Johnny Cash — I Walk The Line
Album: With His Hot And Blue GuitarAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1671
Length: 2:39
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I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time.
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
I keep my eyes wide open all the time.
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
Comments (118)add comment
I read somewhere that the humming wasn't "part of the song", it was because he was trying to keep his starting pitch in his head for the next verse.
mdnlsn wrote:
Get over it. It is still a GREAT TUNE!! I like ALL of his versions of this tune! Thanx RP!
This is just not a good version...totally flat. Band sounds like a wind-up toy, and Johnny is mailing it in. Seems to me I've heard much better takes.
Get over it. It is still a GREAT TUNE!! I like ALL of his versions of this tune! Thanx RP!
GREAT AMERICAN
My boss looks exactly like a young Johnny Cash. Like exactly. Except he's Indian, so his skin is darker. It's uncanny.
9 -> 7
Raw Americana....
Long Live Radio Paradise
9 - OUTSTANDING
9 - OUTSTANDING
This is just not a good version...totally flat. Band sounds like a wind-up toy, and Johnny is mailing it in. Seems to me I've heard much better takes.
Thanks for that Cash and Dylan pic. Never saw that one before.
easmann wrote:
Good point about dramatic impersonations. I thought Joaquin did an admirable job but who could really do justice to the larger-than-life Johnny Cash?
easmann wrote:
Good point about dramatic impersonations. I thought Joaquin did an admirable job but who could really do justice to the larger-than-life Johnny Cash?
Wonderful song.
When I was 12 my mom took me to bingo with her. I won $72. Bought myself a cassette recorder and bought a Johnny Cash cassette for mom with I Walk The Line, because that was her favorite tune.
I've never been back to bingo since.
When I was 12 my mom took me to bingo with her. I won $72. Bought myself a cassette recorder and bought a Johnny Cash cassette for mom with I Walk The Line, because that was her favorite tune.
I've never been back to bingo since.
At most fear walking.
Like "Love Me Do" it's quaint and simplistic until you contextualize it.
Best song of the night.. Time for bed...
I like the song, but not so much the movie of the same title. Dramatic impersonations of the conspicuously living or the well-known media-enshrined dead — Johnny surely meets both criteria — even award-winning ones, don't usually thrill me. Anyway, when I hear a Cash song, I still can't quite elude the memory of the fun and funny, but no Ring of Fire, A Boy Named Sue.
Listening via Roku, no ability to PSD.
Make it STOP!
Make it STOP!
Classic Cash. I always enjoy hearing this.
Thought provoking
LongGoneDaddy wrote:
I believe Jimmie Rodgers has the same three inductions.
The ONLY artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, The Songwriter's Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
No one compares to the great Cash!
No one compares to the great Cash!
I believe Jimmie Rodgers has the same three inductions.
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
Stone cold "Godlike". How did they even record something this tight in 1956? That compressed guitar makes the song.
Stone cold "sucko barfo", in my opinion. I didn't know what 'sucko barfo' meant, but I do know. It means tripe like this. He should stick to novelty songs about patricide.
Stone cold "Godlike". How did they even record something this tight in 1956? That compressed guitar makes the song.
Johnny got tossed from the opery like willie....istant 10...............
I rember when this was the hit.......
I rember when this was the hit.......Love Johnny Cash
The way I see it the man produced art, right til the end
The way I see it the man produced art, right til the end
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
Paul this is America's Slim Dusty, Show a little respect. At the very least this is one of the first guitar rifts you learn when taking guitar lessons.
Stone cold "sucko barfo", in my opinion. I didn't know what 'sucko barfo' meant, but I do know. It means tripe like this. He should stick to novelty songs about patricide.
Paul this is America's Slim Dusty, Show a little respect. At the very least this is one of the first guitar rifts you learn when taking guitar lessons.
Sucko-Barfo !
Thanks for putting that rating in the scale.
Thanks for putting that rating in the scale.
Alpine wrote:
Yes, me too! But thankfully, without the Hee Haw!
Johnny Cash............This just thrusts me back to childhood and Grandma's house, the 60's, Hee Haw. All that. Johnny was king.
Yes, me too! But thankfully, without the Hee Haw!
Prefer the cocain-version of John C. Reilly!
Unforgettable!
Must stop - get a laugh-flash again!
Have you not seen the film? With Joaquin Phoenix as Cash?
Splendid!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ...
(Back-up singer.)
(Back-up singer.)
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
Could you away, further away? Somewhere cold. And no more comments until you walk back.
Stone cold "sucko barfo", in my opinion. I didn't know what 'sucko barfo' meant, but I do know. It means tripe like this. He should stick to novelty songs about patricide.
Could you away, further away? Somewhere cold. And no more comments until you walk back.
fredriley wrote:
Twang-chakka twang-chakka twang-chakka - mute! C&W (and yeah, it was W in those days) is like musical Marmite - you love it or you hate it. Can't bear it myself.
Q: What happens if you play country music backwards?
A: Your wife returns to you, your dog comes back to life, and you get out of prison.
Q: What happens if you play country music backwards?
A: Your wife returns to you, your dog comes back to life, and you get out of prison.
LOL! Hilarious. Especially coming from the UK..... Marmite is OK.... in small does. :)
I dunno man. Johnny has near deity status. You would be better off, perhaps criticizing New Gringrich and President Obama in the same sentence if in Rome.... Showing disrespect for Johnny Cash. It could be dangerous. People might ignore you. ....
Hmm - there's a certain movie that you should see. Can't think of its title offhand...
EssexTex wrote:
EssexTex wrote:
Can't say a bad word about the man..class through and through.
Classic.
Twang-chakka twang-chakka twang-chakka - mute! C&W (and yeah, it was W in those days) is like musical Marmite - you love it or you hate it. Can't bear it myself.
Q: What happens if you play country music backwards?
A: Your wife returns to you, your dog comes back to life, and you get out of prison.
Q: What happens if you play country music backwards?
A: Your wife returns to you, your dog comes back to life, and you get out of prison.
frink_1 wrote:
Which is exactly why this will always be a timeless classic! :)
This song is pure simplicity, pure elegance. A triumph of "less is more".
Which is exactly why this will always be a timeless classic! :)
Walk Hard, Dewey!
Stone cold "sucko barfo", in my opinion. I didn't know what 'sucko barfo' meant, but I do know. It means tripe like this. He should stick to novelty songs about patricide.
10 - Godlike - Duh!...
"Because you're mind,
I sniff your line...!"
I sniff your line...!"
Alpine wrote:
Right! But for me it was the neighbors house two doors down....
Johnny Cash............This just thrusts me back to childhood and Grandma's house, the 60's, Hee Haw. All that. Johnny was king.
Right! But for me it was the neighbors house two doors down....
Straight, to-the-point, from the heart ... and aren't we all that way?
This song is pure simplicity, pure elegance. A triumph of "less is more".
My today's good night song.
Due to popular demand Walk The Line from the Johnny Cash TNT special.
"Greatest legend ever!!! Larger than life! The expression of real integrity! I love him and I miss him pailfully ....."
Johnny Cash............This just thrusts me back to childhood and Grandma's house, the 60's, Hee Haw. All that. Johnny was king.
Yes, 100 times squared. 
He's the King of country and western.
He's the King of country and western.Johnny was a true classic through and through. :)
EssexTex wrote:
Wow, I didn't know that there was anybody who had not yet seen the movie.
Can't say a bad word about the man..class through and through.
Wow, I didn't know that there was anybody who had not yet seen the movie.
cattail321 wrote:
so....until there's a Johnny CREDIT ,,,,Cash rules
so....until there's a Johnny CREDIT ,,,,Cash rules
The ONLY artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, The Songwriter's Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
No one compares to the great Cash!
No one compares to the great Cash!
Subtle but strong . . . timeless
fredriley wrote:
When I was younger, 'johnny cash' was a condom vending machine :o)
...and every one had the phrase "buy 144 and be grossly oversexed!" graffittied on the case. It seemed funny at the time...
woozurbuddy wrote:
Cash is money.
When I was younger, 'johnny cash' was a condom vending machine :o)
aekl wrote:
If his relationship with his father was an important part of who he became, I think it would be a pretty dumb movie if it didn't spend a good amount of time with him in it.
damn... I knew better, can't believe I wrote what I wrote.. thanks for the correction!
Dude, comparing Cash and Bruce Manilow, not exactly the way to establish RP street cred...
Dave_Mack wrote:
...Reminds me of those Barry Manilow-type songs where there's a huge modulation near the end to generate the needed drama...
mamerjamer wrote:
I keep a close watch on these pants of mine
I keep my pants tied up with a piece of twine
I keep myself quite willing to oblige
Because you're mine
Please pull the twine!
Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I think of this little middle school diddie every time I hear this song.
I know, I know, I'm so immature!
Rock N' Roll!!!!
Can't say a bad word about the man..class through and through.
Classic. Don't miss Liz Phair's take off on this.
Ah, the memory of spinning my Mother's 45 Sun records. Bill, you rock!
We need more old Cash. The American stuff is very good, but this is classic. RIP J.R.
Love Johnny Cash!!!! Thanks, Bill! 
I keep a close watch on these pants of mine
I keep my pants tied up with a piece of twine
I keep myself quite willing to oblige
Because you\'re mine
Please pull the twine!
Sorry, I couldn\'t help myself. I think of this little middle school diddie every time I hear this song.
I know, I know, I\'m so immature!
fretman wrote:
Ahh, Cash.
Johann R Cash
outerspace wrote:
Interesting contrast with the Ditty Bops. Different takes on morality, or different versions of it.
Nice work Bill.
Same songs together again. Don't work for me though. Even a Ditty Bops/Rosanne Cash sandwich can't make me like JC (or much other Country and Western for that matter).
When he comes out of the chorus he is humming along with the bass so he zones in on the note. This is prolly a one take recording,but I dunno.
Sinatra used to do that on live big band recordings. Really cool little trick from when editing was a lot harder. You wouldn't even hear that nowadays. Which must suck for young'uns trying to figure out how to sing.
Cash wasn't country. He was a genre.
dpjag wrote:
I was born and raised in the U.S. of A. by a fan of country and western. My Dad (the country fan) never really got anything out of Johnny Cash, and I haven't either. Of course, my Mom, the Classical Music fan, never expressed an opinion. This is all to say that I'm not sure about that collective psyche bit.
Thank you for your non-representative example. As they say, there's always one in the crowd...
fretman wrote:
Ahh, Cash.
Oooh, Cash.
Man, he was good, wasn't he? I should have appreciated him more while he was with us.
Talk about understated brilliance!
definitive version. sam philips spare production and luthers guitar work make it. and of course, johnnies voice.
Ahh, Cash.
dionysius wrote:
Yeah, sure, Johnny wrote this great song. But it's Luther Perkins's sweet, rumbling guitar line that makes it. Johnny was a lesser artist after Luther's death.
I don't know about that. Have you listened to his work with Rick Rubin? In my opinion, it stands up to his early work quite nicely.
Dave_Mack wrote:
I'm afraid I'm not down with this tune. The sentiment is great, but the tune is just OK. And the key changes every verse are a curiosity, but I think it sounds strange. Reminds me of those Barry Manilow-type songs where there's a huge modulation near the end to generate the needed drama. That's always to a higher key--going to a lower one...just sounds weird to me. Several times.
The key change is pretty standard country-western music fare. Johnny Cash took it to an extreme in this song, admittedly. But I've always liked this song, even back when I didn't care much for JC.
I love love love this song AND the Man in Black. I bought this cd through the RP link to Amazon, as well as Black Cadillac, by Rosanne.
Interesting contrast with the Ditty Bops. Different takes on morality, or different versions of it.
Nice work Bill.
frank-peter wrote:
I`ll try years "Walk The Line" (rare it goes).
A very good song to tell me in the right moment again!
UUUUUGGGHHHHH????
Great Johnny Cash...doesn't get too much better than this.
I`ll try years "Walk The Line" (rare it goes).
A very good song to tell me in the right moment again!
I'm afraid I'm not down with this tune. The sentiment is great, but the tune is just OK. And the key changes every verse are a curiosity, but I think it sounds strange. Reminds me of those Barry Manilow-type songs where there's a huge modulation near the end to generate the needed drama. That's always to a higher key--going to a lower one...just sounds weird to me. Several times.
mfassett wrote:
It's written by his wife Rosanne for him... about their relationship. If you know their history, it makes sense.
No, no, and no. Rosanne is his daughter. His (second) wife was June Carter, and she wrote 'Ring of Fire,' which is about their relationship. Johnny Cash wrote 'I Walk the Line' about his relationship with his first wife, Vivian.
dmax wrote:
Cash is cool, and I really like his music.
But that movie sucked. It focused on his relationship with his father for almost 1/3 of the screen time.
If his relationship with his father was an important part of who he became, I think it would be a pretty dumb movie if it didn't spend a good amount of time with him in it.
betsy wrote:
I actually have no idea what the heck the lyrics say
It's written by his wife Rosanne for him... about their relationship. If you know their history, it makes sense.
squidish wrote:
Clobyn, It is hard to explain. His voice is part of our collective psyche - it's kinda visceral and internal. No words can describe how great Johnny Cash is.
This is one of those songs that people will just start singing as a crowd when they hear it. You probably have something similar in the NL?
I was born and raised in the U.S. of A. by a fan of country and western. My Dad (the country fan) never really got anything out of Johnny Cash, and I haven't either. Of course, my Mom, the Classical Music fan, never expressed an opinion. This is all to say that I'm not sure about that collective psyche bit.
I gave it the ten for the voice. God I love a man with a deep steady voice. I actually have no idea what the heck the lyrics say, and I've been hearing it for my whole life. Its just the voice that makes me sit up and beg. Myth or no myth, I kneel by my 10.
love the lid! so so song
Paul_in_Australia, thanks for the explanation. What you said is pretty much what I think about JC & fans, but are unable to explain properly (in English).
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
The myth making I am specifically referring to is the elevation of any song by JC to the status of a nine or a ten. As someone who is hearing JC's songs for the first time, there is a substantial gap between how I react to them and how others react to them by awarding them an eight nine or ten. To me, I suspect that the mythology of the man has influenced his < many > fans to abandon critical discernment and eulogise over every offering.
Excellent explanation. I totally understand what you're saying. I'm surprised that it doesn't travel, well, though, especially to countries like Australia. Anyway, my point was more that these are universal feelings - they are certainly not presented in a mode (country) that I expect to appeal to everyone. Hell, nowadays country hardly ever appeals to me, either (Dwight Yoakam being one shining exception). Thank you for the excellent response.
side note: Ever heard of Slim Dusty? My parents brought a CD home for me. Is it really as popular as they believe and the CD claims?.
aekl wrote:
What? I have no idea why separating myth and reality would have anything to do with liking Johnny Cash... or any type of music. Care to expand?
Firstly I respect your right to like the song and JC even if I dont! I think you can use the labels 'earth' and 'world' as frequently as you like, but country music is like Budweiser beer; it doesnt travel very well outside the borders of the USA.
Again, that doesnt alter the fact that JC is important to many Americans. But lets not pretend that Johnny Cash is a global phenomenon, any more than Robbie Williams < who is star everywhere but in the USA >
The myth making I am specifically referring to is the elevation of any song by JC to the status of a nine or a ten. As someone who is hearing JC's songs for the first time, there is a substantial gap between how I react to them and how others react to them by awarding them an eight nine or ten. To me, I suspect that the mythology of the man has influenced his < many > fans to abandon critical discernment and eulogise over every offering.
JC would not be alone in that regard. I feel the same about Led Zeppelin fans and Grateful Dead fans. Is there a pattern here? Yes! I am in the minority! So I may well be out of step, but that is my prerogative! In summary, JC may have made some great music, but this ain't great. IMHO!
Clobyn wrote:
What all the fuss about?
For one, he expresses things in a way that almost everyone on the earth understands how he feels, and has felt the same way. A lot of that, I think, is just keeping things simple. For two, he does it with a voice that seems to resonant with a lot of experience in the things he sings about, and an acceptance of what the world is, and what it is not. At least, that's what I hear. I'm sorry you don't hear it, but I understand your confusion about what 'the fuss' is if you don't.
Paul_in_Australia wrote: I agree. Americans seem to struggle sometimes to separate myth and reality.
What? I have no idea why separating myth and reality would have anything to do with liking Johnny Cash... or any type of music. Care to expand?
squidish wrote:
Paul, please see the previous post for my attempt to explain magic...
If Johnny Cash touches a cultural nerve for you, Im glad! If Johnny Cash is part of America's cultural heritage, im glad. If his music makes millions happy, Im glad.
No snide ending to this post. Music is about lifting the spirit and I salute Johnny Cash as a man who reached millions and still touches the soul.
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
I agree. Americans seem to struggle sometimes to separate myth and reality. I cant see what the fuss is about either. A four. Nice enough, but unremarkable in my opinion.
Mr. Cash is the only musician in the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. I consider that remarkable in itself. Peace 2 Ya Aussie Friend!
Paul, please see the previous post for my attempt to explain magic...
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
I agree. Americans seem to struggle sometimes to separate myth and reality. I cant see what the fuss is about either. A four. Nice enough, but unremarkable in my opinion.
Clobyn wrote:
What all the fuss about?
I agree. Americans seem to struggle sometimes to separate myth and reality. I cant see what the fuss is about either. A four. Nice enough, but unremarkable in my opinion.
Clobyn, It is hard to explain. His voice is part of our collective psyche - it's kinda visceral and internal. No words can describe how great Johnny Cash is.
This is one of those songs that people will just start singing as a crowd when they hear it. You probably have something similar in the NL?
Clobyn wrote:
Well, I listen to the music, not to the status of the artist.
I really don't understand what *everyone* seems to be raving about.
Yeah, sure, Johnny wrote this great song. But it's Luther Perkins's sweet, rumbling guitar line that makes it. Johnny was a lesser artist after Luther's death.
My parents took me to see Mr. Cash twice....when I was a 6 year old in San Antonio, Texas, and a 7 year old in Altus, Oklahoma. I'm glad they did that for me even though I had no idea at that time. 
mistatebird wrote:
A little homework on your part may clarify things for you
Well, I listen to the music, not to the status of the artist.
I really don't understand what *everyone* seems to be raving about.
A little homework on your part may clarify things for you
Clobyn wrote:
What all the fuss about?
What all the fuss about?
Less is more. A solid 10 from the original rebel.
ANY Johnny Cash gives me the chills. This is such a sweet love song. He was truly a genius.
The voice that always cut through the bullshit.
TobalMoreno wrote:
so simple, so awesome.
I'm with you brother!
fine_citizen wrote:
I NEVER see films right when they come out, but did happen to see Walk The Line last night. For what my opinion is worth, I was impressed that Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon apparently did their own singing.
As far the song goes, I always thought it was cool how Cash altered keys for each verse and altered his voice to match the key.
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I loved watching Phoenix be Johnny Cash, and Witherspoone be June. Defintely worth seeing!
This song has become emblematic of Johnny Cash himself. An artist on the edge, doing things his way. This is classic. What an incredible bass voice he has!
so simple, so awesome.
Luv Johnny... he & Hank, "family traditions". Wore black for all the right reasons.
fine_citizen wrote:
I NEVER see films right when they come out, but did happen to see Walk The Line last night. For what my opinion is worth, I was impressed that Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon apparently did their own singing.
As far the song goes, I always thought it was cool how Cash altered keys for each verse and altered his voice to match the key.
interesting observation.
I NEVER see films right when they come out, but did happen to see Walk The Line last night. For what my opinion is worth, I was impressed that Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon apparently did their own singing.
As far the song goes, I always thought it was cool how Cash altered keys for each verse and altered his voice to match the key.
Johnny!
Definitely a 10. The man in black...godlike in most every way.
yep, I'll make the first one a 10!
9 - OUTSTANDING
I Agree! I gave it a TEN. Thanx RP!