The Highwomen

Released: September 6, 2019

Songwriter: Amanda Shires Maren Morris Brandi Carlile

Producer: Dave Cobb

[Verse 1: Brandi Carlile]
Things are gettin' better but right now it's not looking great
My ceiling still is spinning from a night that went too late
I used to sleep this off and let the shame just melt away
But not for tiny feet in hallways calling out my name

[Chorus 1]
It's not that I don't love you, I wouldn't touch the hands of time
It's not that I don't long to feel your tiny hand in mine
I'm not a perfect woman, Lord, I don't wish it all away
My name can't be Mama today

[Verse 2: Amanda Shires]
Today I didn't listen to the voice inside my head
I peeled out of the driveway left my family in bed
Know it wouldn't be easier to just quit the road and stay home
I'd lose myself inside the halls, unsatisfied and alone

[Chorus 2]
Sometimes all I want is to run back to you at night
To rock you to sleep, to keep the blues out of your eyes
I'm not the kind of woman that would throw it all away
But my name can't be Mama today

[Verse 3: Maren Morris]
I drive my mother crazy out here traveling the world
Free-wheelin' in the city, I'm a solitary girl
I'm livin' in the moment, knowing there might come a day
But my name can't be Mama today, uh-uh

[Chorus 3]
It's not that I don't want to, I just don't want to today
I'm not a fan of mornings and I love my chardonnay
No, I'm not saying never, I won't wish it all away
But my name can't be Mama today, oh no
My name can't be Mama today

The Highwomen are a country supergroup formed by Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires in 2019. The name of the project is a reference to the collaboration of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson called The Highwaymen, which was established in 1985.

Shires first came up with the idea for the group in 2016 as a response to how few women were being played on country radio. With help from producer Dave Cobb, she soon recruited Carlile and eventually rounded out the lineup with the additions of Morris and Hemby. The four first performed together at a celebration of country legend Loretta Lynn. Their first single, “Redesigning Women”, was released in July 2019. Their self-titled album was released on September 6, 2019.

The group considers the project a movement, not just a band. Carlile says, ”anyone can be a Highwoman. It’s about banding together, abandoning as much ego as humanly possible, holding one another up and amplifying other women every chance we get. Shoulder to shoulder. One push, one love."

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The Highwomen

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