No No No
Johnny Cash;June Carter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your father is a wealthy sailing man
If I asked you for your hand
Would you tell me no oh no no no
You're a poor boy from the farm land
My daddy is a wealthy sailing man
He told me if you asked my hand
Your daddy brings you silk to sew
From the finest shop in Tokyo
He told you to turn me down I know
But don't say no oh no no no
Yes daddy owns a clipper ship
And he brings me pearls on every trip
And pink champagne for me to sip
And you're the poorest boy I know oh so no no no
I can't give you anything
I can't afford a wedding ring
A present that I'd like to bring
But oh I love you so oh don't say no
My daddy's three days out to sea
And he would turn me across his knee
If he knew you were kissin' me
But I can't let you go oh no no no oh no no no
In the song "No No No" by Johnny Cash and June Carter, the singer is a poor boy from the farm land who is in love with a girl whose father is a wealthy sailing man. The boy asks the girl for her hand in marriage, but the girl tells him that her father would never approve and she must say "no". Despite this, the boy cannot give up on their love and sings about how much he loves her and hopes she won't reject him.
The girl in turn tells the boy that her father brings her silk from Tokyo and is very wealthy, but she still loves the boy despite his lack of wealth. She cannot reject him, even though her father would never approve of their relationship. Despite the difficulties they face, they cannot let each other go.
The song portrays the theme of love conquering all, even when there are social and financial barriers. It also touches on the idea of going against parental approval for the sake of love. The simple yet poignant lyrics and the captivating melody make it a memorable and heartwarming song.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a poor boy from the farm land
I come from a humble background and have little material wealth
Your father is a wealthy sailing man
You come from a wealthy family with connections to the sea
If I asked you for your hand
If I proposed marriage to you
Would you tell me no oh no no no
Would you refuse me emphatically and repeatedly
You're a poor boy from the farm land
I acknowledge that you are also from a humble background
My daddy is a wealthy sailing man
My father is still very rich and has links to the sea
He told me if you asked my hand
My father has already voiced his opinion on our potential union
I'd better tell you no oh no no no
He has instructed me to reject you resolutely and without hesitation
Your daddy brings you silk to sew
I acknowledge that your family brings you luxury goods from all over the world
From the finest shop in Tokyo
Specifically, your family obtains these goods from high-end shops in Tokyo
He told you to turn me down I know
I understand that your father has instructed you to reject me
But don't say no oh no no no
But please consider giving our love a chance and do not reject me without thought
Yes daddy owns a clipper ship
I acknowledge that your father has a ship specifically designed for speed and cargo capacity
And he brings me pearls on every trip
I recognize that your father has gifted you with precious pearls from his travels
And pink champagne for me to sip
Additionally, he provides you with luxurious beverages to indulge in
And you're the poorest boy I know oh so no no no
In contrast to my wealth and lifestyle, you remain the least financially stable person I know, and I must reject you
I can't give you anything
I acknowledge that I am also not in the position to financially provide for you
I can't afford a wedding ring
I am not wealthy enough to afford a traditional symbol of our commitment
A present that I'd like to bring
I acknowledge that I am unable to lavish you with luxurious gifts
But oh I love you so oh don't say no
Despite these limitations, I deeply love and care for you and hope you will not reject my affections
My daddy's three days out to sea
My father is currently away on a lengthy journey via ship
And he would turn me across his knee
If he knew about our relationship, he would undoubtedly physically punish me
If he knew you were kissin' me
Specifically, if he found out about us having physical intimacy
But I can't let you go oh no no no oh no no no
Despite the risks and barriers to our union, I cannot bring myself to end our relationship
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOHNNY CASH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind