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.
I Corinthians 15:55
Johnny Cash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
O Grave, where is thy victory?
O Life, you are a shining path
And hope springs eternal, just over the rise
When I see my redeemer beckoning me
Oh row my ship over the waves of your sea
Let me find a safe port now and then
Until it's time to pack it in
O, row, row my ship
With the fire of your breath
And don't lay a broadside on
Your ship as yet blow ye warm winds
When it's chilly and wet
And don't come to soon yet
For collecting my debt
O Death, where is thy sting?
O Grave, where is thy victory?
O Life, you are a shining path
And hope springs eternal, just over the rise
When I see my redeemer beckoning me
Oh let me sail on with my ship to the East
And keep my eye on the North Star
When the journey is no good
For man or for beast
I'll be safe wherever you are
Just let me sail into your harbor of lights
And there and forever to cast out my line
Give me my task and let me do it right
And do it with all of my might
The lyrics of Johnny Cash's song, "I Corinthians 15:55," are based on a biblical passage that reflects on the inevitability of death, and the hope of eternal life. In the song, Cash is confronting the idea of his own mortality, asking the questions, "O Death, where is thy sting? O Grave, where is thy victory?" He then turns to the idea of spiritual salvation, describing life as a "shining path," and placing his faith in the hope that comes with redemption.
Cash's lyrics are full of vivid imagery, often using nautical metaphors to describe his journey through life. He speaks of "rowing" his "ship" over the waves of the "sea," and finding a "safe port" in times of trouble. He also addresses the "dark one," likely a reference to the devil or other powerful negative influences, warning against letting them into his "sanctuary."
Ultimately, the message of "I Corinthians 15:55" is one of hope in the face of mortality. Cash's lyrics express a deep faith in a higher power, and an abiding belief in the redemptive power of life. The song is a powerful meditation on the meaning of human existence, and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest musical artists of our time.
Line by Line Meaning
O Death, where is thy sting?
Death, why should I fear you when I know that I have eternal life through my faith in God?
O Grave, where is thy victory?
Grave, you may take my body, but my soul will live on in heaven, so why should I be afraid of you?
O Life, you are a shining path
Life, you are full of opportunities and adventures that lead me to grow closer to God and to fulfill His plans for me.
And hope springs eternal, just over the rise
I have an amazing hope, that even in the face of death, I know that my faith in God guarantees my eternal life in heaven.
When I see my redeemer beckoning me
When I finally see Jesus face to face, I know that all the trials of this life will pale in comparison to the beauty and glory of heaven.
Oh row my ship over the waves of your sea
God, please guide my life journey and help me navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and wisdom.
Let me find a safe port now and then
Please give me rest and peace along the way, by providing safe havens where I can replenish my strength and refresh my spirit.
Don't let the dark one in your sanctuary
God, protect me from the evil one who seeks to tempt me away from your love and grace.
Until it's time to pack it in
I know that there will be challenges and struggles in life, but I trust that You will be with me until the very end.
O, row, row my ship
God, I ask that You guide me and give me strength to navigate life's challenges with integrity and faith in You.
With the fire of your breath
Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and let me feel Your power in my life.
And don't lay a broadside on your ship as yet
Don't allow me to succumb to the enemy's temptations and stray from Your path for me.
Blow ye warm winds
God, give me comfort and encouragement when I feel weary or troubled.
When it's chilly and wet
When life is difficult and challenging, help me to trust in Your goodness and love.
And don't come to soon yet
I know that there is a time for everything, and I trust that You will come to bring me home at the right time.
For collecting my debt
When I come to the end of my life, I know that You will be waiting for me with open arms, and I will be free from the burden of sin.
Oh let me sail on
God, please continue to guide me on my journey of faith and help me to never lose sight of Your love and grace.
With my ship to the East
I look towards the dawn of a new day, with hope and anticipation for what lies ahead.
And keep my eye on the North Star
Just as sailors navigate by the North Star, I rely on Your guidance and wisdom to lead me in the right direction.
When the journey is no good for man or for beast
When trials and struggles come my way, I know that You will be my refuge and strength.
I'll be safe wherever you are
I know that I am never alone, and that You are always with me, bringing me peace and security.
Just let me sail into your harbor of lights
When I come to the end of my life, I know that You will welcome me into the glory of heaven.
And there and forever to cast out my night
In the eternal light of Your presence, there will be no more darkness or fear, only joy and peace.
Give me my task
I ask that You show me the work that You have prepared for me to do, so that I can use my life to glorify You.
And let me do it right
Help me to use my talents and abilities to the best of my ability, so that I can bring You honor and glory.
And do it with all of my might
Please give me strength and perseverance to complete the work that You have called me to, with enthusiasm and commitment.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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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