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
The Fighter
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who just couldn't take anymore
Somethin' inside him kept fighting to finish
With only his feet on the floor-yeah
Lord, I know that it's worth any price you could pay
To see truth in whatever disguise
But I'd payed double for one look of pleasure
Ain't that clown, laughin' like crazy
Ain't his eyes empty and deep
Don't he sound sad as a baby
When she cries out in her sleep
We measured the space between Waylon and Willie
And Willie and Waylon and me
But there wasn't nothin' like Billy Jo Shaver
What Billy Jo Shaver should be-no
When he showed up sick later all bit by a spider
And crazy to look in the eye
He put on a show that was sad as it should of been
And nobody even knew why
Ain't that clown laughin' like crazy
Ain't his eyes empty and deep
Don't he sound sad as a baby
When she cries out in her sleep
"The Fighter" by Kris Kristofferson is a poignant song that explores the struggles and resilience of a worn-out fighter who refuses to give up. The lyrics depict an old fighter who is exhausted and facing difficulties but still finds the strength to keep fighting, even with just his feet on the floor. This emphasizes the indomitable spirit within him that drives him to continue.
The singer acknowledges the value of truth, even if it comes in disguise, but reveals that they would pay double just to witness a moment of pleasure or relief reflected in the weary fighter's eyes. This suggests a deep empathy and connection with the fighter's pain and longing for respite.
The song also references country music legends Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, emphasizing their significance, but ultimately highlighting the uniqueness and importance of Billy Jo Shaver, who represents an authentic and genuine expression of art.
The repeated lines about the clown laughing like crazy, his empty and deep eyes, and the sadness in his voice when a baby cries in her sleep create a juxtaposition of emotions. It may imply that even though the world may see the fighter as strong or resilient, there is an underlying sadness and vulnerability within him.
Overall, "The Fighter" explores themes of perseverance, sacrifice, empathy, and the longing for moments of relief and connection amidst struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
I seen an old fighter, tired and in trouble
I witnessed an elderly individual who was weary and struggling
Who just couldn't take anymore
Someone who had reached their limit and could not endure any further
Somethin' inside him kept fighting to finish
However, there was a resilience within him that compelled him to persevere
With only his feet on the floor-yeah
Despite his exhaustion, he managed to stay grounded and standing
Lord, I know that it's worth any price you could pay
I understand that the value of something exceeds any monetary worth
To see truth in whatever disguise
To witness genuine authenticity, regardless of its outward appearance
But I'd payed double for one look of pleasure
However, I would willingly offer twice the amount for a solitary glimpse of joy
A piece of relief in his eyes.
A moment of solace reflected in his weary gaze
Ain't that clown, laughin' like crazy
Isn't that comedian, laughing with a chaotic fervor
Ain't his eyes empty and deep
Are his eyes not vacant yet profound
Don't he sound sad as a baby
Doesn't his voice echo the sorrow of an infant
When she cries out in her sleep
As she wails during her slumber
We measured the space between Waylon and Willie
We compared the gap between Waylon and Willie
And Willie and Waylon and me
And Willie, Waylon, and myself
But there wasn't nothin' like Billy Jo Shaver
However, there was nothing comparable to Billy Jo Shaver
What Billy Jo Shaver should be-no
The epitome of what Billy Jo Shaver was meant to be, no less
When he showed up sick later all bit by a spider
When he arrived unwell after being bitten by a spider
And crazy to look in the eye
Appearing unhinged, with an unsettling gaze
He put on a show that was sad as it should of been
He delivered a performance that perfectly portrayed the inherent sadness
And nobody even knew why
Yet, no one truly comprehended the reasons behind it
Ain't that clown laughin' like crazy
Isn't that comedian, laughing with a chaotic fervor
Ain't his eyes empty and deep
Are his eyes not vacant yet profound
Don't he sound sad as a baby
Doesn't his voice echo the sorrow of an infant
When she cries out in her sleep
As she wails during her slumber
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KRIS KRISTOFFERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind