The session on February 18 was devoted exclusively to duet covers with Cash. "One Too Many Mornings" and "I Still Miss Someone" were revisited, and rejected, yet again. "Matchbox", "That's All Right Mama", "Mystery Train", "Big River", "I Walk the Line", and "Guess Things Happen That Way", all made famous by celebrated Sun recordings performed by Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Cash himself, were all attempted on February 18, but none of these were deemed usable. Covers of Jimmie Rodgers' "Blue Yodel #1" and "#5", Cash's "Ring of Fire" (written by his wife, June Carter and Merle Kilgore), "You Are My Sunshine", "Mountain Dew", the traditional ballad "Careless Love", the traditional hymn "Just A Closer Walk With Thee", "How High The Water", and "Wanted Man" (a song written by Dylan specifically for Cash) were also attempted, and all were rejected. There was little enthusiasm for any of these tracks, but one duet of Dylan's, "Girl From The North Country" (which originally appeared on The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan), was ultimately sequenced as the album's opener.
Matchbox
Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, I'm sitting here wondering, would a matchbox hold my clothes?
Sitting here wondering, would a matchbox hold my clothes?
I ain't got no matches, but I got a long way to go.
I'm an old, poor boy and I'm a long way from home
I'm an old, poor boy and I'm a long way from home
I won't ever be happy; everything I do is wrong.
[Chorus]
Let me be your little dog 'til your big dog come.
Let me be your little dog 'til your big dog come.
When your big dog gets here, show him what this little puppy's done.
[Chorus]
The lyrics of "Matchbox" by Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash are a reflection of a poor boy's struggle to survive on the road. The chorus begins with the question of whether a matchbox could hold his clothes as he is lacking basic necessities during his travels. The line "I ain't got no matches, but I got a long way to go" reinforces the idea of the endless journey that awaits him. The repetition of the chorus suggests that the poor boy's life is a cycle of poverty and struggle, which makes him wonder if anything would ever change.
The second verse describes the poor boy's status as he is away from his home while portraying his dissatisfaction with life. He feels that everything he does is wrong and continues to suffer due to poverty. In the final verse, he pleads to be adopted as a pet by the person he is addressing. The phrase "Let me be your little dog 'til your big dog come" is an expression of his willingness to serve until the person's desires are met. When the "big dog" arrives, he hopes to prove his worth as a "little puppy" and change his fate for the better.
The song highlights the struggling nature of the lower class but also depicts their relentless spirit to keep going in life. It is a reminder of the difficult times that people go through, and the importance of empathy and helping others in need.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I'm sitting here wondering, would a matchbox hold my clothes?
I'm in a difficult situation and wondering if something as small and insignificant as a matchbox could carry my belongings.
Sitting here wondering, would a matchbox hold my clothes?
I'm still deeply pondering if a tiny matchbox can actually transport my essential items.
I ain't got no matches, but I got a long way to go.
I don't even have something as simple as matches to light a fire on this long and grueling journey.
I'm an old, poor boy and I'm a long way from home
I'm a grown man who is both financially and emotionally impoverished, and I'm very far away from where I belong.
I won't ever be happy; everything I do is wrong.
I will never find true happiness because no matter what I do, I always seem to fail.
Let me be your little dog 'til your big dog come.
I may be small and docile, but I can be of service to you until someone or something much more capable takes my place.
Let me be your little dog 'til your big dog come.
Allow me to be your faithful companion until someone stronger and more competent arrives.
When your big dog gets here, show him what this little puppy's done.
When your more prominent and influential counterpart arrives, please highlight the work that I have accomplished.
When your big dog gets here, show him what this little puppy's done.
When a significant figure joins us, please demonstrate the contributions that I've made.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CARL PERKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marinanelson2631
Well I'm sitting here wondering, will a matchbox hold my clothes
Yeah I'm sitting here wondering, will a matchbox hold my clothes
I ain't got no matches, but I got a long way to go
I'm an ol' poor boy and a long way from home
I'm an ol' poor boy and a long way from home
Guess I'll never be happy, eveything I do is wrong, yeah
Well let me be your little dog, 'till your big dog comes
Let me be your little dog, 'till your big dog comes
When the big dog gets here, tell him what this little puppy done
Yeah I'm sitting here wondering, will a matchbox hold my clothes
Yeah I'm sitting here wondering, will a matchbox hold my clothes
I got no matches, got a long way to go
Let 'er go boy, go-go
@KMWeir
Carl Perkins is playing guitar. My dad was his drummer for awhile. RIP Carl, Dad & Johnny
@abl48
Ottimo!
@ENACODNOM
Incidently, Carl Perkins is also in the session, playing guitar.
@helenesuss4606
I did not know that!
@vanessak.1100
johnny cash is the best musican ever. The god of music
@paolacelletti2056
Great song, great duet! Everything Johnny and Bob sing becomes pure gold ...
JohnnyCashShow, thanks for uploading and sharing!
@robertwalker4680
Bob Dylan and Johnny cash are musical perfection
@karmenjazbec7743
YEAH BOYS YOU WERE THE BEST WE ALL MISS JOHNNY
@karmenjazbec7743
YEAH BOYS YOU ARE THE BEST
@JohnnyCashShow
You're welcome my friend! Yes, they did! The session is called Nashville Session and the songs recorded in 1969!