What Is Man
Johnny Cash Lyrics
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You made the stars, you made the sun
And all the worlds that came to be at your command
What is man? What has he done?
Then you crown him with glory and with honor
Give him dominion over land and sea and air
And store up an inheritance in heaven
Oh what is man that you would care?
What is man that you would let him live at all
To shed the blood of his own kind
And ever fail to even follow where you call
What is man? Why do you mind?
Yet you crown me with glory and with honor
Give me dominion over land and sea and air
And store up my inheritance in heaven
Oh, what is man, that you care?
What is man, Lord, that you would care?
The lyrics of Johnny Cash's song "What is Man" are a reflection on the relationship between human beings and a higher power. The song questions why God, or any divine force, would care about the actions and existence of man. Cash begins by acknowledging God's creation of the universe, emphasizing his power as the creator of all things. Cash then poses the question, "What is man? What has he done?" implying that humanity is insignificant in comparison to the grandeur of the universe. However, Cash also recognizes that God has given man a great deal of power and purpose, including the responsibility to care for the earth and its creatures. Despite this, Cash acknowledges that human beings are often cruel and destructive, killing each other and failing to follow the path set out for them by God. As such, the question of God's care for humanity is made even more poignant.
One possible interpretation of the song is that it reflects the tension between the power and responsibility that comes with being human, and the vastness and complexity of the universe. It suggests that while humanity may seem insignificant in comparison to the larger forces of the cosmos, it is still capable of making a significant impact, whether positive or negative. At the same time, it also acknowledges that humanity has a responsibility to use its power wisely and with care.
Overall, "What is Man" is a contemplative and philosophically rich song. It invites reflection on the relationship between humanity and the divine, and asks important questions about the purpose and meaning of human existence.
Line by Line Meaning
What is man that you are mindful of him Lord
Why would a divine being like you care about mortal humans like us?
You made the stars, you made the sun
You are the creator of the universe.
And all the worlds that came to be at your command
Everything that exists was created by your command.
What is man? What has he done?
What have humans done that would make them worthy of your attention?
Then you crown him with glory and with honor
Despite our flaws, you still give humans glory and honor.
Give him dominion over land and sea and air
You have given humans power over the natural world.
And store up an inheritance in heaven
You have promised a reward for humans in the afterlife.
Oh what is man that you would care?
Why would you care about us, despite our shortcomings?
What is man that you would let him live at all
Despite our flaws, you have allowed humans to exist.
To shed the blood of his own kind
Humans often harm and kill each other.
And ever fail to even follow where you call
Humans often ignore your guidance and teachings.
What is man? Why do you mind?
Why would you care about us, when we so often disappoint you?
Yet you crown me with glory and with honor
Despite my flaws, you still give me glory and honor.
Give me dominion over land and sea and air
You have given me power over the natural world.
And store up my inheritance in heaven
You have promised me a reward in the afterlife.
Oh, what is man, that you care?
Despite our flaws, why would you care about humans?
What is man, Lord, that you would care?
Why would a divine being like you care about mortal humans like us?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHNNY R. CASH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jonnyroxx7172
Three reasons why I love Johnny Cash:
1. He defies any single "genre" we try to put him in, yet he influences many.
2. He lived his life, good or bad, on his terms; no matter what Anyone else thought.
3. Every word he sang, he Believed with all of his soul. That, in & of itself, is almost a lost art in our world.
My country music loving grandmother loved him. My folk music loving mother loved him. My gospel music loving sister loves him. My punk & hip hop nephew loves him.
We all love you for many different reasons, Johnny. He was Bold, Uncompromising, Imperfect & Human. Right to the end. For me, you taught me not to ever sacrifice my integrity. And I never will. Peace. JR.
@SLG-jt1rd
everybody gangsta until the man comes around
@timbokrusch6440
You got that right
@emiltoutou1
Bad boys bad boys what you gonna do when the man comes around for you
@breewashere
Damn straight.
@brook5406
yes sir
@zerozilch
Truth
@stephansmith3570
Johnny Cash is the only man who could sing straight from the Bible and have a secular crowd sit still and listen.
@cornycontent1915
That's the power of any good evangelist 🙏
@GhostinTube
Huh I never would've guessed he was singing from the Bible. Heck Im Not even the same religion as the Bible. But I don't mind, this is an absolute masterpiece.
@normaaliihminen722
@@GhostinTube no Shalom no shalam should have been given it out.