Ring of Fire
Earl Scruggs w/ Billy Bob Thornton Lyrics

In "Ring of Fire," Earl Scruggs and Billy Bob Thornton cover Johnny Cash's hit song, including elements of bluegrass instrumentation and Billy Bob Thornton's gravelly voice. The lyrics describe the powerful and all-consuming nature of love, comparing it to a burning ring of fire. The singer fell into this fiery circle, bound by his or her wild desire, and couldn't escape the intense passion that followed. The taste of love was sweet at first, as his or her heart met with the other's, but soon the fire went wild and consumed everything in its path.

The song is a classic example of Johnny Cash's songwriting style, with its vivid and memorable metaphor and simple, catchy melody. It was written by Cash's wife, June Carter Cash, and fellow songwriter Merle Kilgore, and was inspired by a line from Kilgore's uncle, who said he dreamed of falling into a ring of fire. Cash's recording of the song went on to become one of his biggest hits, reaching the top of the country charts and crossing over to the pop charts as well. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including Social Distortion, Wall of Voodoo, and Eric Burdon.