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
Shipwrecked In The Eighties
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Chained to whatever you got that you can't throw away
And you're shootin' through space on this river of life that you're ridin'
And it's whirling and sucking you deeper on down every day
So you turn to your trusty old partner to share some old feelings
And you find to your shock that your faithful companion is gone
And the truth slowly dawns that you're lost and alone in deep water
And you don't even know how much longer there is to go on
Like an old Holy Bible you clung to through so many seasons
With the rules of survival in words you could still understand
When they prove something wrong you believed in so long you go crazy
And you're so close to folding the cards that you hold in your hand
Singing Holy Toledo I can't see the light anymore
All those horizon that I used to guide me are gone
And the darkness is driving me farther away from the shore
Throw me a rhyme or a reason to try to go on
The lyrics of Kris Kristofferson And The Borderlords's song "Shipwrecked In The Eighties" touches on the struggle of survival and the weight of loneliness that comes with it. The first stanza of the song likens life to a river that is continuously pulling you down, challenging you to stay afloat. The singer, in this case, is held down by whatever chains they can't throw away, with the desperation of staying afloat leading them to struggle like the devil. They are lost and lonesome, feeling disconnected from the world around them.
In the second stanza, the lyrics describe the trusty old partner as a Holy Bible, the one thing clung to for survival through many seasons. Similarly, the rules of survival, in this case, are the words of the Bible that could still be understood. When this trusted partner begins to crumble, it upsets the singer's sense of security, causing them to lose grip and risking everything they have.
The last lines of the song "Holy Toledo, I can't see the light anymore; All those horizons that I used to guide me are gone; And the darkness is driving me farther away from the shore; Throw me a rhyme or a reason to try to go on" is a cry for help from someone who has become desperately lost. They want to see the light again, to find hope in something that can help them go on.
Line by Line Meaning
Well you fight like the devil to just keep your head above water
You work tirelessly to survive, despite the overwhelming challenges that push you down.
Chained to whatever you got that you can't throw away
You're bound to the burdens and responsibilities that you cannot abandon.
And you're shootin' through space on this river of life that you're ridin'
You're journeying through life's uncertain course with all its ups and downs.
And it's whirling and sucking you deeper on down every day
Life's circumstances continue to drag you deeper into its murky waters.
So you turn to your trusty old partner to share some old feelings
You seek comfort in a familiar friend to share your innermost thoughts and emotions.
And you find to your shock that your faithful companion is gone
You're surprised to learn that your trusted ally is no longer there for you.
And the truth slowly dawns that you're lost and alone in deep water
The reality sets in that you're stranded and lonely amidst the tumultuous sea of life.
And you don't even know how much longer there is to go on
You have no idea how much longer you can keep going, despite the obstacles you face.
[ harmonica ]
Instrumental break
Like an old Holy Bible you clung to through so many seasons
You held on to the wisdom and principles of an old Holy Bible to find guidance and solace throughout various periods.
With the rules of survival in words you could still understand
Amidst the confusion and chaos of life, you found comfort in the clear and simple rules that you could comprehend.
When they prove something wrong you believed in so long you go crazy
When something you believed in for so long is proven to be false, it can drive you insane.
And you're so close to folding the cards that you hold in your hand
You're on the brink of giving up and letting go of everything you have left.
Singing Holy Toledo I can't see the light anymore
You lament that you can no longer see any hope or reason to carry on.
All those horizon that I used to guide me are gone
The things that once gave you direction and purpose have vanished into thin air.
And the darkness is driving me farther away from the shore
The dark and unknown elements of life are taking you further away from safety and stability.
Throw me a rhyme or a reason to try to go on
You seek any motivation or justification to keep moving forward despite the overwhelming adversity.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kris Kristofferson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lindagalloway1425
I just turned 70 (Kris 85 in June) and his music - especially this song - has more relevance for me than ever. Have now ordered the "Breakthrough" dvd and the "Repossessed" cd, which I only just realised are missing from my collection. Thanks for the information. Saw Kris in Glasgow at what turned out to be his last European tour, as a combination of Covid and age (I think) has led to him announcing he won't tour again. So very thankful I got the chance. Boy, can he still hold an audience. Just Kris and the Strangers onstage with a couple of spotlights, singing all the old, well-loved songs. When the audience joined in the chorus of "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down, it was truly magical. His music will lasr forever.
@biggestkkfan1506
Happy Belated Birthday, Linda! You will love this dvd and the Repossessed album. I'm sure about that 😊
@rosetta6218
Kris is great and his music has helped me through many stages of life. I know his age but I so wish he'd show support for the Truckers right now. The world has been crazy for some time but we're seeing the zenith right now. To Kris and all beautiful souls out there ❤️🙌💕
@alastairclunie7232
In 2022 we need Kris Kristofferson and his music
@xine9992
Amen!!!
@anelladambrosio2513
Che bella canzone! Grazie Kris.. La tua voce e cosi emozionante. 😊😍😘🎶🎸🎶💘❤️💋💯🌅
@darleneermsberger6268
I adore this man . 47 year crush now.
@philpatton8521
thank u kris i truly adore ur music , listening to it now ,brings back memories of family who have come and gone . rip . u and the american outlaws where are true legends , love u all
@Smaland731
One of the absolutely greatest musicians in this world!!! I was lucky enough to get to experience him live on stage a couple of years ago and that evening will stay in my heart forever!
@phylissdaffron767
Much appreciation BKKF for getting KK out there. Of course, KK won my undying allegiance 50 years ago when I first heard his endearing voice singing The Silver Tongued Devil and I. His unique way of grasping the words that encircle him is almost a magical thing. One of a kind man, is our KK. Being a legend carries a high price tag. KK has paid that debt in full. He deserves the honor.