"Everglades" is a song by Waylon Jennings. The song tells the story of a man who is born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He is described as a nice young man, but he becomes involved in a jealous fight and uses a knife, resulting in someone's death. Fearing the consequences, he goes on the run through the Everglades, a vast wetland in southern Florida. The Everglades, known for its dense vegetation and difficult terrain, is described as a place where a man can hide and never be found. The protagonist realizes that staying on the move is essential to avoid capture. The lyrics mention the danger of mosquitos ("skeeters") and alligators in a fictional town called Gatersville, emphasizing the challenges the man faces while hiding in the Everglades. A posse is sent after the man, and they come back saying that he will die and there's no doubt about it. Despite the danger, the man manages to survive in the Everglades, outsmarting his pursuers and evading capture. Over the years, his family believes he is dead, and he becomes ghost-like, occasionally spotted by people running through the Everglades. The song's meaning highlights the theme of escape and survival, portraying the Everglades as a place where someone can disappear and start a new life, although they must constantly remain on the move to avoid being caught. The lyrics convey a sense of isolation, freedom, and the harsh reality of living in the wild.
