About the song
In the annals of country music, few collaborations have been as iconic or as enduring as The Highwaymen. This quartet, comprised of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, defined an era with their outlaw spirit and timeless melodies. One of their most poignant offerings, “The King Is Gone (So Are You),” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Elvis Presley, a figure who profoundly influenced their musical journey.
Released in 1990 on their acclaimed album The Road Goes On Forever, the song stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the King of Rock and Roll. Penned by the talented songwriter Donnie Fritts, “The King Is Gone (So Are You)” captures the sense of loss, nostalgia, and reverence that fans and fellow musicians felt following Presley’s untimely passing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the void left by his absence, acknowledging the impact he had on the music world and the personal connection many felt to his artistry.
While the song may not have been released as a single, it holds a special place within The Road Goes On Forever. The album, a critical and commercial success, showcases the group’s remarkable ability to blend traditional country sounds with their own unique brand of outlaw music. “The King Is Gone (So Are You)” serves as a reflective and poignant track that highlights The Highwaymen’s respect for Presley’s contributions to music and their own personal connection to the genre’s history.
Though the song may not have garnered specific awards, its inclusion in The Road Goes On Forever adds depth to The Highwaymen’s legacy and demonstrates their commitment to honoring musical icons and reflecting on the past. For fans of The Highwaymen and country music enthusiasts, “The King Is Gone (So Are You)” is a moving and respectful tribute that underscores the lasting impact of Elvis Presley on the music world.
The song remains a testament to The Highwaymen’s ability to convey powerful emotions and tell compelling stories through their music. It serves as a beautiful homage to a musical legend and a reminder of the enduring influence of those who have shaped the history of music.
Video
Lyrics
Last night I broke the seal on a Jim Beam decanter
That looks like Elvis
I soaked the label off a Flintstone Jelly Bean jar
I cleared us off a place on that
One little table that you left us
And pulled me up a big ole piece of floor
I pulled the head off Elvis
Filled Fred up to his pelvis
Yabba Dabba Doo, the King is gone
And so are you
‘Round about ten we all got to talking
‘Bout Graceland, Bedrock and such
The conversation finally turned to women
But they said they didn’t get around too much
Elvis said, “Find ’em young”
And Fred said “Old Fashioned girls are fun”
Yabba Dabba Doo, the King is gone
And so are you
Later on it finally hit me
That you wouldn’t be ‘a comin’ home no more
‘Cause this time I know you won’t forgive me
Like all of them other times before
Then I broke Elvis’s nose
Pouring the last drop from his toes
Yabba Dabba Doo, the King is gone
And so are you
Yabba Dabba Doo, the King is gone
And so are you
Last night I broke the seal on a Jim Beam decanter
That looks like Elvis
I soaked the label off a Flintstone Jelly Bean jar…