Kate
Johnny Cash And The Tennessee Three Lyrics
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It made me lose my mind
Shot you with my '38
And now I'm doin' time
And you put me here
You put me here
Well there's no way to doubt
There ain't no two ways about it
You put me here
I've been tryin' to tell 'em
That I didn't do no wrong
Only gave you what you been
Deservin' all along
And you put me here
You put me here
There ain't no use denyin'
You done it with your lyin'
As sure as your name's Kate
You put me here
Well the jury found me guilty
They wouldn't hear my plea
I listened as that judge said
Murder in the first degree
And you put me here
You put me here
Well there ain't no need to doubt
There ain't no two ways about it
As sure as your name's Kate
You put me here
Now the warden and the preacher
They're lettin' me go slow
It won't be long until I'm gone
Just thirteen steps to go
And you put me here
You put me here
There's just one way to figure
Your cheatin' pulled the trigger
As sure as your name's Kate
You put me here
Well there ain't no need to doubt
There ain't no two ways about it
As sure as your name's Kate
You put me here
Kate, you just plain bad, you know that...
The song "Kate" by Johnny Cash is a storytelling song that narrates the story of a man who is in jail for killing his lover, Kate, after catching her with another man. The song is a tale of a man who is heartbroken after discovering his girlfriend's infidelity and how he eventually ends up taking her life. The lyrics bring out the anger, frustration and desperation of a man who is haunted by the memory of his lover's betrayal.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the blame the singer is placing on Kate for his current predicament. The lyrics "you put me here" is a direct accusation of his imprisonment, blaming Kate for causing the singer to commit murder. The verses also highlight the singer's attempt to prove his innocence but are unable to do so due to the overwhelming evidence against him.
Despite the grim subject matter of the song, there is a sense of poetic justice as Kate's actions come back to haunt her. The song serves as a warning and a reminder that actions have consequences, and sometimes, our choices can lead to dire consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I saw you with another
I witnessed you being unfaithful
It made me lose my mind
It emotionally overwhelmed me
Shot you with my '38
I shot you with my revolver
And now I'm doin' time
I am serving time in prison for the murder
And you put me here
Your actions led me to commit the murder
Well there's no way to doubt
There is no room for doubt
There ain't no two ways about it
There are no two perspectives to consider
As sure as your name's Kate
Without a doubt, it was you who caused this
I've been tryin' to tell 'em
I have been attempting to explain
That I didn't do no wrong
I did not commit any wrongdoing
Only gave you what you been
I only gave you what you deserved
Deservin' all along
Which you deserved for a long time
There ain't no use denyin'
There is no point in denying it
You done it with your lyin'
You caused this with your deceitful actions
Well the jury found me guilty
The jury convicted me of the murder
They wouldn't hear my plea
They did not consider my argument
I listened as that judge said
I heard the judge pronounce the sentence
Murder in the first degree
I was convicted of premeditated murder
Now the warden and the preacher
The prison warden and chaplain
They're lettin' me go slow
They are making me wait to die
Just thirteen steps to go
Only thirteen steps remain before my execution
There's just one way to figure
There is only one conclusion to draw
Your cheatin' pulled the trigger
It was your infidelity that caused this chain of events
Kate, you just plain bad, you know that...
Kate, you are simply wicked, you know it...
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARTY ROBBINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Toni White
I haven't heard this in years; I love Johnny Cash!
Wicker Bill
And that's a shame, it does'nt get much airplay in my area either. Johnny is one of my all time fav's
Najponk Jazz
Yeah!!!! Great mr.Cash!!!! 🎸
Najponk Jazz
Wicker Bill oh thanks very much!!!! We played many great tunes so far but not Jim Pepper song unfortunately....also as you said I'm happy to be alive❤
Wicker Bill
Yea, and that's a great combo y'all have put together over there...do you do that Jim Pepper song Witchi Tai To...water spirits springing around my head, makes me feel glad that I'm not dead.
Marryann Lamb
Thanks Bill . Have a great night .