Guess Things Happen That Way
Johnny Cash Lyrics


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Well, you asked me if I'll forget my baby
I guess I will, someday
I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way
You asked me if I'll get along
I guess I will, some way
I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way

God gave me that girl to lean on
Then He put me on my own
Heaven, help me be a man and
Have the strength to stand alone
I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way

You asked me if I'll miss her kisses
I guess I will, everyday
I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way
You asked me if I'll find another
I don't know, I can't say
I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way

God gave me that girl to lean on
Then He put me on my own
Heaven, help me be a man and




Have the strength to stand alone
I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way

Overall Meaning

In "Guess Things Happen That Way," Johnny Cash candidly addresses the inevitability of heartbreak and the struggle of moving on from a failed relationship. His lyrics suggest a deeply introspective attitude towards life's ups and downs.


The opening lyrics, "Well, you asked me if I'll forget my baby / I guess I will, someday / I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way," set the tone for the rest of the song. Cash acknowledges that letting go of someone he deeply cares about is not something he wants to do, but sees it as an inevitable part of life. He also emphasizes that while he doesn't like it, he is resigned to accepting what he cannot control.


In the verse, "God gave me that girl to lean on / Then He put me on my own / Heaven, help me be a man and / Have the strength to stand alone," he shifts his focus to his spirituality as he grapples with his heartbreak. Cash sees this as a test of his faith and asks for guidance to navigate this difficult time. The repeated line “I don’t like it, but I guess things happen that way” further illustrates his struggle with accepting the hand he’s been dealt.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, you asked me if I'll forget my baby
You inquired if I will be able to forget about my significant other


I guess I will, someday
I am not entirely sure, but it is likely that someday I may be able to forget about my baby


I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way
Even though it pains me to come to terms with it, sometimes things happen in life that are beyond our control


You asked me if I'll get along
You asked me if I will be able to manage and find peace


I guess I will, some way
I am not completely certain, but perhaps I will find a way to get through this


I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way
Although I find it difficult to accept, sometimes life takes unexpected turns that are beyond our comprehension


God gave me that girl to lean on
I was fortunate to have that woman to rely on for support and comfort


Then He put me on my own
However, it seems that God has taken her away from me and put me in a position where I must stand on my own two feet


Heaven, help me be a man and
I pray for divine guidance to give me the courage and strength to be independent and self-sufficient


Have the strength to stand alone
To be able to stand alone and face the challenges that life may present to me


You asked me if I'll miss her kisses
You asked me if I will miss the affection and intimacy that we shared


I guess I will, everyday
I am not certain, but it is likely that I will miss her every day


I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way
I find it difficult to accept, but sometimes we must simply acknowledge that some things are out of our hands


You asked me if I'll find another
You inquired if I will be able to find another partner


I don't know, I can't say
I am not sure if I will be able to find love again, and I cannot predict the future


I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way
Although it is not something that I am happy about, sometimes life takes us down unexpected paths




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jack Clement

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Anonymous


on Wayfaring Stranger

Wayfaring Stranger - The New Appalachians - Lyrics

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through this world alone

There will be no sickness, toil or danger
In that grand land to which I roam

Well I'm going home to see my mother
I'm going home to a morning rose
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I'm only goin' over home

Musical Interlude

I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
I know my way is rough and steep
And beautiful fields lie just before me
Where God's redeemed there vigils keep

Well I'm going home to see my brothers
I'm going home no more to roam
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I'm only goin' over home

Musical Interlude

I'm going home to see my Father
I'm going home no more to roam
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I’m only goin’ where no one roams

I want to wear that crown of glory
When I get to that good land
I want to shout out salvation story
In concert with that blood washed band.
I'm going there to see my saviour
I’ll see his face no more to roam
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home
I'm only goin' over home

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