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Introduction
Born and Raised in Black and White: A Tale of Two Brothers
“Born and Raised in Black and White” is a poignant country ballad recorded by the legendary supergroup The Highwaymen, featuring Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. The song, penned by Don Cook and John Barlow Jarvis, tells the tale of two brothers who, despite sharing the same upbringing, follow vastly different paths in life.
The song’s narrative centers around a pair of brothers who grew up together in a small town, their childhood intertwined with the simple joys and shared experiences of rural life. However, as they mature, their lives diverge dramatically. One brother, driven by a troubled past and a yearning for a life beyond the confines of their hometown, turns to a life of crime, ultimately landing in prison. The other brother, guided by a strong moral compass, chooses a path of righteousness, becoming a preacher dedicated to serving his community.
The song’s title, “Born and Raised in Black and White,” serves as a metaphor for the stark contrast between the brothers’ choices and the unwavering moral code that guides their actions. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their shared past, highlighting the innocence and camaraderie of their youth, while simultaneously emphasizing the contrasting paths they ultimately choose.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with universal themes of family, choice, and the complexities of the human condition. It serves as a poignant reminder that even those who share a common origin can find themselves on vastly different journeys, shaped by their individual choices and the circumstances that surround them.
“Born and Raised in Black and White” is a testament to the power of storytelling in country music, weaving a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking. It remains a beloved classic, captivating listeners with its heartfelt lyrics and the iconic voices of The Highwaymen, ensuring its place in country music history.
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Lyrics
The wind blows hard across the Texas plains
Makes some people go insane
While others quietly pray for rain
That’s where we came from
Two boys playin’ in the burnin’ sun
One with books, one with guns
Mama calls but just one comes
The other one runs
With a Christian sense of wrong and right
We were born and raised in black and white
One learned to pray, one loved to fight
We were born and raised in black and white
We were born and raised in black and white
Brother took to the gospel road
Spent his whole live saving souls
When he looked at me, his blood ran cold
He didn’t even try
I had no dreams, I had no plans
But a gun felt good in my right hand
The warden asked, “How come you killed that man?”
I said, “I don’t know why”
“Welcome home, ” said the hot moonlight
We were born and raised in black and white
One lives to pray, one prays for life
We were born and raised in black and white
We were born and raised in black and white
Someone handed me a cigarette
They offered me my last request
I asked my mortal soul be blessed
By someone close to me
He came to me with trembling hands
He swore he’d never understand
I said it’s just what life had planned
It’s destiny
Don’t waste your tears on me tonight
We were born and raised in black and white
I chose the dark, you chased the light
We were born and raised in black and white
We were born and raised in black and white
The wind blows hard across the Texas plains
Makes some people go insane
While others quietly pray for rain…