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 80's
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just keep your head above water
Chained to whatever you got
That you can't throw away
And you're shooting through space
On that river of life that you're riding
And it's swirling and sucking you
Deeper on down everyday.
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 (so long, Tonto)
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've clung to
For so many seasons
With the rules of survival in words
You could still understand.
When they proved something wrong
You believed in so long you go crazy
And you're so close to foldin' the cards
That you hold in your hand
Singing, holy Toledo I can't see the light anymore
(Hank Williams said that)
All those horizons that I used to guide me are gone
(I'm damn sure Van Morrison said that ...)
And the darkness is driving me farther away from the shore
(I said that.)
Throw me a rhyme or a reason to try to go on.
(Come on, Danny, throw me a line, baby!)
In "Shipwrecked in the 80's," Kris Kristofferson sings about the struggles of life's journey. The first verse describes the constant struggle to keep moving forward, even when things seem hopeless. The river of life sweeps us along, deeper into its depths each day, and everything we carry with us weighs us down.
In the second verse, Kristofferson describes the feeling of loneliness when a faithful companion is no longer there. We often turn to others for support during difficult times, but sometimes we find ourselves alone and lost. He likens this to the feeling of losing an old Holy Bible that once provided comfort and guidance.
The chorus expresses the singer's desperation for hope and meaning in the midst of darkness. He asks for someone to throw him a "rhyme or a reason" to continue.
Overall, the song is a reflection on the difficult and often painful journey of life, and the need for hope and companionship to make it through.
Line by Line Meaning
Well you fight like the devil to
Just keep your head above water
You are trying your best to survive in this cruel world, struggling to stay afloat.
Chained to whatever you got
That you can't throw away
You are trapped by your own possessions, unable to let go of anything that once meant something to you.
And you're shooting through space
On that river of life that you're riding
And it's swirling and sucking you
Deeper on down everyday.
Life moves fast and you feel like you're being pulled under by the current, with no control over where you're headed.
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 (so long, Tonto)
You seek comfort in someone you thought you could count on, only to realize they have left you alone.
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
You feel lost and isolated, uncertain of how much longer you can continue on this difficult path.
Like an old Holy Bible you've clung to
For so many seasons
With the rules of survival in words
You could still understand.
You've relied on something familiar and comforting to guide you through tough times, finding solace in the wisdom of the past.
When they proved something wrong
You believed in so long you go crazy
And you're so close to foldin' the cards
That you hold in your hand
When something you held dear turns out to be false, it throws you into disarray, and you're at the brink of giving up.
Singing, holy Toledo I can't see the light anymore
(Hank Williams said that)
All those horizons that I used to guide me are gone
(I'm damn sure Van Morrison said that ...)
And the darkness is driving me farther away from the shore
(I said that.)
Throw me a rhyme or a reason to try to go on.
You feel lost without the guidance you once had, and you're pleading for anything to give you hope to keep moving forward.
Contributed by Eva A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@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.