Live Forever
Highwaymen Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now
(Kris Kristofferson)
You're gonna want to hold me
Just like I always told you
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

Nobody here will ever find me
But I will always be around
Just like the songs I leave behind me
I'm gonna live forever now

You fathers and you mothers
Be good to one another
Please try to raise your children right
Don't let the darkness take 'em,
Don't make 'em feel forsaken
Just lead 'em safely to the light

When this old world is blown asunder
And all the stars fall from the sky
Remember someone really loves you
We'll live forever you and I

I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now

I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now

I'm gonna live forever

I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the Highwaymen's song "Live Forever" speak to the idea of immortality through one's legacy. The opening lines are optimistic, with the idea that the singer will continue to live on, beyond death. The reference to the river may signify death, with the singer crossing over into the afterlife. The repetition of the phrase "I'm gonna catch tomorrow now" suggests that, through their work and their impact on the world, they will continue to affect change and have influence for generations to come.

The second verse speaks to the idea that the impact one leaves behind is what truly matters. Even if the physical body is gone, the singer suggests that they will always be "around," in the form of their songs and the influence they've had on others. The final verses serve as a message to parents, urging them to nurture and guide their children in a way that will lead to positive change in the world. The final lines emphasize the idea that love can transcend even death, with the singer proclaiming that they will live forever, alongside the listener.

Overall, "Live Forever" is a song that seeks to inspire and motivate listeners to make a meaningful impact on the world, in a way that will allow them to live on even after they're gone.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna live forever
I am going to become immortal

I'm gonna cross that river
I will reach whatever the afterlife may be

I'm gonna catch tomorrow now
I will be able to enjoy the future to its fullest

You're gonna want to hold me
You will regret not cherishing me more

Just like I always told you
As I predicted

You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You will feel my absence when I am no longer around

Nobody here will ever find me
I may disappear, but my legacy won't

But I will always be around
My music will continue to be remembered

Just like the songs I leave behind me
My art will be a part of me that survives

You fathers and you mothers
Parents of the world

Be good to one another
Treat each other with kindness and respect

Please try to raise your children right
Do your best to instill good values in your kids

Don't let the darkness take 'em
Don't let them be consumed by negative aspects of life

Don't make 'em feel forsaken
Don't allow them to feel abandoned or isolated

Just lead 'em safely to the light
Guide them towards positivity and hope

When this old world is blown asunder
If the world is ever destroyed or ruined

And all the stars fall from the sky
Even if everything seems to be falling apart

Remember someone really loves you
You are not alone and there are people who care for you

We'll live forever you and I
Our spirits and memories will endure beyond our physical lives

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EDDY (JOHN EDWIN) SHAVER, BILLY JOE SHAVER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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01The Devil's Right Hand3:12

02Live Forever

The Highwaymen

03Everyone Gets Crazy2:55

04It Is What It Is

05I Do Believe

06The End Of Understanding

07True Love Travels A Gravel Road3:21

08Death And Hell

09Waiting For A Long Time4:18

10Here Comes That Rainbow Again

11The Road Goes On Forever4:39

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Verycreativeusername_

3y↑25

I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now
(Kris Kristofferson)
You're gonna want to hold me
Just like I always told you
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
Nobody here will ever find me
But I will always be around
Just like the songs I leave behind me
I'm gonna live forever now
You fathers and you mothers
Be good to one another
Please try to raise your children right
Don't let the darkness take 'em,
Don't make 'em feel forsaken
Just lead 'em safely to the light
When this old world is blown asunder
And all the stars fall from the sky
Remember someone really loves you
We'll live forever you and I
I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now
I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now
I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now

All comments from YouTube:

@catholicsurfer5183

3y↑181

17 years old, watching in 2021, doesn’t get any better than this. The embodiment of these 4 men and their contributions to the world will live on forever. I wish music stayed pure like this in the modern era. God bless y’all reading this, rip Waylon and Johnny

@oddboxsports295

3y↑9

Bless you son. Bless you.

@marknorwood7521

3y↑9

65 yrs old and feel the same way.👍

@matt.willoughby

3y↑4

There is LOADS of great music around being made today if you look for it. I think Billy Joe wrote this in the 1990's, he definitely recorded it in 1993 and people were saying modern music is crap even then when this gem was brand new.

@joeepps2412

3y↑4

The Four legends!!

@tamrafolstrom6629

2y↑3

Amen

15 More Replies...

@danielczyz9298

8y↑503

My dad passed away three months ago. Drowned in grief, I didn't listen to music for some time. He was a trucker, a true highwayman, and he liked country music. One day I asked God where my dad is, I turned Pandora on, and this song started to play. I felt his presence and started to cry. I knew he will always be around...Miss you so much, dad!

@jimdunmire

8y↑13

What a great story! Sorry for your loss, mine died last Dec. and I do miss him.

@danielczyz9298

8y↑4

Jim Dunmire I'm sorry, too.

@southernmostrebel

7y↑3

try " Heavens Country " its uplifting

@dylanharryman9544

7y↑5

That's amazing. Best wishes to you.

@XOkie

7y↑8

When my best friend passed away the family asked one of our friends to play this song at the funeral. Mike has been playing semi professionally for 30 years. He said it was one of the hardest songs he's ever had to sing.

24 More Replies...

@nickgvaccaro

2y↑13

I still haven't figured out how four totally distinctive and individual voices can harmonize so beautifully - but I'm glad these guys figured it out. This is probably my favorite out of all the performances by the Highwaymen.

@DavidAMarin

12y↑54

R.I.P Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, you guys will always live in our hearts through your music. You gentlemen spread knowledge, experience, influences and emotion through art, and we thank you.

@roberthelton4728

2y↑13

One of the best Billy Joe Shaver songs. The Highway Men did well.

@donaldadams5050

2y↑11

This song is nothing but heart and greatness!!

@rockingconductoresq

8y↑55

This song is true, Johnny and Waylon are gone, but their music lives on. That's the magic of music, if it is good it will stand the test of time.

@ethwhite

4y↑15

My grandad got me into country music and we just lost him at only 69 years old after a 2 month battle with cancer. RIP Grandad I’ll see you on the other side of the river.

@marisolpatriota2826

39w

😭O Câncer é uma lástima,tem ceifado muitas vidas @ethwhite

@dwightsperspective

2y↑7

I can't get this song out of my head! And that's awesome 😎

@Verycreativeusername_

3y↑25

@darlenemstrommer7687

Love these singers as words as yes we will with God

@kellytobolski565

8y↑107

HIGHWAYMEN THE BEST GROUP IN COUNTRY MUSIC EVER!!!!!!!!!! FOUR SUPERSTARS IN THEIR ON RIGHT. JOHNNY, WAYLON, WILLIE AND KRIS. IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THEN THAT!!!!!!!!

@txghost9812

6y↑1

So very true.

@joewarner5211

5y↑2

Than that! THAN that!

@gutyolivas8250

A! Man

@jamiedeuter9834

I couldn't say it better my self Johnny cash is my favorite singer but highwaymen is my favorite band by far

@carolynweatherspoon4479

4y↑7

Played this at my dad's funeral. It was a perfect tribute.

@honestj820

52w

Hey how are you doing today?

@linznenortas3723

7y↑21

Listening with my dad right now!! Loving a little Waylon, Willie, Johnny and Kris!! THANK YOU for the GREAT music!

@jeffreyperrin1571

7y↑36

I always considered myself a classic rock kind of person. That was until I familiarize myself with the late, great waylon jennings,. I am now a true blooded outlaw country man. This is the greatest music ever written.

@wags1956

some of your favorites, then?

@IanRob2011

3y↑1

Texas outlaw Billy Joe Shaver wrote this song. RIP Billy Joe

@kansasmint

12y↑6

Played this song at my wedding :) Great music and great musicians.

@lindaaccurso7401

3y↑4

Classic, great music!❤

@honestj820

52w

Hey how are you doing?

@Adam-vs2in

3y↑86

God bless you whoever is reading this. Stay focused on him and we’ll all live forever too.

@jessekurisko5659

3y↑3

Amen

@winstonmanning1239

3y↑3

Amen!

@janie3117

3y↑8

Don’t even need to stay focused. If you believe in Jesus and what He did for you, you ARE Saved!!! IT IS FINISHED!!!! Yay!!!! ❤️ ☀️ 🌈 🐑

@nicksterr2086

3y↑1

Amen!! ✝️ 🙏

@1992artyom

3y↑1

Amen HaleluYAH❗

3 More Replies...

@T13HS

9y↑135

I'm going to have this played at my funeral.

@hopebroomesaunders1793

9y↑4

that'd be beautiful

@leighpayne35

9y↑10

+Lone Wolf My dad picked this for his funeral and if I didnt know better I would say this was written just for him. Today is the 1 year anniversary of his passing and this song gives me some comfort. So Yes, I can tell you its something those you leave behind will get comfort from.

@hopebroomesaunders1793

9y↑1

+Leigh Payne I'm so sorry for your loss, may your dad rest in peace xxx

@himesjon

8y↑2

I came to post the same thing

@joeiseman3828

8y↑3

I was thinking the same thing! Thanks Lone Wolf and Jon

7 More Replies...

@danmoore2443

4y↑2

Love this song! Good message 🙏🏻 amen

@countrygirl2397

13y↑11

Oh my God am I gonna miss them when they are gone! RIP Johnny & Waylorn. Kris & Willie I hope you live forever. We NEED storytellers like you! Thank you for what you do.

@jesselandry719

2y↑4

This song was absolutely amazing in Mayans MC season 4 and it was one of the last songs me and my dog listened to before she died RIP Lola this song makes me think of you every time

@honestj820

52w

Hello how are you doing today?

@stevenhashek8892

4y↑3

Great cover of one of Billy Joe Shaver's best songs.

@drzoidberg8749

3y↑4

I lost a bunch of friends this year...this song reminds me that their love and friendship will last forever in my heart
😇✌& ❤

@SunbearBluesBand

13y↑1

A great song in itself ... but sung by these folks, it takes on a whole new dimension. The harmony vocals are out of this world.

@rcstarkid3138

What an awesome song. They don't make music like this anymore it seems

@PinheadLarry44

3y↑5

Damn, it‘s 2021 and this song is still underrated

@jamesjones950

14y↑3

One of my favourite songs by one of the greatest combinations of talent ever. Love this version. Love BJS's of course. But also, have you checked out Joe Ely's version too? Brilliant.

@robertononnis54

10y↑14

I Love this music... Willie, Kris, Waylon and Johnny are the best!!

@dunewolfjr.4618

8y↑123

A man is never truly dead if his name is still spoken.

@leoniebosch

7y↑1

@sandubarbu5741

6y↑1

It's so much more out there than we will ever dare to dream.

@corneliadenninger5395

5y↑1

So true!!

@princevegeta2723

5y↑1

Wise words

@1harleyroy

5y↑1

Amen Bro !!!

2 More Replies...

@crystalgumns8328

2y↑2

Greatness begins with a thought! 🎵🎶🎧

@honestj820

52w

Hello how are you doing today?

@raulduke2nd161

7y↑3

Dont let them feel forsaken.
That line speaks volumes, there is such force behind it and unfortunately I can relate to it.

@whall5577

2y↑1

Uplifting and sad all in one, but absolutely class....

@duskom3277

3y↑1

Legendarni muzicari!!!
Dva su mrtva i pocivajte u miru, a dva ziva neka dozive 100 godina!!!

@saabman93aero

12y

Marvelous version of this song, don't knock it. Billy Joe's version is good in it's own right. Appreciate both versions.

@parker5935

I remember listening to this after my Grandma passed away. I imagined her saying the words to this song to my family. It was like she was talking to us through this song.

@redskyatnight6317

4y↑3

My husband struggles with addiction. This song makes me think of him. I don't know where he is right now because the devil got ahold of him again, but everytime I hear a song that reminds me of him, I hope he is somewhere thinking about me.

My biggest fear is getting a phone call that he has crossed that river...but I also know he believes deep in his heart he will live forever, through the blood of Christ, and that even if that happens I will see him again someday at Heaven's kitchen table....it's a spiritual battle I really do pray and hope he wins one day.

@kennethkirby320

6y↑2

When I do pass away I want this song played at my funeral...……….. I LOVE this song so much it makes me think of those I have lost and maybe it will do the same with my Loved ones

@oliverek7

This song was played at my grandad’s (my mum’s stepdad) funeral yesterday. Lovely song for a lovely person. He was 86 and was a London cabbie who was also a gifted artist, didn’t retire until 82 😢 amazing guy. It really did feel as though he would live forever because of how healthy and fit he was up until the last 2 years of his life.

@KennyJohnson-ym6ux

My grandpa was a tough man. He was in horrible condition for the last years of his life. I may have been 2 when he died and I have no memories of him, but I miss that man every day. My dad said it takes a lot for him to cry, and that's one of the things that made him do just that. My dad was just as tough as my grandpa a few years ago, and is getting in bad condition too. I'll be lost when he's gone. I'm sure you are probably still lost. Dads and granddads are like pieces to a compass.

@debishelton9647

1y↑1

This song reminds me of my Dad. He just loved The Highwaymen. 💕

@honestj820

52w

Hey how are you doing today?

@habrork4430

7y↑6

This is the first song that came to mind when Chris Cornell passed through the many he had written.

@robertherrera6852

3y↑3

One of my favorite songs rolling in the old truck with a J in my hand and the wind in my hair! Placer county in the house!

@deltonkillen8024

2y↑1

Great rendition. The only Country Supergroup I know of. I miss them.

@Yoshidoce2006

13y↑1

The sad part, they were right. This song was perfect for these guys. I'm gonna live forever, I'm gonna cross that river, I'm gonna catch tomorrow now. Like the songs they leave behind them, they will live forever.

@Juan08135

I love this song so much just one of those songs that if it comes out in the car you have to keep driving until it finishes

@jaysencobb3429

5y↑1

I love this song.

@stevenbrown8962

1y↑1

I'm going to have this played at my funeral

@bobo8193

11y↑12

all of the highway men will live forever through their individual bodies of work. Gosh this song is very emotional.

@troydurst2616

5y↑1

You know I heard this song once on pandora and now I want this to play at my funeral

@knoxfamily150

33w

This song is very spiritual.

@ryangolombecki7180

5y↑3

Have told my wife I want this song played at my funeral. I'm gonna live forever

@honestj820

52w

Hello how are you doing today?

@big_daddy_pp

4y↑3

Beautiful song

@TheWickerman48

11y↑1

The Highwaymen will live forever,RIP Johnny and Waylon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@StumptownBoy

13y↑45

The Highwaymen. Quite possibly the only true supergroup ever.

@cody_d3628

4y↑3

Very true 😃 have a good day

@jinxedbiscuit

No possibly about it.

@therealernestdagrosajr

3y↑2

Traveling Wilburys too!

@sluggmom

2y↑1

When my dad passed about a year ago his friend sent me old footage from a vacation we took to Luckenbach. I was missing my dad a lot this morning and rewatched the video for the first time since it was sent to me. This time I noticed the band in the background was playing a cover of this song. I hadn't noticed the lyrics before, didn't even know it was The Highwaymen(a colab my Dad loved). It feels so...on purpose. What are the odds that she would record a 40 second clip of this song, and a decade later I would be watching it to see a few moments of my dad laughing and smiling?

@NeverFollowTheCrowd

I’ll play this song the day someone dies in my family mark my words. Rest in peace Johnny and Waylon thank you 🙏🏼

@audreyruth9926

5y↑5

This was played at my grandfather's funeral. He died of cancer the last words he ever said was " hey I love you pretty princess" I was 4 I didn't understand then but I do now he chose this song. I love you poppaw Gary.

@Swimstermatt

11y↑1

They will live forever. God bless them all.

@hunterbraswell9432

6y↑1

I love this song

@cousiwa09

14y

oh its a really beautiful piece of music, such really simple but very meaningful lyric.....have loved this track for years, but it only came back to me a few days ago...

@RickarooCarew

another one for my favorite 5000 Willie Nelson songs ❤️❤️❤️ thanks y'all

@kbrown2225

14y

Great song, thanks for posting!

@markpeterson4548

2y↑1

Great Billy Joe Shaver cover!

@BRAZOZ

3y↑8

RIP Billy Joe Shaver , You Crossed That River

@stevenhashek8892

Great cover of Billy Joe Shaver classic.

@Al_Heinz

3y↑1

Today, in 2021 I wear my highway men shirt. And look back at all the memories. Never give up anyone. The highway men will always there to help you!

@walterherrera6614

35w

this is the type of songs you wish to be way longer than 2 and half minutes...

@raulduke2nd161

6y↑12

The melody alone could kill monsters.

@Yoshidoce2006

13y

@beestonpoet Willie Nelson has a very soulful voice. If you listen very closely and understand the soul of music you can hear a mixture of emotions from a long life lived. Willie was a great friend to both Waylon and Johnny before they died and Kris. And the Highwaymen were about friendship, having fun, and celebrating their lives and careers with their friends and family.

@lamerical

This hits home 😢

@randyfevans

11y

Best song out there!

@seeky907

2y↑1

I went to church for the fieat time in 30 years or so, and this song was the basica message.

@rebelstyle3184

5y↑6

My dad passed away just a couple weeks ago, he told me just before he died, "be good to one another and always try to raise your children right, dont let the darkness take them, dont let them feel forsaken, just lead them safely to the light." I'm thankful for the man I called my father.

@dmitriyshymko422

5y↑1

Sorry for your loss. Your Dad is blessed by our Lord.

@drzoidberg8749

3y↑1

Wise man

@PieandBiscuits

He quoted it word for word 🤔

@KennyJohnson-ym6ux

Losing a parent just breaks you down. My dad can handle lots of stuff mentally. He's seen horrible things and some of those caused him to shed no tears. He said the day his dad died, it hit him like a tank traveling at Mach 10. He didn't use the tank analogy, but it hit him hard.

@KennyJohnson-ym6ux

@PieandBiscuits That stuff is easier to remember than a random man telling you something. Not always word for word, but memory can be very accurate for something like that.

1 More Replies...

@soaceba

6y↑1

Legendary creativity

@katerinakalkbrenner5563

6y↑2

Love the song

@honestj820

52w

Hey how are you doing?

@richardnewton9586

5y↑4

possibly my favorite song ever. thank u. i shed some tears but smiled. awesome post :)

@corneliadenninger5395

5y↑7

This song is for Waylon and John R. those two Greats are gone but
they live forever through their music./CD

@nateminnick24

8y↑34

These Fellas are Legends

@YangTheGoddess

6y↑5

They will live forever

@fefieschwind811

Thats for sure

@jimlimbach6629

8y↑1

The slide on this is sooo mellow!

@reveddro319

10y

Nice version of a great Billy Joe Shaver cut.

@Albacorewing

10y↑8

Beautiful.

@jwhite973

5y↑1

Willie has lived forever already

@knutjakobsen2496

Thank you for the music!

@oneedashelton8467

4y↑7

My husband will live on as I have him in my heart and speak his name.

@nicksterr2086

Amen! So sorry for your loss

@barbroxursox

13y

oh my god, this is so adorable and sweet...

@bmpnndrd

12y

Stump,and the way the picture of them standing there was taken,kinda dares us to not believe that they will live forever! This song goes well with "One too many mornings",have you heard it?

@StumptownBoy

12y↑1

I'm somewhat familiar with One Too Many Mornings and just found a video of Johnny and Waylon doing it, which was pretty good. I'm more familiar with it by someone else who I don't think was particularly popular or successful with it, but I can't think of who it is at the moment. It'll come to me in the middle of the night when my head is clear, I'm sure..

@forrwigington

13y

i want this to play at my fuarul when i die lol i love this song

@jamesflynn2896

When you have true love with someone so powerful but they won’t embrace you even though they see what you do, and you can actually feel their love sometimes and you don’t care if you’re crazy to the whole world as long as that one person you love loves you, and they may or may not love you, it makes you insane. At least thats what happened to me. How much is real? I know he’s real but I can’t be content until something. What is that something? I love him so much that I can’t stop until I figure it out but its torture because I know he has something he needs me to do or see and I keep failing him.

@tamirj.b.n9814

3y↑1

If this song isn't played in my funeral I ain't coming

@emilyincasper4434

4y↑7

My bff’s dad died last week. He was a father to me when no one else was. And I have been so sad about it. I turned pandora on today and this was the fist song that came on. I felt Mikey smiling at me.

@drzoidberg8749

3y↑2

He'll live on forever in your hearts 😇

@juanitahamlin2894

5y↑4

Yes I will miss you forever The Highway Men. You came into my life. And shared all your memories of each other. I wanna thank you for all your songs and your Love of music. IAM a true fan forever and share your music with my 3 son's. God Bless you. Juanita. Hamlin. 2019

@premierconstruction9669

3y↑1

Your gonna wanna hold me , just like I always told you . Your gonna miss me when I'm gone.

@michael198032

2y↑1

Fantastisk sang.
Har lige hørt den for første gang i mayans mc..jun 2022

@honestj820

52w

Hey how are you doing?

@ABoney

11y↑12

And live forever they do.

@darkraider1560

3y↑2

This should be The Undertaker’s retirement tribute song

@johncanisales4490

11y↑1

Their just singing nothing but the TRUTH

@cerendawharff4677

3y↑1

Last night I had a dream that I was hanging out with Willie Nelson and he said he was going to live for 30 more years

@honestj820

52w

Hello how are you doing today?

@aguyfromindiana

5y↑1

This ones for you grandpa. Gerald Montasiewicz. Just like the songs I leave behind me. We’ll live forever you and I

@tonydavis6482

6y↑7

Mr Czyz…..I am from the UK..... after reading this..i know how you feel....my dad passed in 2008 and there is not a day go by when I think of him....he was my rock, best pal and friend...life can be a bitch at times...but when the man upstairs calls...you go....I only hope when my time is up I can give him the biggest hug ever, and shake hands...

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