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.
Heroes
Johnny Cash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heroes, larger than life
Up on the screen, every night
On the late show, oh what a great show
(Waylon)
Heroes, under the gun
Fighting for justice, for everyone
(Waylon)
Heroes, standing up tall
Taking their chances, risking it all
So you know there'll always be heroes
(Johnny)
Heroes, so good to know
So hard to find, sad when they go
Like the shadows, on the high road
(Johnny)
Heroes, ever on track
Never give up, never look back
Never lay low, oh never grow old
(Johnny)
Heroes, right from the start
They fall in love, straight from the heart
So you know they'll always be heroes
(Chorus: Johnny)
Ride on safe from all danger
Where have you been for so long
I've been waiting for another star
To rise in my night again
Give me a reason we all must carry on
Like all the heroes have done
(Johnny)
Heroes, facing the fight
Calling for courage, trying to do right
When the dust blows, and the light goes
(Johnny)
Heroes, tried and true
One for the other, ready to do
It tomorrow, like it was the last show
(Johnny)
Heroes, put to the test
Keeping a promise, doing their best
So you know, there'll always be heroes
(Repeat chorus)
Ride on, ride on . . .
The song "Heroes" by Johnny Cash is a tribute to heroes, both real and fictional, who inspire us to be courageous, to fight for justice, and to never give up. The lyrics are divided into several stanzas, each one emphasizing a different aspect of what makes a hero so great. The first stanza speaks of the heroes we see on TV, larger than life and always ready to take on any challenge. The second stanza is more serious, focusing on the heroes who put their lives on the line for justice and freedom. The third stanza emphasizes the bravery and risk-taking that are required of true heroes. The fourth stanza considers the sadness that comes when heroes pass away, leaving us only with their memories. The fifth stanza explores the never-give-up attitude of heroes, their ability to stay on track no matter how difficult the road ahead may be. The sixth and final stanza speaks of the love and compassion that heroes possess, and the way that love fuels their courage and inspires us to follow in their footsteps.
The chorus serves as a call to action, urging us to keep going when times get tough, just as heroes always have. It is a reminder that we, too, can be heroes if we are brave enough, if we have the courage to stand up for what is right, and if we are willing to never give up, no matter how many obstacles we face.
Overall, "Heroes" is a powerful, inspirational song that celebrates the qualities that make heroes so special - their courage, determination, compassion, and willingness to do whatever it takes to make the world a better place.
Line by Line Meaning
Heroes, larger than life
People who are heroes are like giants who have left a great impact on the world.
Up on the screen, every night
These heroes are often portrayed in movies and television shows.
On the late show, oh what a great show
The stories of these heroes are fascinating and entertaining to watch on television.
Heroes, under the gun
Heroes often face danger and adversity in their pursuit of justice.
Fighting for justice, for everyone
Heroes are motivated by their strong sense of morality and work hard to make the world a better place for everyone.
And we follow, where ever they go
People are inspired by the courage and leadership of heroes, and they try to follow in their footsteps.
Heroes, standing up tall
Heroes are brave and take risks in order to stand up for what is right.
Taking their chances, risking it all
Heroes are willing to risk everything, including their own lives, to ensure a better future for others.
So you know there'll always be heroes
Heroes have always existed and will always continue to exist as society needs their leadership.
Heroes, so good to know
Heroes inspire us and remind us that there is still good in the world.
So hard to find, sad when they go
It can be difficult to find true heroes in the world, and their passing is always mourned.
Like the shadows, on the high road
Heroes leave an indelible mark on society, like shadows that follow us as we continue on our path in life.
Heroes, ever on track
Heroes never lose their way and always stay true to their values no matter what happens.
Never give up, never look back
Heroes persevere through adversity and do not let their past experiences hold them back.
Never lay low, oh never grow old
Heroes do not slow down with age and continue to fight for justice for as long as they live.
Heroes, right from the start
Heroes are often born with a sense of justice and morality that guides their actions throughout their lives.
They fall in love, straight from the heart
Heroes have strong emotions and are not afraid to show them, including their love for others.
So you know they'll always be heroes
Heroes have a lasting impact that extends beyond their own lifetimes.
Ride on safe from all danger
Heroes continue their journey, even in the face of danger and adversity.
Where have you been for so long
People are always searching for new heroes to inspire them and guide them on their own journey.
I've been waiting for another star
People look up to heroes as stars in the sky that guide them through life's journey.
To rise in my night again
People hope for the return of the light that heroes bring into the world.
Give me a reason we all must carry on
Heroes remind us that we all have a purpose in life and must continue to strive to make the world a better place.
Heroes, facing the fight
Heroes have to confront difficult situations and overcome them in order to achieve their goals.
Calling for courage, trying to do right
Heroes inspire others to be brave and to always do what is right.
When the dust blows, and the light goes
Heroes continue their work even when times are tough and the future seems uncertain.
Heroes, tried and true
Heroes have been tested by adversity, but they have always stayed true to their values.
One for the other, ready to do
Heroes are willing to help each other and work together to achieve their goals.
It tomorrow, like it was the last show
Heroes live each day as though it may be their last, working tirelessly to ensure a better future for others.
Heroes, put to the test
Heroes face many challenges and must overcome them in order to achieve their goals.
Keeping a promise, doing their best
Heroes are committed to keeping their promises and always do their best to make a difference in the world.
So you know, there'll always be heroes
Heroes will always be needed, as there will always be people and causes that need their leadership and guidance.
Ride on, ride on . . .
Heroes continue their journey, never stopping or slowing down in their pursuit of justice and righteousness.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOBBY EMMONS, CHIPS MOMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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