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.
Matthew 24
Johnny Cash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People gettin' ready for battle and there may be just one more
I heard about an earthquake and the toll it took away
These are the signs of the times we're in today
Matthew 24 is knocking at the door
And there can't be too much more to come to past (come to past)
Matthew 24 is knockin' at the door and today or one day more could be the last
The great bear from the Northland has risen from his sleep
And the army ranks in red are near two hundred million deep
The young and old now prophesy a coming prince of peace
And last night I dreamed of lightening in the East
Matthew 24 is knocking at the door...
Johnny Cash's "Matthew 24" is a song that reflects on the biblical warnings about the end times. The song deals with various signs of these times, such as rumors of wars and earthquakes, all of which serve as a reminder to the listener that they need to be prepared for those undeniable facts. The song reminds us that these signs are confirming Jesus is coming soon, drawing a picture of it with the lyrics like, "Matthew 24 is knocking at the door." Cash tells us that we must be ready, for the end times will soon be upon us. The song makes an effort to heighten the importance of the listener's involvement, asking them to take the necessary steps to be ready.
Johnny Cash delivers a message that goes beyond biblical teachings; it carries a universal significance that resonates with people of all religions. It's a call to humanity to stay vigilant, to remain hopeful and to be ready in times of peril. The song's haunting lyrics and soft, gentle tune will stay with listeners long after they hear it, reminding us that every moment is precious, and we may not get a second chance.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard on the radio there's rumors of war
There are discussions on the radio about a possible war
People gettin' ready for battle and there may be just one more
People are preparing for a fight and there may only be one more battle
I heard about an earthquake and the toll it took away
I heard about an earthquake that caused damage and loss of lives
These are the signs of the times we're in today
These events are indications of the current era we live in
Matthew 24 is knocking at the door
The events predicted in Biblical Matthew chapter 24 are approaching
And there can't be too much more to come to past (come to past)
Not much time remains before these events occur
Matthew 24 is knockin' at the door and today or one day more could be the last
The events predicted in Matthew 24 could happen today or in the near future
The great bear from the Northland has risen from his sleep
An army from the north has awoken and is mobilizing
And the army ranks in red are near two hundred million deep
There are around two hundred million troops gathering in red uniforms
The young and old now prophesy a coming prince of peace
The old and young generations are anticipating the arrival of a peaceful leader
And last night I dreamed of lightening in the East
I had a dream about lightning in the eastern part of the world
Matthew 24 is knocking at the door...
The events predicted in Biblical Matthew chapter 24 are approaching
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHNNY R. CASH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eden Ononye
What a great song at d right time!!!
Found myself shedding tears about d great knock at d door of our heart that many are DEAF to hear,because they are entangled with d noise of d world,from d hustle & bustle of life.
Just love this song..a GREAT REMINDER OF THE TIME WE ARE IN!
TODAY might be the last,for our TOMORROW IS NOT GUARANTEED!
BE READY!!!
Jochen Amos Hansen
Message to Eden Onoye 》Peace Be With You In The Name Of The Lord [Psalm 23] Sadly I Agree Brother,its like you said and that is why there are only 140.000[Millions from 8 Billion Souls] All Things Must Pass,but this is not the final end,but it is the beginning of the words that Jesus said in Matthew 24~Sig. Nr.4 is broken ~Only 3 are left now,and secret 8 one~What is happening now is cause a chainreaction,one by one,and only the Lord knows,not the Angels,and also not the Son,when the final moment of Judgement Day will arise.But it is now the beginning of the final chapter that is moving on now and nothing will be ever normal again ~ God Bless You And Peace Be with your house and family and all that you got~Psalm 14,_Psalm 24_Psalm 37_Psalm 121_Psalm 1
Kimber lea Bene
How prophetic. Thanks, brother❤️
Edson
Muito lindo esta canção e interpretação
Dejael Long
I love this song. I am learning it to sing it myself.
Frank Sweeney
Me too awesome song
Frank Sweeney
😀😀😀😀😀😄😄😄😀
Dragon beast
Dejael Long nice
Colin Braden
@Magnus Oliver Flixportal
Robert Holley
He's one of the best.