Introduction
Imagine sitting with an old friend, listening to stories of a time long gone, as the sun sets on the horizon. “Desperados Waiting for a Train” captures this feeling of nostalgia and reverence in its verses. Written by Guy Clark, this song is more than just a tale of an old man and a young boy. It’s a poignant, deeply personal ballad that carries the weight of time, memories, and the inevitable passage of life. The song has become a cornerstone of storytelling in country music, resonating with generations who see a reflection of their own lives in its verses.
About The Composition
- Title: Desperados Waiting for a Train
- Composer: Guy Clark
- Premiere Date: 1973
- Album/Opus/Collection: Old No. 1 (1975) by Guy Clark
- Genre: Country
Background
“Desperados Waiting for a Train” was born out of Guy Clark’s own experiences growing up in Texas. The song was inspired by his relationship with an old oil driller named Jack, a friend of Clark’s grandmother, who became a significant figure in his childhood. Jack was a surrogate grandfather who took young Guy under his wing, sharing stories and life lessons over the years. This personal bond forms the heart of the song, lending it an authenticity that touches listeners deeply.
First appearing on Clark’s debut album Old No. 1 in 1975, the song didn’t initially chart as a single but quickly gained traction as a beloved classic. Over the years, it has been covered by numerous artists, including the iconic country supergroup, The Highwaymen, who brought it to an even wider audience. Its narrative, blending themes of friendship, mortality, and the passage of time, struck a chord with fans and cemented Guy Clark’s reputation as one of country music’s greatest storytellers.
Musical Style
Musically, “Desperados Waiting for a Train” is defined by its straightforward, traditional country instrumentation, featuring acoustic guitar, steel guitar, and harmonica. The arrangement is simple yet evocative, serving as the perfect backdrop for the song’s narrative. Clark’s vocal delivery is tender, almost conversational, drawing the listener into the story as if sitting by a fireside listening to an old friend. The subtle shifts in tempo and dynamics mirror the emotional highs and lows of the story, creating a piece that feels alive and authentic.
Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics tell the story of a young boy’s admiration for an aging oil driller who seems to him like a legendary cowboy from the Old West. The refrain, “We were desperados waiting for a train,” symbolizes the way the boy viewed life with Jack—always on the move, waiting for some grand adventure that never quite comes. But as the boy grows older, he comes to see that the adventure was in the small, everyday moments spent with his old friend. The song’s final verses, which reflect on Jack’s death and the inevitability of loss, are heartbreaking in their simplicity and truth.
Performance History
The most notable rendition of “Desperados Waiting for a Train” is by The Highwaymen, a supergroup featuring Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings. Their version, recorded in 1985, added a layer of grit and camaraderie that only these legends could deliver, turning it into an anthem of aging outlaws reflecting on their own lives. It became a staple of their live performances and introduced the song to a new generation of country fans. Each member of the group took turns singing the verses, their distinct voices adding depth and resonance to Clark’s already powerful narrative.
Cultural Impact
“Desperados Waiting for a Train” has been embraced as a timeless classic in American music. Its themes of mentorship, friendship, and the fleeting nature of time have transcended generations, making it a favorite among songwriters and storytellers. The song has appeared in numerous tribute albums and has been covered by artists across genres, from country to folk, indicating its broad appeal and emotional reach.
Legacy
This song has earned its place as one of Guy Clark’s most celebrated compositions, often cited as an example of masterful songwriting. Its influence can be heard in the works of modern country and Americana artists, who continue to draw inspiration from Clark’s ability to turn personal experiences into universal truths. “Desperados Waiting for a Train” is more than just a song—it’s a testament to the power of storytelling in music, capturing a moment in time that feels at once specific and universally relatable.
Conclusion
“Desperados Waiting for a Train” is a song that grows more poignant with each listen. It speaks to the way we hold on to people, even as time inevitably takes them away from us. Guy Clark’s words and music remind us that the true adventure lies not in the grand, dramatic events of life, but in the small, quiet moments shared with those we love. If you haven’t heard it yet, I recommend starting with The Highwaymen’s version—it’s a rendition that does justice to Clark’s vision, while also standing as a tribute to four legends in their own right.
Explore this song, let it resonate, and remember the “desperados” in your own life. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, we’re all just waiting for a train
Video
Lyrics
… {kris
] i’d sing the red river valley
and he’d sit out in the kitchen and cry
and run his fingers through seventy years of living’
wondering, lord, has every well i drilled ran dry
we were friends, me and that old man
… like desperados waiting for the train
like desperados waiting for the train
{waylon
] he’s a drifter and a driller of oil wells
and an old school man of the world
taught me how to drive his car when he’s too drunk to
and he’d wink and give me money for the girls
and our lives was like some old western movie
… like desperados waiting for the train
like desperados waiting for the train
from the time that i could walk he’d take me with him
to a place called the green frog cafe
and there was old men with beer guts and dominoes
lying’ about their lives while they played
and i was called his sidekick[willie
… like desperados waiting for the train
like desperados waiting for the train
[john
] i looked up and he was pushing eighty
and there was brown tobacco stains all down his chin
to me he’s one of the heroes of this country
so why’s he all dressed up like some old man
drinking’ beer and playing’ moon in forty-two
… like desperados waiting for the train
like desperados waiting for the train
[willie
] the day before he died i went to see him
i was grown and he was almost gone
so we just closed our eyes and dreamt us up a kitchen
and sang another verse to that old song[john
[waylon
]”come on, jack, that son of a guns a coming”
… like desperados waiting for the train
like desperados waiting for the train
like desperados waiting for the train