I wasn’t born lookin’ back, I can’t tell white from black
Kesey next to me now darling, straighter than a railroad track
I’ve been so high, my mind was dry
I rent it out to farmers on the midnight ride
That ain’t all
I ain’t even got me a congressman I can call
All right
I seen ’em dumpin’ garbage, in my rivers and lakes
I seen ’em send up John Sinclair, you know
Two joints is all it takes
Then suddenly I was in a tree
And dogs were barking up at me
can’t you see
I’m so damn apethetic, I can’t believe I’m free
As the senator he signs the bills you know
And he’s telling us which way we have to go
Think it’s time we got together and declared
When you see them coming and you get so scared
Rain is falling down, but you know I’m feeling fine
I think I’ll watch the tv set, let America steal my mind
But you know I’m cool, Momma had a rule
She didn’t raise no fool to be true to someone else
I’m runnin’ down that highway child
I’m gonna be myself
Highway child
Highway child
Exploring the Restless Spirit of ‘Highway Child’
Bob Seger’s “Highway Child” captures the restless energy and skepticism of a generation searching for authenticity. The lyrics are a reflection on personal freedom and the struggle against societal conformity, with Seger narrating a journey marked by apathy toward authority and a desire to remain true to oneself. Vivid imagery—like seeing “garbage in my rivers and lakes” and references to John Sinclair—grounds the song in its era’s political turbulence, while the refrain about running down the highway underscores a longing for independence. The song’s conversational tone and candid observations paint a picture of a narrator who resists being molded by external pressures, choosing instead to embrace individuality and self-discovery.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Seger
- Songwriter: Bob Seger