Taylor wrote "Highway Song" in 1970 and he began playing it in live concerts during 1970, well before the release on Mudslide Slim and the New Horizon.
"[3] The song describes a journey, in which the highway represents punishment but also, according to Gerson, "has an irresistable [sic], sinister allure.
[5] Author Grace Lichtenstein described Gram Parson's "Grievous Angel" as being a "first cousin" to "Highway Song" in its "lament about purposelessness and need for love.
"[3] White regards this introduction as a continuation of a theme from Taylor's earlier song "Country Road," in which problems are resolved by going away.
Rolling Stone critic Timothy Crouse stated that Alex's singing of the "Sweet misunderstanding won't you leave a poor boy alone" line revealed his "blues streak.
"[8] Record World said that "Alex Taylor is actually talented and shines on this one penned by brother James" and called the single "quality listening.