Introduction
“Born and Raised in Black and White” by The Highwaymen is a haunting ballad that delves into the complexities of family, fate, and the choices that define a life. Released on their second album, Highwayman 2, in 1990, the song quickly became a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.
The song tells the story of two brothers who grew up together in the same small town, but whose lives took vastly different paths. One brother chose the path of righteousness, becoming a preacher and finding solace in faith. The other brother, however, succumbed to the temptations of violence and crime, ultimately ending up in prison.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the brothers’ contrasting lives, using stark imagery and powerful metaphors to illustrate the stark differences between their choices. The narrator’s voice is filled with both regret and a sense of inevitability, as he acknowledges the forces that drove his brother down a destructive path.
The music itself is equally evocative, with haunting melodies and sparse instrumentation that perfectly capture the song’s somber mood. The vocal harmonies of the four Highwaymen – Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson – are particularly striking, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to the song.
“Born and Raised in Black and White” is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the universal themes of good and evil, family ties, and the consequences of our choices. It is a song that has resonated with audiences for over three decades, and it is sure to continue to touch hearts for generations to come.