crazy old soldier
ray charles & johnny cash Lyrics
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Women come knock on my door
I've lived to the limit
Maybe a little bit more
There are so many stories
About how I got out of control
Some say its a woman
Some say its my troubled soul
I'm like a crazy old soldier
Fighting a war on my own
Just me and the wiskey
And the bottles are ten thousand strong
You'd think I'd give up as many times I've been hit
But like a crazy old soldier
I just don't know when to quit
Barrooms and bedrooms
Are just faces and places and names
Once for the pleasure
And Lord knows once for the pain
I've tried to forget her
And all the things that we've done
But as long as there are memories
I'll never hang up my gun
I'm like a crazy old soldier
Fighting a war on my own
Just me and the wiskey
And the bottles are ten thousand strong
You'd think I'd give up as many times as I've been hit
But like a crazy old soilder
I just don't know when to quit
The lyrics to "Crazy Old Soldier" by Ray Charles and Johnny Cash tells the story of a man who has lived a life of excess, fame, and fortune. He has been through it all, with women coming to his door and pushing him to the brink. He has been out of control, and there are many stories about what drove him to this point. Some people say it's his troubled soul, while others believe that women are the root of his problems.
The man compares himself to a "crazy old soldier" because he has been fighting a war on his own. He has been battling his addictions, and the whiskey and bottles are his only companions. Despite being hit many times, he refuses to give up. He has been to countless barrooms and bedrooms, and he remembers them all, for better or for worse. He has tried to forget the past, but his memories keep him in the fight.
This song provides a glimpse into the life of a man who has lived his life on his own terms, for better or for worse. He has been through the ups and downs of life, and he continues to fight, even though he doesn't know what he is fighting for. This song is a reminder that everyone is fighting their own battles, and sometimes it's the victories along the way that keep us going.
Line by Line Meaning
I've had fame and fortune
I have experienced both money and success
Women come knock on my door
Ladies show interest in me
I've lived to the limit
I have been living life to the fullest
Maybe a little bit more
Perhaps a bit too much
There are so many stories
Numerous tales exist
About how I got out of control
Regarding how I lost self-control
Some say it's a woman
Some folks claim a lady to be the cause
Some say it's my troubled soul
Others theorize my personal problems led to this state
I'm like a crazy old soldier
I am akin to a mentally-stressed veteran
Fighting a war on my own
Battling personal demons solo
Just me and the whiskey
Only myself and liquor
And the bottles are ten thousand strong
I possess an immense number of alcoholic beverages
You'd think I'd give up as many times I've been hit
Observably having experienced failure frequently, one would assume a surrender
But like a crazy old soldier
Despite being madly exhausted, I carry on
I just don't know when to quit
I am unaware of knowing when to cease
Barrooms and bedrooms
Taverns and sexual relations
Are just faces and places and names
Meaningless destinations and persons
Once for the pleasure
Motivated by enjoyment
And Lord knows once for the pain
Also driven by agony
I've tried to forget her
I have attempted to erase her from my memory
And all the things that we've done
And the various activities we performed
But as long as there are memories
While memories still exist
I'll never hang up my gun
I won't give up the fight
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TROY HAROLD SEALS, PAUL HARDY KENNERLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Elaine Lane
This song is way underrated. To me it's absolute perfection
highnrising
Definitely one of Johnny's best '80s performances--and Ray is always great. I don't know why Columbia Records has buried this. They've never put it on a Johnny Cash hits disc or on any of the box sets they've done.
Cornelia Denninger
And I don't know why Columbia Records dropped the great John R CASH in 1986. He was such an incredible talent and still is great today. Happy Birthday GREAT MAN. CD
jerryboies
One of my favorite songs of all time.
Patrick Sanchez
All time favorite!!!! Love all music but when I hear this it takes me to a whole other level.... wife and kids trip out but love it once they heard the music
Webrádio Nós Na Fita 2
Coisa mais linda
Don Benevento
Two geniuses at work.
VICTOR BALIT
Cash became enormously better in the 80s, a more accomplished singer and often adopting (like here) the outlaw-style initiated by Waylon & Willie.
mrvizcarrondo
Ray delivery is so spiritual "Bar room and Bed Room are spaces places and names"
alecksmedina1980 and devinmedina2008
why does this song make me wanna run everyone out of this room, open up a bottle of firewater, and drink all by myself