Originally recorded at Sun Studio on April 2, 1956, and released on May 1, it spent six weeks at the top spot on the U.S. country charts that summer, and also reached number 19 on the pop music charts.
The song was re-recorded four times during Cash's career. In 1964 for the I Walk the Line album, again in 1969 for the At San Quentin album, in 1970 for the I Walk the Line soundtrack, and finally in 1988 for the Classic Cash album.
Cash's ex-son-in-law, singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell adapted the song into "I Walk the Line (Revisited)," which was recorded as a duet with Cash and released on Crowell's 2001 album "The Houston Kid."
A 1970 movie drama of the same name, starring Gregory Peck, featured a soundtrack of Johnny Cash songs including the title song. In 2005, a biographical film entitled Walk the Line was produced starring Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter, directed by James Mangold.
I Walk the Line
Johnny Cash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I find myself alone when each day's through
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine, I walk the line
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line" is a love song about the power of commitment and the lengths we go for love. At its core, the singer is saying that he finds it easy to be true to his love interest and that he's willing to go above and beyond for them. He admits to being a "fool" for this person, but his loyalty is unwavering. The chorus repeats the phrase "Because you're mine, I walk the line," which reinforces that idea that his commitment is tied to his deep love for this person.
In the first verse, he admits to finding himself alone at the end of each day, but this loneliness is juxtaposed with his willingness to stay true to his love. He is committed to keeping them on his mind and working to make the relationship work. The second verse reinforces this message, saying that his happiness proves that he's doing the right thing by being committed to the relationship.
The third verse speaks to the power that the other person holds over him. He says that they have a way of keeping him on their side, which has caused him to fall even deeper in love. He knows that for this person, he'd be willing to do anything, even if it meant turning the tide, which implies that he'd be willing to change or pivot in order to make the relationship work.
The final verse shows the singer's dedication and commitment. He is keeping a close watch on his heart and his mind in order to ensure that he's always true to his love interest. He's staying alert and carving out the space for their relationship to thrive. All of this is done because this person is "his" and he feels a deep sense of responsibility to be there for them, no matter what.
Line by Line Meaning
I find it very, very easy to be true
I have no desire to deceive you.
I find myself alone when each day's through
My thoughts are consumed with you, driving others away.
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
I acknowledge my devoted love for you.
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Your love gives me the strength to stay true.
As sure as night is dark and day is light
My love for you is constant and unwavering.
I keep you on my mind both day and night
You are always at the forefront of my thoughts.
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Our love has brought me nothing but happiness and reassurance.
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Your love gives me the strength to stay true.
You've got a way to keep me on your side
Your love and presence keep me loyal and devoted.
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
Your actions and love make it impossible for me to conceal my own.
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
I would do anything for you, even if it went against my better judgement.
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Your love gives me the strength to stay true.
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I am careful to guard my heart and emotions.
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I am vigilant to ensure I am always true to you.
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
I am intentional in maintaining the bond we share.
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Your love gives me the strength to stay true.
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Your love gives me the strength to stay true.
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Your love gives me the strength to stay true.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Cash
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jednatkin9959
"Because you're mine, I walk the line". Every man should sing this to his woman.
@SherrySpicer-oi1yl
Singing& doing are two different things.Lol✌🏻
@stolengeneration
I'm legit learning how to play this on guitar so I can play it to a girl someday
@waquasalam1450
And then go on to marry another woman
@afterburner2869
I’m a total hard rock heavy metal guy and in my opinion Johnny Cash is the coolest man to ever walk this planet. His attitude and persona are metal as well.
@Thur6663
I’m a metal guy as well and I totally agree with you man
@afterburner2869
@@Thur6663 🤘🏻
@elizabethmerriman531
Mmm, you are so right about Johnny. Cash. No matter your choice of music,.... Johnny Cash finds his his way into your soul
@afterburner2869
@@elizabethmerriman531 Very well said and are absolutely correct . He transcends all music and everyone respects him because he was the real deal. My parents got to see him in concert many years ago and I’m not sure if they realize how fortunate they were to have seen him live. I wish I had.
@elizabethmerriman531
@@afterburner2869 I was raised with music speakers in my bedroom. My father woke us up to all of the bygone music artists. When I heard Johnny Cash singing the Long Black Veil (original from the Orange blossom special) I stayed in bed until the song was finished. The women in the background, wailing, gave me chills. Listening to that song now still gives me chills.