son, son. bitches be done.
fixinah 1 year ago
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ha ha ha.
tubesteakbooky 1 year ago
Jimmy Webb may be the best songwriter of the second half of the Twentieth century. If he is not he is their match. He puts to shame writers like Andrew Loyd Webber.
TheMadSyrupMaker 1 year ago
One of the handful of really great melodicists /songwriters up there with anyone you can think of, great post!
jsilence418 1 year ago
To those questioning if Jimmy is still alive. He just released an album this past June (2010) covering his tune with lot of well-known singers. He may not have the best voice, but the emotion he puts into this children (his songs) contribute much more to the song that "mere cover artists" never quite manage. And though they are good, they "can't touch the hem of the garment" of the Master.
Jimmy, if you're within the sound of my voice, Come to Portland, OR...and Send along a miracle ticket.
enilegnave21 1 year ago
The two versions are so diffrent that they may as well be diffrent songs. There's no point in comparing them. They're both brilliant.
ankoku37 1 year ago
Jimmy wrote this classic for Glen Campbell and he fought hard with his record company to get it out!!!
shleml 1 year ago
This man can write! Any questions? I didn't think so.
Good night.
fame1910bbcrown 1 year ago
Jimmy Webb wrote a ton of songs for many famous artists! He is so gifted!
Pilotpatty1 1 year ago
Some years ago I saw Jimmy at The Basement in Sydney and he sang a wonderful song called "Right as Rain". I've never heard of it since, so if anyone out there knows if it's been recorded, please let me know. Many thatnks.
pianosydney 1 year ago
@pianosydney Yes, if you can get hold of the Japanese issue of Jimmys' album "Twilight Of The Renegades", you'll find "Right As Rain" is a bonus track.
SteveTerry30 1 year ago
go jimmy this is great version, of his song dont forget it
time2playthebest 1 year ago
great fuking song
debbiedeblaker 1 year ago
One of the greatest song wrtiers
MJSCountry 1 year ago 12
Wow - this is the first time that I've seen Jimmy Webb sing and play his own music. I've always admired him as a songwriter, but I didn't know he was also a gifted performer. The more famous version of this song - THE HIGHWAYMAN by The HIGHWAYMEN (Willie, Kris, Waylon, & Johnny) had the dramatic impact of 4 strong recognizable voices singing the 4 verses. There is no need to compare the versions (they are both great), but I doubt if any of the "Highwaymen" could have done a better job solo.
BluezGuitarz 1 year ago 3
brilliant stuff ! love this song. never gets old a true classic . the definition of proper music.
Clurdabur 1 year ago
11 dislikes!? WTF!
mightycobra4lif 1 year ago 3
@mightycobra4lif the 11 dislikes must be lady gaga/justin beiber/miley cyrus die hard fans lol!
0oOMNIo0 1 year ago
@0oOMNIo0 Is it possible for Justin Boo boo and lady goo goo to have any die hard fans???
I mean, that is just SHIT! This guy knows his stuff!
killerkane2k 1 year ago 3
@killerkane2k Amen!
jsilence418 1 year ago
I like this!
CowboyPenner 1 year ago
Jimmy Webb was one of the greatest songwriter's of our time! My personal favorite is " Wichita Lineman", A big hit for Glen Campbell! This guy takes a back seat to nobody!
fiddlefolk 1 year ago 2
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Jimmy Webb's penis makes an appearance at 2:23. Pretty massive.
ApslaktarN 1 year ago
Jimmy Webb's penis makes an appearance at 2:23. Pretty massive.
ApslaktarN 1 year ago
This is one of those great songs, the trail of humankind through time.
Rhondalove 1 year ago 2
@Rhondalove, I found some lyrics for this years re-release. "I am crack dealer, sell you crack for fifty pound, if you dont pay, Ill be back again, and again"
gymlord 1 year ago
all I can say is that the song is wonderful, and he sings really good, but, the song looks like it's means for the highwaymen. this verson i really good. but highwaymen are 4, and the version they are singing are more "happier". also it's strange that I never heard of jimmy webb before now.... he sings amazing!
lol6109 1 year ago
I'm going to see him next week and can't wait. I have been a fan of his writing for all my life!
MrMiercoles 1 year ago
Jimmy may have actually wrote this song, in that fact I honor his words, but I believe that the Outlaws(Jonny, Willie, Kris and Waylon) sound a hell of a lot better singing this song.
latairean 1 year ago
*fond
YoungScienceGuy 1 year ago
It's a great song, you can tell he puts a lot of him in it. I think the Highwaymen did it better, mostly because they build the whole idea of the band around it, they clearly were found of the song.
It's a phenomenal song though when you think of who wrote it ^^^^^ and who has covered it over there years, may be the best songs of all time.
YoungScienceGuy 1 year ago
No one can do it better than the man that wrote it. That goes for all his songs!
I'm partial to MacArthur Park, but am discovering his other music today..... wow
What a blessed man. Thank you jimmy web for sharing your God given talent with us all these years. djw
Lucyzhere 1 year ago 2
My aunt dated him in high school! I had never heard of him until I was dragged to his concert an my mind was blown!!!!
dkparamore1 1 year ago 2
@dkpara6 THIS MAY SOUND A LITTLE CRAZY, BUT I REMEMBER JIMMY FROM THE '60'S AND WHAT A BIG DEAL HE WAS BACK THEN, AND THEN IN THE 70'S I DIDN'T HEAR NO MORE ABOUT HIM. I REALLY DON'T EVEN KNOW IF HE'S STILL ALIVE.
gotch09 1 year ago 2
@gotch09 He wrote songs for other people (made more money that way I am sure) he was never a 'singer song writer'. I seen him @ "The Basement" in Sydney a few years ago...always a pleasure to hear the guy that wrote the stuff in its simplest form...Galveston was the first song I ever remember on the radio and it was such a good thing to see and hear it performed by the man himself.
mastertusk 1 year ago
@mastertusk I only remember him as the boy genius songwriter of the 60's. "McArthur's Park" was my personal favorite. Wasn''t aware that he sang too untill a few months ago.
gotch09 1 year ago
@gotch09 he was still alive last I heard...
mastertusk 1 year ago
@dkparamore1
As Jimmy was , by your Aunt.
cumbriancool 1 year ago
jimmy webb the greatest songwriter on this planet keep them coming jimbo love and peace to you j vincent edwards
OtherTwin 1 year ago
no shit, everyone likes the highwaymen version better, but this guy wrote the song so appreciate it you fucks
justgiver91 1 year ago 3
I like the Highwaymen version better, judge me now-.-
GroundationOnly 1 year ago
imo first version you hear is the original, just mostly the original artist.. not in this case for me, like johnnies better..
maximillion301 1 year ago
He may have wrote the song, and it is an excellent song but he certainly cant sing it - there are songwriters like this - brilliant at lyrics and music but to be honest slightly useless at vocals. Jimmy fits this category.
vocalist1952 1 year ago
Jimmy Webb was born in Elk City, Oklahoma in 1946, so very much an American.
ra17vog03 1 year ago 2
Guess this is a piece of art!!
tysse73 1 year ago
always interesting comparing the writers version of a song to a cover version, even moreso when the cover version is the one you know and love. More often than not i find myself going back to the songwriters version, gimme Kristofferson's rendition of Sunday morning comin down over JC's anyday.
damianrwhite 1 year ago 2
@damianrwhite- I think you'll find Kristofferson pened Sunday Morning Sidewalk, not JC.
ROLLO2able 1 year ago
@ROLLO2able - i think you'll find that's what i said.
damianrwhite 1 year ago
@damianrwhite Sorry, miss read your first article. Kristofferson is a briliant writer though.
ROLLO2able 1 year ago
genius
THEJAMEATER 1 year ago
Jimmy Webb's music is, in my opinion, the finest example of poetry set to music that the U.S.A. has ever produced or that I have ever heard. For my tastes, the song, 'The Moon's A Harsh Mistress' is the zenith of his creation. To me it is the perfect marriage of poetry and instrumentation. And for a song "writer" he's not a bad performer either.
DAToDATonian 1 year ago
@DAToDATonian Jimmy Webb is english not an american, so its not from U.S.A.
Varkoz 1 year ago
@Varkoz .... Once a woman informed Abraham Lincoln that 'sugar' was the only word in the English language that was spelled SU but pronounced SH ... to which Lincoln replied, "Are you sure?"
DAToDATonian 1 year ago 3
@DAToDATonian I am proven wrong, glad for the Lincoln part. we will sadly never have another president like him
Varkoz 1 year ago
@Varkoz are you retarded? obviously Jimmy Webb is American, wrote this song along with McArthur Park, Wichita Lineman, etc. Why would you post something when you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about?
EchoCannon89 1 year ago
@Varkoz No, he's American, he's from Oklahoma. I'm English and even I know that.
Burbridge92 1 year ago
@DAToDATonian....Son I got to agree with you 100%, without the poet or the tune weaver.....you got nada........
goffbum 1 year ago 3
I'm amazed at some of ignorance of these comments. I worked with Jimmy and some of the great songwriters of our Generation in Washington DC at the library of Congress last year. He is a national treasure. Comparing the writer's version to the people who had the hits is absurd, but I guess to some people music is sports, how many records sold, who's version is better, instead of seeing the beauty of the lyric, This one is about the journey, and those who dared to sail into the unknown.
bluesmeister2006 1 year ago 25
@bluesmeister2006 i agree totally. thank you.
johnrunion 11 months ago
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@bluesmeister2006 - absolutely ... but if you don't write songs, it's easy to see why you cannot understand ...
jiffin1 10 months ago
wot a song..... ! awesome....
xxtimbo 1 year ago
I admit its very good and an excellent writer, but Glen Campbell does a masterful job on it, perhaps thats why Jimmy Webb loved Glen doing his songs and interpreting his tapestries - what a combination.
vocalist1952 1 year ago
I think he's BEAUTIFUL when he hits the high notes. He has more talent in his nose hair than do most entire average cities.
inky960 2 years ago
The man is a genius! MacArthur Park is still one of my faves.
'His compositions include "Up, Up and Away", "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", "Wichita Lineman", "Galveston" and "MacArthur Park". ... According to BMI, his song "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" was the third most performed song in the fifty years between 1940 to 1990.[1] He is the only artist to have ever received Grammy Awards for music, lyrics, and orchestration.' - from Wikipedia
fergusof 2 years ago
definitely one of the greats,
hes up there with Neil Young
xxtimbo 2 years ago
Jimmy Webb, thank you for the many many memorable words of joy ,sorrow and all the ,in betweens,
bishopaz 2 years ago
the original song sung and felt by it's writer.
nobody does it as well as he does.
xTjPx 2 years ago
"the horn of Mexico" refers to the Yucatan penninsula.
love Jimmy webb.
xTjPx 2 years ago
wait wait wait, is one of the lines "i sailed a schooner round the horn of mexico"? that isn't possible in multiple ways. am i not getting the line or something?
pierceroe13 2 years ago
@pierceroe13
Actually, the lyrics are "I sailed a schooner round the horn to mexico...."
sbaussie 2 years ago
@sbaussie makes sense now
esethual 1 year ago
lol he looks so funny when he hits high note
p0tazzium 2 years ago
Love this song and the man is a brilliant song writer but i love glenn campbells version best with the guitar :D still a great song whoever sings it!!!
dteice 2 years ago
From the heart, not from the wallet.
eks56 2 years ago 2
Pure brilliance.
Singingbear 2 years ago 3
this is the original version so everybody shut the fuck up, this man wrote the song
atomic116090 2 years ago 56
@atomic116090 STRAIGHT UP !!!!!!!!
blondygirl125 2 years ago
wtf.. this man wrote the song, it don't matter what u think about his version, he has the right to play it however he likes
atomic116090 2 years ago 5
@atomic116090 Great! I love it!
kimbo1950 1 year ago
@atomic116090 This is NOT the orginal version! This, my friend is the way Webb heard the song as he created in his mind. This is what all songwriters call the "wish" version. They hope someone hears the demo that can do the song justice and wish like hell that they do it. The version that is cut by the artist is what some producer hears. If he didn't change it from the writers version, then he wouldn't be called a producer! This is one great song by one great writer.
coleyman1 1 year ago
@coleyman1 WTF do you mean... He is the writer of this song, so how can it be different from the writers version?
atomic116090 1 year ago
@atomic116090 The words and the basic chord structure is the same, but the presentation is entirely different. A song's presentation will always be different when it is done with only one instrument. I assume you don't play an instument or you would understand that but what I really meant, however, is that when Campbell put this out with strings, horns, etc. it took on an entirely different melodic structure than this version. When the "Highwaymen" put it out even the tempo changed. Understand?
coleyman1 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
this is shit he has fucked the song
countrysong100 2 years ago
The Highwaymen version is waaay better.
andersenkalle 2 years ago 5
@andersenkalle --
The "Highwaymen" (record label threw them together to make a few million) -- is senseless, because this song's about reincarnation, isn't it? Same man, over and over, around and around, always come back again. Why have three *different* men sing it? Lunacy. IMO.
inky960 2 years ago
May be very true. Because i never thought the highwaymenversion as a song about reincarnation. Too me it was just a song about people who died diffrent ways in diffrent ages of time. But i like the highway men version better because i like the producing and singing better.
andersenkalle 1 year ago
I recommend his 1993 album "Suspending Disbelief". It showcases a master songsmith at work. Love the song "Wish you were here ( Postcards from Paris)
gerrymoran1 2 years ago
This could be played at a funeral...
SuperSeacrest 2 years ago
Beautiful, great song writer!
kcshocker11 2 years ago 2
Totally brilliant. The guy is a genius. Period.
hippie00scum 2 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
okay...this is my favorite song...but this version is TOTAL BULLSHIT....you're killin this!
usulkane 2 years ago
lovely...
Blindopolis 2 years ago 2
Jimmy Webb is possibly the best songwriter ever!
kimsanleanne 2 years ago
this is good but the highwaymen are much better !! no one had more stage presence than johnny willy waylon and kris!! not even close!!!!!!
guitarslinger043 2 years ago 2
right around the time he recorded this, Webb was supposed to collaborate on an album with Frank Sinatra, unfortunately it never happened. That could have been interesting if Frank did a cover of this.
HarleyjXXX 2 years ago
That's true music.Great.
ThePhillip56 2 years ago
The original version of this song put out by Webb in 1977 is amazing, surely better than any cover versions. The orchestral arrangement and the overall feeling and depth Webb projects is spectacular. Any Webb fans who haven't heard his album El Mirage, pick it up on Amazon and listen.
B360Lightning 2 years ago 3
Completely agree.
destoman1 2 years ago
Completely agree.
destoman1 2 years ago
Hmm...maybe little lack of power at singing? Its powerful song tho
Rondexix82 2 years ago
Very smart indeed......lovely stuff. thanks for positing.
phill90212 2 years ago 2
I love the Highwaymens version aswell, but always had a soft spot for the writers singing their own songs, and the feeling he puts into this song really makes me appreciate it.
ffszomg 2 years ago 6
Love the version by The Highwaymen. I didn't know until tonight that Webb wrote it. This version with piano is seriously awesome. I think I will still prefer the other because that's the one I know first and best, but this... a fantastic version. Makes me want to buy his music!
mydlands 2 years ago 6
lovely
Dmaimas 2 years ago
How can the creator of a piece of art "slaughter it " ! it belongs to him , he is just kind enough to share it with us !!! Please check out Jimmy singing another ofhis own compositions PF Sloan .....can't find it on YT ,anybody help ??
errigal6 2 years ago 3
This has been flagged as spam show
he is slaughtering the song...listen to the one by the actual highwaymen
HB1991 2 years ago
You do know that this guy actually WROTE THE SONG? Yeah, back in 1977.
archer1949 2 years ago 52
This comment has received too many negative votes show
sorry, my bad. Still his version is crap...his voice is so nasal and booring. The highwaymen play it with a different feeling and meening.
HB1991 2 years ago
@archer1949
jimmy webb wrote the song for the hoghwayman (jonnhy cash, kris kristofferson, waylon jennins, and willy nelson)
lol6109 1 year ago
ur a doosh lol!1!!!
Rumpelstilzchen21 2 years ago
Great performance, beautiful piano.
It's a great song, it's hard to decide who does it best, Campbell, the Highwaymen group or Webb. Each has special qualities.
Watch Campbell's version here, he has a great orchestra backing.
The Highwaymen video is good too, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash really fit the song, but Waylon Jennings almost steals the show.
Beautiful song...Webb is great.
bearcatowner 2 years ago
Glen Campbell was the first major artist to record this song. It was "hidden" on an album he did years ago. Never did get to be a single back then. You just didn't talk about reincarnation back then--well, at least "the Nashville music gurus" thought it would offend some people.. They thought it would never make it.. I guess that's why Willie, Waylon, Johnny and Chris went other places to record their music.... Don't you think??
coleyman1 2 years ago
Fantastic songwriter!!!
srvinfinity 2 years ago 4
pure genius
evculli 2 years ago 5
Perfect comment. This is the best version of this beautiful song.
ThedaBara1 2 years ago 3
This song cuts straight through to your very heart. He makes you feel you lived every word.
cgptony11 2 years ago 5
both versions are great...
jimmy webb is a great songwriter no doubt!
the 4th verse, jonhnny cash sings more tragically which gives more power to the lyrics i guess...
alakaiainoii 2 years ago 4
the song is brilliant but i think all of cash's band sing it better, webb is brilliant but not as good a singer as those 4.
louass36 2 years ago 6
one of the best songs ever written...
TheRayFrom1989 2 years ago 2