In 1985, Kristofferson joined fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in forming the country music supergroup The Highwaymen, and formed a key creative force in the outlaw country music movement that eschewed the Nashville music machine in favor of independent songwriting and producing. In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he is known for his roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Blume in Love (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), A Star Is Born (1976) (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), Convoy (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Blade (1998).
Kristofferson has said that he would like the first three lines of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" on his tombstone:
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Magdalene
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who turned your life around
Magdalene. did he leave you any reason to go on
Magdalene, does it make it any better
That you know he really loved you
Magdalene, all your sins have been forgiven, and he's gone.
Magdalene, did he give you back the freedom
Magdalene, are you strong enough to make it on your own
Magdalene, I believe he loved you deeper
Than you ever dreamed of loving
Magdalene, and nobody ever left you so alone.
Oh, magdalene ...
Magdalene, are the shadows in the stillness
Of the evening full of tears
Do you wonder how much sorrow you can hold
Are you haunted by the ghost of something
Gone but not forgotten
Will it fill the empty silence when you're old.
Magdalene, are you thinking of the gentle man
Who turned your life around
Magdalene. did he leave you any reason to go on
Magdalene, I believe he loved you deeper
Than you ever dreamed of loving
Magdalene, all your sins have been forgiven, and he's gone.
The lyrics to Kris Kristofferson's song "Magdalene" depict a woman who has undergone a significant transformation in her life due to the love and guidance of a man. Kristofferson references Mary Magdalene, a biblical figure who similarly found salvation through Jesus Christ's love and mercy. The singer asks Magdalene if she thinks about the man who changed her life and if he gave her the freedom to be who she truly wanted to be. Despite the man's departure and subsequent loneliness, Magdalene has found peace in the forgiveness of her sins.
The lyrics suggest a deep emotional bond between Magdalene and this mysterious man who changed her path in life. Kristofferson poses questions to Magdalene, wondering if she is haunted by the memory of their relationship and if she longs for something that has now disappeared. The lyrics also suggest a certain level of hope as well, with the singer expressing his belief that the love between Magdalene and her mentor was profound and transformative enough to sustain her even after his departure.
Overall, "Magdalene" is a poignant song that explores themes of love, redemption, and loss. Through the character of Magdalene, Kristofferson depicts a strong and resilient woman who has experienced profound change and growth in her life despite the obstacles she has faced.
Line by Line Meaning
Magdalene, are you thinking of the gentle man
Kris Kristofferson is asking Magdalene if she thinks about the man who brought a positive change to her life.
Who turned your life around
Referring to the man who helped Magdalene start a new life.
Magdalene. did he leave you any reason to go on
Kris Kristofferson is inquiring if the man left Magdalene any inspiration to carry on with her life after he left.
Magdalene, does it make it any better
The songwriter is asking if it makes her feel better knowing that the man she loved had true feelings for her.
That you know he really loved you
Kris Kristofferson is referring to the true love that the man had for Magdalene.
Magdalene, all your sins have been forgiven, and he's gone.
Kris Kristofferson believes that with the man gone, most of Magdalene's mistakes have been pardoned.
Magdalene, did he give you back the freedom
The songwriter is wondering if the man gave Magdalene her independence back.
To be something you believe in
To become something that she is proud of believing in to follow her passion.
Magdalene, are you strong enough to make it on your own
Kris Kristofferson is asking if Magdalene has the courage, determination, and strength to move forward with life on her own after the man has gone.
Magdalene, I believe he loved you deeper
The songwriter believes that the man loved Magdalene more profoundly than she ever knew.
Than you ever dreamed of loving
The amount of love he had for her exceeded Magdalene's expectation.
Magdalene, and nobody ever left you so alone.
Kris Kristofferson reminds Magdalene that she never felt as lonely as she felt when the man left her life.
Magdalene, are the shadows in the stillness
The songwriter describes how Magdalene's life is filled with shadows during quiet moments.
Of the evening full of tears
The reflection of the past moments Magdalene shared with the man brings about tears.
Do you wonder how much sorrow you can hold
Kris Kristofferson is questioning if Magdalene is pondering how much sorrow she can handle in life without the man.
Are you haunted by the ghost of something
Kris Kristofferson is inquiring if Magdalene is being tormented by her memories with the man.
Gone but not forgotten
The man is long gone, but his memory lingers in Magdalene's mind.
Will it fill the empty silence when you're old.
The songwriter is asserting if the memory of the man will fill the emptiness in Magdalene's life in her old age.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kris Kristofferson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
RICKY KROL
This man is a genius songwriter and great freedom fighter for freedom and human rights..!! He's my Hero I love him and his music now since '70 and my love for him grows with every new song..!!! love you forever Kris..!
RICKY KROL
what have that to do with songwriting..??
Nilza Rodrigues
Grande artista contemporâneo, amo
Patsy Brown
Just great. Sing sing Kris. Were all with you.
Michael Wagner
Oh my gosh....because of this song I named my pet, a rabbit, Magdalena, when I was 4! I was listening to this song everytime when I was little...too many emotions!!
Dolly Price
Beautiful.
Diane Jarmon
Love this man
Xine999
Hard not to
Lalitha Pillai
Lively song based on true story!
Forestbathing444
❤️