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.
Silver Haired Daddy of Mine
Johnny Cash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bravely fighting the battle of time
There's a dear one who's weathered life sorrows
It's that silver haired daddy of mine
If I could recall all the heartaches
Dear old daddy, I've caused you to bear
If I could erase those lines from your face
If God would but grant me the power
Just to turn back the pages of time
I would give all I own, if I could but atone
To that silver haired daddy of mine
If I could recall all the heartaches
Dear old daddy, I've caused you to bear
If I could erase those lines from your face
And bring back the gold to your hair
If God would but grant me the power
Just to turn back the pages of time
I would give all I own, if I could but atone
To that silver haired daddy of mine
Johnny Cash's song "Silver Haired Daddy of Mine" tells a sentimental story about a man's appreciation for his aging father. The father has lived a long life, full of sorrows and struggles, but has faced them bravely and with determination. The son reflects on the moments where he has caused his father heartache and wishes he could take it all back. He longs for the ability to turn back the pages of time to erase the lines on his father's face and bring back the golden hair he once had. The son acknowledges the powerlessness in reversing the effects of time but would give all he owns to make amends with his silver-haired daddy.
The song's contemplative lyrics tug on the heartstrings of listeners, resonating with those who understand the importance of cherishing loved ones while they're still around. The song's tone and subject matter were fitting for the period of its release in the late 1950s, where country music heavily focused on familial values and simple, honest living.
Line by Line Meaning
In a vine covered shack in the mountains
My dear old daddy lives in a simple, humble home surrounded by vines and trees in the mountains.
Bravely fighting the battle of time
Despite his age and the challenges that come with it, my daddy is a fighter who bravely faces life's ups and downs.
There's a dear one who's weathered life sorrows
My daddy has endured his fair share of pain and sadness throughout his life, but remains a beloved and cherished figure in my heart.
It's that silver haired daddy of mine
My daddy has aged gracefully and proudly displays his silver hair as a symbol of his life experience and wisdom.
If I could recall all the heartaches
I regret the pain and hurt that I have caused my daddy and wish I could take it all back.
Dear old daddy, I've caused you to bear
My actions have caused my daddy to bear a heavy burden of hurt and disappointment, which pains me deeply.
If I could erase those lines from your face
If only I had the power to remove the wrinkles and signs of aging on my daddy's face, I would do it in a heartbeat.
And bring back the gold to your hair
I wish I could turn back time and restore my daddy's hair to its golden color, which symbolizes his youth and vitality.
If God would but grant me the power
I am willing to do anything to make things right with my daddy, and even pray for divine intervention to make it happen.
Just to turn back the pages of time
If I could just go back in time and undo the mistakes I've made, I would give anything to do so.
I would give all I own, if I could but atone
I am willing to sacrifice everything I have and make amends in order to make things right with my daddy, who means everything to me.
To that silver haired daddy of mine
All of these efforts and sacrifices are dedicated to my beloved daddy, who has taught me so much and deserves nothing but the best from me.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GENE AUTRY, JIMMY LONG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anthony Tudino
Johnny cash done a wonderful job singing that song, I always think of my dad when I hear him singing.
Peri Winkle
My mom just told me that this was my great grand mother's favorite sing. Precious memories.
Ellie Price
This song brings back a lot of memories. My dad used to tell about an old man named Baron Trapp who got drunk and threw his radio in the yard and stomped on it because it wouldn’t play silver haired daddy.
Susan Kreis
This was MY father's favorite song... fond memories
Ross Mullan
great song from the Man In Black. Written by Gene Autry and Jimmy Long, it was a huge hit for Gene in 1935.
William Anthony
This song always bring tears to my eyes
Judy Oram
My daddy would play this and sing . I loved to hear him sing and play many songs. So miss it.
Willard Shirkey
My cousins "Santmyer family band" sang this at my Dad's graveside last saturday=It was one of dad's favorites and he and Uncle Bob used to play when they were young. I hope Dad heard it. They really did a good job. Uncle Bob won the Grand ole Opera back in the 60's
Caras Life on the Farm
my husband and his cousins are going to sing this at his grandpa's funeral.
KajanBob
I have heard this song for about 55 yrs., and to me this is the best. I would like to know who did that beautiful picking,