Best known for his wry humor, Snider has been a fixture on the Americana, alt-country, and folk scene since his debut on MCA, entitled Songs for the Daily Planet, named for the bar where Snider used to play regularly in Memphis. On that album were the minor hits "Talkin' Seattle Grunge Rock Blues", a folk song about the early '90's grunge scene, featuring a band that "refused to play", and "Alright Guy", which later became the title cut of Gary Allan's 2001 album.
He released two more albums for MCA, Step Right Up and Viva Satellite, the latter often sparking colorful debate amongst fans for its comparisons to Tom Petty. He moved to John Prine's Oh Boy Records where he made Happy to Be Here, New Connection, Near Truths and Hotel Rooms, and East Nashville Skyline. That Was Me: The Best of Todd Snider 1994–1998 was released on the Hip-O label in August 2005.
Todd Snider's next studio album, The Devil You Know, was released in August 2006. It marked Snider's return to a major label, as he is now recording for New Door Records, a subsidiary of Universal Records.
The Devil You Know was named to several critics' year-end "best" lists, including a No. 33 ranking in Rolling Stone magazine's top 50 albums of the year, a No. 25 ranking by No Depression magazine, and No. 14 by Blender magazine.
Snider's songs "Late Last Night" and "I Believe You" have been recorded by the Oklahoma country-rock band Cross Canadian Ragweed. He co-wrote the song "Barbie Doll" with country star Jack Ingram.
Snider's new album, Peace Queer, is set to be released on October 14th, 2008, and will be available as a free download from Oct. 11 to Oct. 31 at http://www.toddsnider.net/store/product/1/Peace-Queer .
The Ghost of Johnny Cash
Todd Snider Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
OUTSIDE HIS WINDOW DANCING ALONE ONE NIGHT
HE GOT THE FEELING SHE WAS DANCING WITH HIS FATHER
WHEN HE ASKED HER SHE TOLD HIM HE WAS RIGHT
WHEN LORETTA LYNN GOES DANCING
WITH THE GHOST OF JOHNNY CASH
FATHER TIME TAKES FOREVER AND MAKES IT LOOK
VIOLINS BOW INTO FIDDLES TWO ICONIC CYMBALS CRASH
WHEN LORETTA LYNN GOES DANCING WITH THE GHOST OF JOHNNY CASH
THEY CALLED HER COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER
THE MAN IN BLACK WAS WHAT THEY CALLED HIM
SHE COME FROM OLD BUTCHER HOLLER
HE COULD HEAR THAT TRAIN A COMIN
COMING DOWN A BEND
WHEN LORETTA LYNN GOES DANCING
WITH THE GHOST OF JOHNNY CASH
FATHER TIME TAKES FOREVER AND MAKES IT LOOK
LIKE LESS THAN A LIGHTNING FLASH
VIOLINS BOW INTO FIDDLES TWO ICONIC CYMBALS CRASH
WHEN LORETTA LYNN GOES DANCING WITH THE GHOST OF JOHNNY CASH
LIKE A SONG INTO THE ETHER
LIKE A SOUL INTO THE LIGHT
JOHN CARTER TOLD ME HE SAW HER
SHE WAS OUT THERE DANCING AGAIN
THAT VERY NEXT NIGHT
WHEN LORETTA LYNN GOES DANCING
WITH THE GHOST OF JOHNNY CASH
FATHER TIME TAKES FOREVER AND MAKES IT LOOK
LIKE LESS THAN A LIGHTNING FLASH
VIOLINS BOW INTO FIDDLES TWO ICONIC CYMBALS CRASH
WHEN LORETTA LYNN GOES DANCING WITH THE GHOST OF JOHNNY CASH
THE GHOST OF JOHNNY CASH
In "The Ghost of Johnny Cash," Todd Snider paints a picture of a hauntingly beautiful scenario where Loretta Lynn, often known as the Coal Miner's Daughter, dances with the ghost of the legendary Johnny Cash. The song suggests that this encounter takes place outside John Carter's window, as he witnesses Loretta dancing alone one night. Intriguingly, the lyrics hint that Loretta may be dancing with John Carter's father, who had passed away.
The song emphasizes the timeless connection between Loretta and Johnny Cash. It suggests that when they dance together, time appears to slow down, making it seem like a fleeting moment compared to the enduring impact they have had in the music world. Snider uses vivid language to describe this, with violins transitioning into fiddles, and two iconic cymbals crashing. This imagery represents the merging and blending of their musical styles, creating a harmonious dance between two legends.
The lyrics also allude to the roots of Loretta Lynn's upbringing in Butcher Holler and Johnny Cash's renowned nickname, "The Man In Black." By referencing these aspects of their lives, Snider acknowledges the cultural significance and authenticity associated with both artists. The mention of the train coming down the bend symbolizes the undeniable presence and influence of Cash's music on Lynn's career.
The final verse reveals that the encounter between Loretta and Johnny's ghost is not just a one-time event. John Carter informs Snider that he saw Loretta dancing again the very next night, suggesting that their connection transcends ordinary human boundaries. The repetition of the chorus underscores the mystical nature of the experience, reinforcing the idea that when Loretta dances with the ghost of Johnny Cash, something extraordinary and magical happens.
Overall, "The Ghost of Johnny Cash" is a poetic tribute to the enduring legacies of Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash. The song explores themes of timelessness, musical heritage, and spiritual connections, inviting listeners to imagine a world where two icons of American music continue to inspire and captivate even beyond the confines of mortality.
Line by Line Meaning
JOHN CARTER TOLD ME HE SAW HER
A person named John Carter informed me that he witnessed her presence
OUTSIDE HIS WINDOW DANCING ALONE ONE NIGHT
She was outside, dancing by herself, during one particular night
HE GOT THE FEELING SHE WAS DANCING WITH HIS FATHER
He had a suspicion that she was dancing with his deceased father
WHEN HE ASKED HER SHE TOLD HIM HE WAS RIGHT
When he asked her about it, she confirmed his belief
WHEN LORETTA LYNN GOES DANCING
During the times when Loretta Lynn engages in dancing
WITH THE GHOST OF JOHNNY CASH
She accompanies the intangible presence of Johnny Cash
FATHER TIME TAKES FOREVER AND MAKES IT LOOK LIKE LESS THAN A LIGHTNING FLASH
The passage of time, which feels lengthy, appears to move rapidly like a fleeting lightning bolt
VIOLINS BOW INTO FIDDLES TWO ICONIC CYMBALS CRASH
The sound of violins transforms into fiddles, while two well-known cymbals collide
THEY CALLED HER COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER
She was known by the title 'Coal Miner's Daughter'
THE MAN IN BLACK WAS WHAT THEY CALLED HIM
He went by the name 'The Man in Black'
SHE COME FROM OLD BUTCHER HOLLER
She hailed from a place called Old Butcher Holler
HE COULD HEAR THAT TRAIN A COMIN
He could audibly detect the approaching train
COMING DOWN A BEND
Approaching from around a curve
LIKE A SONG INTO THE ETHER
Similar to a song dissipating into the invisible realm
LIKE A SOUL INTO THE LIGHT
Comparable to a soul being embraced by illumination
JOHN CARTER TOLD ME HE SAW HER
Once again, John Carter reported that he witnessed her presence
SHE WAS OUT THERE DANCING AGAIN
She was once again out there, engaging in dance
THAT VERY NEXT NIGHT
On the following night
THE GHOST OF JOHNNY CASH
The supernatural embodiment of Johnny Cash
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHN CARTER CASH, TODD DANIEL SNIDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Neil Lundy
I first heard of Todd in 93.
I haven't stopped listening to him yet.
Perry Phillipps
Another gorgeous song, can't wait for this album!
Timberbanktunes
Todd Snider is back to his original, unique and insightful best!
i jeff
I wish he would go back to his original sound. This isn't it.
Whiskey Duo
Another GREAT tune from Todd! Really looking forward to this album.
paul lepak
Love his old stuff but this new album just blows me away. Saw him tonight in Hartford ct . Truly one of the best . I’m so greatful he’s around
Brian Starnes
I waited a longtime for this record. This guy,every record of his that comes out, seems to be about things been on my mind, & I am talking I been thinking hard on the stuff he is singing about! Last one so much, I couldn't believe it. Plus he has just got a divorce, which sucks for sure. But he told a story about what makes a great songwriter, said no one knew, but he told this story on about being able to back all you got, be out of where you are in 15 minutes. And living a life where that move is nesassary now & then? Not sure how happy you will be, but you should always have shit to write about. And I know there is a song on there for me, always is, & I need one too! Music is where I go when I am down, & I am down far as I ever recall being. Not meaning to cry & shit, just saying there is a song on this album, so when I hear it, you know I called it! I know for sure, saw it painted on a tunnel, Todd Snider Rules!
Martha Stephens
Happy heavenly birthday to Johnny today. Love this Todd 💙
John DeGroot
love this
BrownCLM
Love what you did with this one. We'll done