VH1 Storytellers is a live album by J… Read Full Bio ↴Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.
VH1 Storytellers is a live album by Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, released in 1998 (see 1998 in music) on American Recordings. The album was produced by Rick Rubin and was the third record released as part of Cash's 9-year period of collaboration with Rubin.
The opening track is a duet with Cash and Nelson, followed by alternating solos by both artists. Cash and Nelson discuss the songs and their origins between tracks on the recording.
Unchained Melody
Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've hungered for your touch
A long lonely time
Time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine
I need your love
I need your love
Lonely rivers flow
To the sea
To the sea
To the open arms of the sea
Lonely riverside
Wait for me
Wait for me
I'll be coming home
Wait for me
Time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
God speed your love to me
The lyrics to Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson's version of Unchained Melody speak to the deep longing of a man for the touch and affection of his loved one. The singer has been away from his beloved for a long time, and the loneliness has taken a toll on him. Time moves very slowly when one is in a state of heartache, and the days seem to drag on without end. The singer is unsure whether his lover still considers him hers, and he seeks reassurance.
The lyrics of the song evoke the image of a river that flows towards the sea, where the singer's "lonely riverside" is waiting for him to come home. The sea represents a place of comfort and security, where the singer can embrace his lover and feel safe and loved. The chorus of the song repeats the plea for his lover's love to speed towards him: "I need your love, God speed your love to me." The song's longing and yearning sentiments are encapsulated in this line, and it speaks to the deeply emotional and personal nature of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh my love, my darling
Addressing the loved one, the singer expresses the depth of his love and affection.
I've hungered for your touch
The singer yearns for the physical closeness of the loved one.
A long lonely time
The singer has been apart from the loved one for an extended and distressing period.
Time goes by so slowly
The artist perceives the passage of time as agonizingly sluggish.
And time can do so much
The artist acknowledges the power of time to change and transform.
Are you still mine
The singer queries the unchanged nature of the loved one's feelings towards him, despite the time that has passed.
I need your love
The singer cannot do without the love of his partner.
God speed your love to me
The artist fervently wishes for the love of his partner to reach him soon.
Lonely rivers flow
The rivers reflect the artist's loneliness and separation from his partner, who resides elsewhere.
To the sea
The rivers eventually empty into the vast expanse of the sea, symbolizing the artist's desire to reunite with his partner.
To the open arms of the sea
The singer enumerates the welcoming embrace of the sea and associates it with his anticipation of a similar welcoming reception from his partner.
Lonely riverside
The artist stands on the banks of the river, a lone figure separated from his love by water and distance.
Wait for me
The singer implores his partner to stay true, to wait for him, and to not give up on their love.
I'll be coming home
The singer provides hope and reassurance that he will soon return home and be reunited with the love of his life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, UNCHAINED MELODY PUB LLC
Written by: Alex North, Hyman Zaret
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Randy Brooks
The whole "Stardust" album is a classic. Willie strips these standards down to the frames, and allows the songs to speak for themselves, without theatrics.
Deb Vilmont
Willie is a Godsend. What an experience it is to be able to be entranced with his voice
Suzy Alabama
I love Willie's voice.
Patsy Self
Willie is a National Treasure, Love his Voice and his wonderful presentation of any song he sings. Thank You for sharing your wonderful talent!
RC286
This is an incredible song, and by far the best version, better than the original. Willies voice and the harmonica do so much for this song! Gives it a euphoric atmosphere.
Tim Oneal
what an awesome artist, so easy to melt right into his songs , the real deal thanks for years of your music so much pleasure
Tgunderson79
This version has always held me speechless. First time I heard it was years ago now, but the blues harp solo made my breath stop as I listened.
Scott Hurst
This track, Georgia on my Mind, and September Song are just too good.
Suzy Alabama
This song and Willie are Heaven sent. Thank you Willie. ❤
I am Peculiar, Satsuma
Stardust is one of the best albums of all time, never mind Country albums