“Highwomen” by The Highwomen (A sequel to the “Highwayman” - song worksheet

If you want to find a creative way to teach Social Studies content and learn about history, you can do this by combining it with the joy of music. This ties nicely into the Social Studies and History curriculum.

“Highwomen” by The Highwomen (A sequel to the “Highwayman” and “American Remains.”) – a song inspired assignment.

In 1985, an American music supergroup called The Highwaymen was created. The group consisted of four of country music's greatest legends: Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash. Their hit song the “Highwaymen,” written by Jimmy Webb pays homage to different men that have lost their lives throughout history, but they, and their stories, will live on. The group later performed a sequel song titled “American Remains.”

In 2019, after country singer Amanda Shires’s daughter asked her why there were so few female country singers on the radio, Amanda helped create a female country supergroup similar to The Highwaymen called The Highwomen. Its current members are Amanda Shires, Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, and Maren Morris, with guest appearances by Dolly Parton, Sheryl Crow, Yola Carter, and Brittney Spencer among others. They have had hit songs such as “Redesigning Women,” “Crowded Table,” and a cover of “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac. Their biggest hit has been a female version of “Highwayman” called “Highwomen” written by the same Jimmy Webb who wrote the male original. “Highwomen” pays homage to different women that have also lost their lives throughout history, but they, and their stories, will live on.

Watch these videos and listen to the song:

The Highwomen - Highwomen (Live @SiriusXM) (youtube.com)

The Highwomen – Highwomen (Live Performance) (youtube.com)

There are now TPT listings for the two companion songs - "Highwayman" and "American Remains."

****This has now been updated to include an answer key.