Cash was known for his deep, calm bass-baritone voice, the distinctive sound of his Tennessee Three backing band characterized by train-sound guitar rhythms, a rebelliousness coupled with an increasingly somber and humble demeanor, free prison concerts, and a trademark, all-black stage wardrobe, which earned him the nickname "The Man in Black." He traditionally began his concerts by simply introducing himself, "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash," followed by his signature song "Folsom Prison Blues".
Much of Cash's music contained themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially in the later stages of his career. His other signature songs include "I Walk the Line", "Ring of Fire", "Get Rhythm", and "Man in Black". He also recorded humorous numbers like "One Piece at a Time" and "A Boy Named Sue"; a duet with his future wife, June Carter, called "Jackson" (followed by many further duets after their wedding); and railroad songs including "Hey, Porter", "Orange Blossom Special", and "Rock Island Line". During the last stage of his career, Cash covered songs by several late 20th-century rock artists, notably "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails and "Rusty Cage" by Soundgarden.
Johnny Cash was born on February 26, 1932, in Kingsland, Arkansas, to Ray Cash and Carrie Cloveree (née Rivers). He was the fourth of seven children, who were in birth order: Roy, Margaret Louise, Jack, J. R., Reba, Joanne, and Tommy (who also became a successful country artist). He was primarily of English and Scottish descent. As an adult he traced his surname to 11th-century Fife, after meeting with the then-laird of Falkland, Major Michael Crichton-Stuart. Cash Loch and other locations in Fife bear the name of his family.
At birth, Cash was named J. R. Cash. When Cash enlisted in the United States Air Force, he was not permitted to use initials as a first name, so he changed his name to John R. Cash. In 1955, when signing with Sun Records, he started going by Johnny Cash.
In March 1935, when Cash was three years old, the family settled in Dyess, Arkansas, a New Deal colony established to give poor families a chance to work land that they had a chance to own as a result. Cash started working in cotton fields at the age of five, singing along with his family while working. The Cash farm experienced a flood during the family's time in Dyess, which led Cash later to write the song "Five Feet High and Rising". His family's economic and personal struggles during the Great Depression inspired many of his songs, especially those about other people facing similar difficulties. Consequently, Cash had sympathy for the poor and working class throughout his life.
Cash was very close to his older brother, Jack. On Saturday May 12, 1944, Jack was pulled into an unguarded table saw at his high school while cutting oak into fence posts as his job and was almost cut in two. He lingered until the following Saturday, when he died. Cash often spoke of the horrible guilt he felt over this incident; according to Cash: The Autobiography, his father was away that morning, but Johnny, his mother, and even Jack himself, all had premonitions or a sense of foreboding about that day. His mother urged Jack to skip work and go fishing with his brother, but Jack insisted on working since the family needed the money at the time. On his deathbed, Jack said he had visions of Heaven and angels. Decades later, Cash spoke of looking forward to meeting his brother in Heaven.
Cash's early memories were dominated by gospel music and radio. Taught guitar by his mother and a childhood friend, Cash began playing and writing songs at the age of 12. When young, Cash had a high-tenor voice, before becoming a bass-baritone after his voice changed.
In high school, he sang on a local radio station. Decades later, he released an album of traditional gospel songs, called My Mother's Hymn Book. He was also significantly influenced by traditional Irish music, which he heard performed weekly by Dennis Day on the Jack Benny radio program.
In 1997, Cash was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease Shy–Drager syndrome, a form of multiple system atrophy. According to biographer Robert Hilburn, the disease was originally misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease, and Cash even announced to his audience that he had Parkinson's after nearly collapsing on stage in Flint, Michigan, on October 25, 1997. Soon afterwards, his diagnosis was changed to Shy–Drager, and Cash was told he had about 18 months to live. The diagnosis was later again altered to autonomic neuropathy associated with diabetes. The illness forced Cash to curtail his touring. He was hospitalized in 1998 with severe pneumonia, which damaged his lungs.
During the last stage of his career, Cash released the albums American III: Solitary Man (2000) and American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002). American IV included cover songs by several late 20th-century rock artists, notably "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails and "Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode. Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails commented that he was initially skeptical about Cash's plan to cover "Hurt", but was later impressed and moved by the rendition. The video for "Hurt" received critical and popular acclaim, including a Grammy Award.
June Carter Cash died on May 15, 2003, at the age of 73. June had told Cash to keep working, so he continued to record, completing 60 more songs in the last four months of his life, and even performed a few surprise shows at the Carter Family Fold outside Bristol, Virginia. At the July 5, 2003, concert (his last public performance), before singing "Ring of Fire", Cash read a statement about his late wife that he had written shortly before taking the stage:
"The spirit of June Carter overshadows me tonight with the love she had for me and the love I have for her. We connect somewhere between here and Heaven. She came down for a short visit, I guess, from Heaven to visit with me tonight to give me courage and inspiration like she always has. She's never been one for me except courage and inspiration. I thank God for June Carter. I love her with all my heart. "
Cash continued to record until shortly before his death. His final recordings were made on August 21, 2003, and consisted of "Like the 309", which appeared on American V: A Hundred Highways in 2006, and the final song he completed, "Engine 143", which was recorded for his son John Carter Cash for a planned Carter Family tribute album.
GOD
Johnny Cash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Well my goodness gracious let me tell you the news
My head's been wet with the midnight dew
I've been down on bended knee talkin' to the man from Galilee
He spoke to me in the voice so sweet
I thought I heard the shuffle of the angel's feet
He called my name and my heart stood still
When he said, "John, go do my will"
Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Well, you may throw your rock and hide your hand
Workin' in the dark against your fellow man
But as sure as God made black and white
What's done in the dark will be brought to the light
You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut you down
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut you down
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut you down
The lyrics of Johnny Cash’s song “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” revolve around the idea that sooner or later, God will judge and punish those who are deceitful, dishonest, and unrighteous. The phrase, “You can run on for a long time” is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the fact that no matter how long someone may deceive and inflict harm on others, they will ultimately face their judgement day. The verses go on to call out specific individuals who fit this description, urging them to confess and repent their dishonest ways before it’s too late. The third verse shares Cash’s own personal experience of being called by God to do his will, and how he was left in awe and reverence of the experience.
The song’s lyrics have been interpreted in many different ways, with some fans and critics theorizing that it is a commentary on the corruption of the music industry, particularly during the time it was written. Others believe it serves as a message to people in power, warning them of the inevitable consequences of their unrighteous acts. Regardless of the interpretation, the overall message of the song is clear: those who hurt others and deceive will ultimately face their comeuppance.
Line by Line Meaning
You can run on for a long time
You can keep living your life as you please, ignoring any consequences that may come your way.
Run on for a long time
You can keep living your life recklessly with no remorse.
Run on for a long time
You can keep living your life without considering the gravity of your choices.
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
You will face the consequences of your actions.
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
You will not escape justice forever.
Go tell that long tongue liar
Spread this message to those who deceive and lie.
Go and tell that midnight rider
Spread this message to those who travel under the cover of darkness.
Tell the rambler
Spread this message to those who wander aimlessly through life.
The gambler
Spread this message to those who take risks recklessly.
The back biter
Spread this message to those who talk badly behind other people's backs.
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Warn them that they will face the consequences of their actions.
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Let them know that they can't outrun justice.
Well my goodness gracious let me tell you the news
Listen to this message and take heed.
My head's been wet with the midnight dew
I've been through tough times and I know what I'm talking about.
I've been down on bended knee talkin' to the man from Galilee
I have prayed to God for guidance.
He spoke to me in the voice so sweet
God's message was kind despite the grave repercussions.
I thought I heard the shuffle of the angel's feet
I felt God's divine presence.
He called my name and my heart stood still
God reached out to me and I was in awe.
When he said, 'John, go do my will!'
God tasked me with spreading this message.
Well, you may throw your rock and hide your hand
You may try to hide your bad deeds, but they will come to light eventually.
Workin' in the dark against your fellow man
If you cause harm to others in secret, justice will still be served.
But as sure as God made black and white
Justice will be served no matter how well you try to hide your actions.
What's down in the dark will be brought to the light
The truth will always come out eventually.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: John R. Cash, Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@boboutdoors8722
Leaving this comment so that whenever someone likes it I'll comeback and listen to this masterpiece
@ScorpionP2C
Come back sir.
@isbryanflyingordying2202
Get your ass back here
@lastnamefirstname9043
150 times in 3 weeks? You haven't listened enough here's another
@jcshinobi1973
And another….
@harrybob1998
Come on man 244
@LOL-cringe
- what’s done in the dark will be brought to the light..
- no truer words spoken.
- rest in Peace Mr. Cash
@EliThaShaman
His songs have purpose I feel like he actually felt compelled by god... I've had my own masters call before so I wouldn't doubt it
@faithisprecious
We're all gonna find out in this lifetime that's for sure!
@EliThaShaman
@@faithisprecious what righteous times we get to bare witness to. We shall participate in our own Kingdom come