About the song
Kris Kristofferson: A Living Legend
In the pantheon of American singer-songwriters, few names resonate with the gravitas and influence of Kris Kristofferson. A true Renaissance man, Kristofferson’s talents have extended far beyond the realm of music, encompassing acting, writing, and even piloting helicopters. Yet, it is as a songwriter that Kristofferson has cemented his legacy, crafting songs that have become cornerstones of American culture.
Kristofferson’s music is often described as country, but it defies easy categorization. Drawing from a rich tapestry of influences, including folk, blues, and rock, Kristofferson’s songs are characterized by their poetic lyricism, social consciousness, and deep emotional resonance. His lyrics, in particular, are often hailed as masterpieces of storytelling, weaving tales of love, loss, redemption, and the human condition with a raw honesty and vulnerability that few artists can match.
One of Kristofferson’s most celebrated songs is “Living Legend”, a poignant ballad that reflects on the passage of time, the nature of fame, and the enduring power of love. Released in 1971, the song became an instant classic, topping the country charts and earning Kristofferson a Grammy Award.
“Living Legend” is a song that resonates deeply with listeners of all ages, speaking to the universal themes of life, love, and loss. It is a testament to Kristofferson’s songwriting genius, a song that has earned its place among the greatest American ballads ever written.
Video
Lyrics
“Living Legend”
Was it bitter then with our backs against the wall?
Were we better men than we’d ever been before?
Say, if she came again today, would you still answer to the call?
Tell the truth, my friend, don’t it matter anymore?We were simple men by her side when she was born
It was simple then like the freedom when you fall
And we were smaller then, you see, but soon we gathered like a storm.
They don’t understand what that thunder meant at all.Was he crucified? Was he done in by the lawman?
Are you satisfied that he’ll never ride again?
Some people say he got away; they say he never died at all.
If that story’s true, does it bother you, my friend?Was it bitter then, with our backs against the wall?
Were we better men than we’d ever been before?
Say, if she came again today, would you still answer to the call?
Tell the truth, my friend, don’t it matter anymore?