Introduction
Johnny Cash was an American singer-songwriter who is known for his unique voice and rebellious attitude toward life. His music touched the hearts of many people and his legacy continues to live on today. One of his most famous songs is “The Man In Black” which was released in 1971. This song was written to explain why he always wore black clothing and to show his support for those who are struggling in life.
Verse 1
I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
Livin’ in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
But is there because he’s a victim of the times.
Interlude
Cash believed that his fans deserved to know why he always wore black. He explained that he wore it for the poor and the beaten down, those living on the hopeless and hungry side of town. He also wore it for the prisoners who had paid for their crimes but were still victims of their circumstances.
Chorus
We’re doin’ mighty fine, I do suppose,
In our streak of lightnin’ cars and fancy clothes,
But just so we’re reminded of the ones who are held back,
Up front there ought ‘a be a man in black.
Verse 2
I wear it for the sick and lonely old,
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold,
I wear the black in mournin’ for the lives that could have been,
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.
Interlude
Cash wore black for the sick and lonely old, the reckless ones whose bad trips left them cold. He also wore it in mourning for the lives that could have been, which is why he spoke out against war and promoted peace.
Chorus
We’re doin’ mighty fine, I do suppose,
In our streak of lightnin’ cars and fancy clothes,
But just so we’re reminded of the ones who are held back,
Up front there ought ‘a be a man in black.
Verse 3
I wear it for the thousands who have died,
Believen’ that the Lord was on their side,
I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,
Believen’ that we all were on their side.
Interlude
Cash wore black for the thousands who had died believing that the Lord was on their side. He also wore it for another hundred thousand who had died believing that they were fighting for a just cause, even if it turned out to be wrong.
Chorus
We’re doin’ mighty fine, I do suppose,
In our streak of lightnin’ cars and fancy clothes,
But just so we’re reminded of the ones who are held back,
Up front there ought ‘a be a man in black.
Conclusion
Johnny Cash’s “The Man In Black” was a powerful song that showed his support for those who were struggling in life. He wore black to represent the poor, the beaten down, the prisoners, the sick and lonely old, and the thousands who had died for their beliefs. Cash’s legacy lives on through his music and his message of compassion and understanding for all people.
