Laying in the hotel, after a rowdy late night show
I dreamed I was at the pearly gates in the sky
When a troubadour walked up to me, that looked a lot like Waylon
Grabbed my shoulder, and, looked me in the eye
He said, never give up your principles for profit
Be who you are, not what they want to sell
Break from the chains of Nashville hoss. Yea, Outlaw, play your songs
And tell music row, that I said... go to Hell
When he was gone, right up came the 'Possum
I said: Mr. George, it's been a long time... no see
He said country needs some heroes Son, so go strap on your six-string
Radio's kidnapped country, set her free
He said, never give up your principles for profit
Be who you are, not what they want to sell
Break from the chains of Nashville hoss. Yea, Outlaw, play your songs
And tell music row, that I said... go to Hell
Then, J.R. Cash came up, with a somber sort of smile
He said "It's good to see a Highwayman In town"
Country needs a dose of tradition, and you're one for the job
But, I'll warn you Doc, they'll try to burn you down
Now you, never give up your principles for profit
Be who you are, not what they want to sell
Break from the chains of Nashville, Man. Yea, Outlaw, play your songs
And tell country radio, They'd better ring the bell
Be what America needs to hear, don't let the industry dispel
J.R. shook my hand... started to walk away
But then he stopped, turned around with a big grin
And said: "Oh... Yeah
And tell music row, that I said go to Hell"!