Renegade
Michael (Martin) Murphey Lyrics


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RENEGADE
Styx/Michael Martin Murphey

Oh mama I'm in fear for my life
From the long arm of the law
Lawman has put an end to my running
And I'm so far from my home
Oh mama I can hear you a crying
You're so scared and all alone
Hangman is coming down from the gallows
And I don't have very long

This jig is up the news is out
They've finally found me
The renegade who had it made
Retrieved for a bounty
Never more to go astray
This will be the end today of the wanted man

Oh mama I've been years on the lamb
And had a high price on my head
Lawman said get him dead or alive
Now it's for sure he'll see me dead
Dear mama I can hear you a crying
You're so scared and all alone
Hangman is coming down from the gallows
And I don't have very long

This jig is up the news is out
They've finally found me
The renegade who had it made
Retrieved for a bounty
Never more to go astray




The judge will have revenge today
On the wanted man

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Michael Martin Murphey's "Renegade" are about a criminal who has been on the run for years and is now facing the end of his life. The song starts with the singer expressing fear for his life, as he is being pursued by the law. He is far from home and can hear his mother crying in fear and loneliness. The hangman is coming for him, and he knows that he doesn't have much time left.


The chorus of the song is an acknowledgement that his time as a renegade is up. The news that he has been captured is out, and he will no longer be able to live life on the run. The singer knows that he will never be able to leave his criminal lifestyle behind him, as he is now caught and will be retrieved for a bounty. His days of being a wanted man are over, and he will face the legal consequences of his actions.


The song is a dark reflection on the life of an outlaw, and the inevitable consequences of that choice. It highlights the isolation and fear that comes with constantly being on the run, and the ultimate realization that it is an unsustainable way of living. The lyrics are compelling and thought-provoking, and they offer an insightful look at the life of someone who chose to live outside the law.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh mama I'm in fear for my life
I am scared for my life


From the long arm of the law
From the law enforcement


Lawman has put an end to my running
Law enforcement has caught me


And I'm so far from my home
I am not at home


Oh mama I can hear you a crying
I can hear you crying


You're so scared and all alone
You are scared and alone


Hangman is coming down from the gallows
I will be executed by hanging


And I don't have very long
I don't have much time left


This jig is up the news is out
I have been caught


They've finally found me
I have been located


The renegade who had it made
The outlaw who was successful


Retrieved for a bounty
Captured for a reward


Never more to go astray
Never to be an outlaw again


The judge will have revenge today
The judge will seek justice today


On the wanted man
On me, the criminal




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TOMMY R. SHAW

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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