Waylon Jennings + Johnny Cash

By age 12, Waylon Jennings [1937-2002] was playing in a band and working as a radio DJ. His style evolved over time, taking on a grittier, more bass-driven sound. He befriended such artists as Willie Nelson, and formed the Highwaymen with Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson in 1985.

«…You know, when you’re born in Texas, you’re taught that you’re a little bit bigger, a little better, a little bit smarter, and a whole lot tougher than anybody else. Now the really tough part is when you get out in the world and you find out you ain’t…»

♦→ ‘Never Been To Spain’ ↓

Well, I’ve never been to Spain – But I kinda like the music
Say the ladies are insane there – And they sure know how to use it.
They don’t abuse it, Can’t refuse it,
Never gonna lose it.
Well, I’ve never been to England – But I kinda like the Beatles
I was headed for Las Vegas – I only made it out to Needles.
But can’t you feel it, You must believe it
‘Cause it feels so good.
Well, I’ve never been to heaven – But I’ve been to Oklahoma
People tell me I was born there – Lord, I really don’t remember.
In Oklahoma or Arizona – What does it matter.
— Instrumental —
Well, I’ve never been to Spain – But I kinda like the music
Say the ladies are insane there And they sure know how to use it.
They don’t abuse it, Can’t refuse it,
Never gonna lose it…

♦ ‘I’ve always been crazy’ ⇓ [with The Lost Outlaws]

I’ve always been crazy and the trouble that it’s put me through
I’ve been busted for things that I did, and I didn’t do
I can’t say I’m proud of all of the things that I’ve done
But I can say I’ve never intentionally hurt anyone

I’ve always been different with one foot over the line
Winding up somewhere one step ahead or behind
It ain’t been so easy but I guess I shouldn’t complain
I’ve always been crazy but it’s kept me from going insane

Beautiful lady are you sure that you understand
The chances your taking loving a free living man
Are you really sure you really want what you see
Be careful of something that’s just what you want it to be

I’ve always been crazy but it’s kept me from going insane
Nobody knows if it’s something to bless or to blame
So far I ain’t found a rhyme or a reason to change
I’ve always been crazy but it’s kept me from going insane

♦→ ‘Waymore Blues’ ⇓

Well I woke up this mornin’ it was drizzlin’ rain
Around the curve come a passenger train
Heard somebody yodel and a hobo moan Jimmy he’s dead he’s been a long time gone
Been a long time gone a long time gone
If you wanna get to heaven gotta D-I-E you gotta put on your coat and T-I-E
Wanna get the rabbit out of the L-O-G
You gotta make a cold motion like D-O-G, like D-O-G, like D-O-G yeah
[ steel ]
Well I got a good woman what’s the matter with me
What makes me wanna love every woman I see
I was tri’fling when I met her now I’m tri’fling again
And every woman she sees looks like the place I came in
Looks like the place I came in place I came in
I got my name painted on my shirt I ain’t no ordinary dude
I don’t have to work I don’t have to work

◊→ ‘Lonesome On`ry and Mean’ ⇐

On a greyhound bus, Lord I’m traveling this morning
I’m going to Shreveport and on down to New Orleans
Been driving these highways, Been doing things my way
It’s been making me lonesome on’ry and mean

Now her hair was jet black, And her name was Codene
Thought she was the cream of the Basin Street queens
She got tired of that smokey whine dream
Began to feel lonesome on’ry and mean

We got together, and we cashed in our sweeps.
Gave ‘em to a beggar who was mumbling through the streets
There’s no escaping from his snowy white dreams
Born lookin’ lonesome on’ry and mean

Now i’m down in this valley, where the wheels turn so low
At dawn i pray, to the Lord of my soul
I say do Lord, do right by me
You know I’m tired of being lonesome, on’ry and mean

Yodelayeeee…

[Verse 1: Waylon Jennings]
I’ll bet it ain’t a-rainin’ back home I bet your sister’s still on the phone
I bet mama’s in the kitchen, cooking fried chicken
Wishing that I hadn’t done wrong

[Verse 2: Johnny Cash]
Don’t you worry about us none now, mama
Everything’s gonna be all right, mama
They’re teaching us a lot of new things in here, mama
Things like

[Verse 3: Waylon Jennings]
Papa’s readin’ yesterday’s mail
Wishin’ that the hay was all bailed
I’ll bet he’s a-wishin’ he could go fishin’
And here I am a-laying in jail

[Verse 4: Johnny Cash]
Don’t you worry about us now, Papa
They’re teaching us a lesson a day, we’re learning pretty well, too
We’ve already learned a whole lot of stuff already
Things like

[Chorus: Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings]
There ain’t no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain’t cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don’t go writin’ hot cheques, down in Mississippi
And there ain’t no good chain gang
There ain’t no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain’t cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don’t go writin’ hot cheques, down in Mississippi
And there ain’t no good chain gang

♦ ‘Nashville Women’ ↓

If it wasn’t for the powder and the fine tooth comb
If it wasn’t for the powder the paint and the fine tooth comb
You know them Nashville women might as well stay home, yeah.

If the blues was booze I’d stay drunk all the time
If the blues was booze you know I’d stay drunk all the time
Hangin’ out at the Boar’s Nest drinkin’ you off of my mind.

Goin’ down the alley to see what I can find
Goin’ down the Printer’s Alley gonna look around and see what I can find
Let some long time woman take me home and blow my mind.

If you’re long legged girl now you sure don’t have to talk
Long legged good lookin’ thing, you don’t have to talk
I can tell that you’re from Nashville by the boogie woogie, wiggle in your walk

Lookie here now, Jerry Lee the Killer would say:
‘Honey I want you to get down, all the way down, one time for me
See there Hoss these cowboy singers can do it too
Boogity boogity boogity’

Well you long legged girl now you sure don’t have to talk
Long legged good lookin’ thing you don’t have to talk
I can tell that you’re from Nashville by the boogie woogie, wiggle in your walk

♦ «Lovin’ Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)» ⇓

Written and recorded by Kris Kristofferson and released in July 1971 on his album «The Silver Tongued Devil and I». It was FIRST recorded by Waylon Jennings on his album «The Taker/Tulsa», released in February 1971.

I have seen the morning burning golden on the mountains in the skies.
Achin’ with the feelin’ of the freedom of an eagle when she flies.
Turnin’ on the world the way she smiled upon my soul as I lay dying.
Healin’ as the colours in the sunshine and the shadows of her eyes.

Wakin’ in the mornin’ to the feelin’ of her fingers on my skin.
Wipin’ out the traces of the people and the places that I’ve been.
Teachin’ me that yesterday was something that I never thought of trying.
Talkin’ of tomorrow and the money, love and time we had to spend.

Lovin’ her was easier than anything I’ll ever do again.

Comin’ close together with a feelin’ that I’ve never known before, in my time.
She ain’t ashamed to be a woman, or afraid to be a friend.
I don’t know the answer to the easy way she’s opened every door in my mind.
But dreamin’ was as easy as believin’ it was never gonna end.

Lovin’ her was easier than anything I’ll ever do again …

♦→ ‘Me & Bobby McGee’ ↓ [1972]

Busted flat in Baton Rouge, headin’ for the trains,
Feelin’ nearly faded as my jeans.
Bobby thumbed a diesel down just before it rained,
Took us all the way to New Orleans.

I took my harpoon out of my dirty red bandana
I was blowin’ sad while Bobby sang the blues,
With them windshield wipers slappin’ time and
Bobby clappin’ hands we finally sang up every song that driver knew.

Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose,
Nothin’ ain’t worth nothin’ but it’s free,
Feelin’ good was easy, Lord, when Bobby sang the blues,
Feelin’ good was good enough for me,
Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee.

From the coal mines of Kentucky to the California sun,
Bobby shared the secrets of my soul,
Standin’ right beside me, Lord, through everythin’ I done,
And every night she kept me from the cold.

Somewhere near Salinas, Lord, Bobby slipped away,
lookin’ for the home I hope she’ll find,
I’d trade all of my tomorrows for just one yesterday,
Holdin’ Bobby’s body close to mine.

Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose,
And nothin’ left was all she left to me,
Feelin’ good was easy, Lord, when Bobby sang the blues,
And buddy, that was good enough for me.
Good enough for me and Bobby McGee.

Oh the games people play now – Every night and every day now
Never meaning what they say now – Never saying what they mean

And they while away the hours in their ivory towers
Till they’re covered up with flowers in the back of a black limousine

[Chorus:]
La-da da da da da da da … La-da da da da da de
Talking ‘bout you and me and the games people play

Oh we make one another cry – Break a heart then we say goodbye
Cross our hearts and then we hope to die that the other was to blame

Neither one will give in – So we gaze at our eight by ten
Thinking ‘bout the things that might have been – It’s a dirty rotten shame

[Chorus]

People walking up to you singing glory hallelulia
And they’re tryin to sock it to you in the name of the Lord

They’re gonna teach you how to meditate, read your horoscope, cheat your faith
And further more to hell with hate – Come on and get on board

[Chorus]

Look around tell me what you see – What’s happening to you and me
God grant me the serenity to remember who I am

Cause you’ve given up your sanity for your pride and your vanity
Turn your back on humanity and you don’t give a da da da da da

♦ Walkin’ ⇓ (W. Nelson)

After carefully considerin’ the whole situation I stand with my back to the wall
Walkin’ is better than runnin’ away and crawlin’ ain’t no good at all

And if guilty’s the question truth is the answer I’ve been lyin’ to me all alone
There ain’t nothin’ worth savin’ except one another and before you’ll wake up I’ll be gone

Cause after carefully considerin’… After carefully considerin’…
And crawlin’ ain’t no good at all

♥ ‘Good Hearted Woman’ ⇐ (w/ W. Nelson)

A long time forgotten the dreams that just fell by the way
The good life he promised ain’t what she’s livin’ today
But she never complains of the bad times or the bad things he’s done, lord
She just talks about the good times they’ve had and all the good times to come

She’s a good hearted woman in love with a good timin’ man
She loves him in spite of his ways she don’t understand
With teardrops & laughter they pass through this world hand in hand
A good hearted woman, lovin’ a good timin’ man.

He likes the bright lights, the night life, good time and friends
When the party’s all over she’ll welcome him back home again
Lord knows she don’t understand him but she does the best that she can
To be a good hearted woman to the world’s youngest dirty old man

She’s a good hearted woman in love with a good timin’ man …

⇓ Live 1984

1 → People Up In Texas
2 → It’s Not Supposed To Be That Way
3 → Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out Of Hand

♦→‘My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys’ ⇔ lyrics⇐

Waylon Jennings was born June 15, 1937, in ⇑ Littlefield, Texas. By age 12 he was playing in a band and working as a radio DJ. His style evolved over time, taking on a tougher, more bass-driven sound. He befriended such artists as Willie Nelson, and formed the Highwaymen with Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson in 1985. By the time of his death, Jennings had become a country music superstar.

• Early Career

Singer, songwriter, musician. Born on June 15, 1937, in Littlefield, Texas. A musical rebel, Waylon Jennings is best remembered for helping to popularize a grittier and more rock-influenced style of “outlaw” country music. He and some of his fellow artists were labeled “outlaws” for challenging the country music establishment and for their hard-partying ways.

Jennings learned to play guitar as a child. By the age of 12, he was playing in a band and working as a radio disc jockey. Jennings dropped out of school and moved to Lubbock in 1954. There he found work at a local radio station, KLLL, where he met and befriended early rock and roll star Buddy Holly. In 1958, Holly produced Jennings’ first single, “Jole Blon,” and Jennings played in Holly’s backup band, The Crickets, for a time. He was performing with the group on February 3, 1959, and he was supposed to get on a private plane with Holly after their show at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Jennings, however, gave up his spot on the plane to rock star J. P. Richardson—better known as the Big Bopper—who wasn’t feeling well. Shortly after takeoff, the plane crashed, killing Holly, Richardson, singer Ritchie Valens, and the pilot.

Heartbroken after the tragedy, Jennings returned to Lubbock for a time and worked as a radio disc jockey. He moved to Phoenix in 1960 and restarted his musical career, forming a band called the Waylors. The group developed a local following and even recorded some singles through the independent record label Trend. While the band never really took off commercially, Jennings landed a contract with A&M Records in 1963 and moved to Los Angeles. He got into a conflict with the record label over the direction of his music. They wanted him to take on more of a pop sound. Not one to be pushed around, Jennings remained committed to his country style. He made only one album for A&M.

• Country Star

In 1965, Jennings moved to Nashville. He became roommates with country music’s man in black, Johnny Cash, which marked the start of a lifelong friendship. That year Jennings had his first country hit, “Stop the World (And Let Me Off).” By 1968, he had several successful singles, including “Walk On Out of My Mind” and “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line.” Jennings won his first Grammy Award in 1969 for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “MacArthur Park,” which he recorded with the Kimberlys.

Around this time, Jennings’ musical style continued to evolve, taking on a tougher, more bass-driven sound. He worked on songs with such songwriters and artists as Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson. In 1973, Jennings released «Honky Tonk Heroes», which is often seen as one of the early albums displaying his new so-called outlaw sound. This new style was a distinct break from the slick productions of the more traditional country music and began to develop its own following. Reaching the top of the country charts in 1974, “This Time” was the first number one hit for Jennings and was quickly followed by another chart-topper “I’m a Ramblin’ Man.”

• Crossover Success

Jennings got his first taste of crossover success in 1975 when “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” made its way onto the pop charts. Around that same time, he was honored by the Country Music Association as Male Vocalist of the Year. Jennings’ participation in the compilation Wanted! The Outlaws (1976) helped him become an even bigger name in music […]

Joining forces with Nelson, he recorded Waylon & Willie (1978), which went on to sell several million copies. One of their duets from the album, “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,”← reached the top of the charts and gave Jennings his second Grammy Award. He and Nelson shared the honors for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.

For the rest of the decade and into the early 1980s, Jennings continued to make hits, including “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” and “Theme from ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ (Good Ol’ Boys).”

• Struggles

Long known for his partying ways, Jennings’ drug use escalated into an expensive cocaine and amphetamine habit, which sometimes cost him as much as $1,500 a day. He decided to quit in 1984. The following year, Jennings teamed up with Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson to form the Highwaymen. They hit the top of the country charts with “Highwayman,” which was included on their successful album of the same name.

While he had a tough time getting his music played on country music stations, Jennings remained a popular performer, touring extensively until 1997. He even played a few dates on 1996 Lollapalooza tour, better known for showcasing alternative rock acts. Around this time, Jennings candidly shared his many ups and downs in →Waylon: An Autobiography, written with Lenny Kaye.

Diagnosed with diabetes in the early 1990s, Jennings had trouble walking in his later years. But that did not stop him from making music. In 2000, Jennings recorded several performances at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium for the album Never Say Die Live.

• Legacy

Jennings died on February 13, 2002, at his home in Chandler, Arizona… Friends and fans alike mourned the passing of the country music superstar. “Waylon Jennings was an American archetype, the bad guy with the big heart,” Kristofferson told the Los Angeles Times. Despite his difficult final years, “he was filled with creativity and joy,” his son Shooter explained to People magazine.

Shooter Jennings has followed his father’s footsteps, playing in a number of bands. With his backup band, the .357s, he put together an album of his father’s music consisting of tracks recorded years before Waylon’s death. The recording, Waylon Forever, was released in October 2008.

¤ Johnny Cash [1932 – 2003]

· · · introduced by Waylon Jennings ↓ ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ [1985]

I hear the train a comin’ – It’s rolling round the bend
And I ain’t seen the sunshine since I don’t know when,
I’m stuck in Folsom prison, and time keeps draggin’ on
But that train keeps a rollin’ on down to San Antone..
When I was just a baby my mama told me. Son,
Always be a good boy, don’t ever play with guns.
But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die
When I hear that whistle blowing, I hang my head and cry..

Soooey!

I bet there’s rich folks eating from a fancy dining car
They’re probably drinkin’ coffee and smoking big cigars.
Well I know I had it coming, I know I can’t be free
But those people keep a movin’
And that’s what tortures me…

Well if they freed me from this prison,
If that railroad train was mine
I bet I’d move it on a little farther down the line
Far from Folsom prison, that’s where I want to stay
And I’d let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away…..

• ‘You’re the Nearest Thing to Heaven’ ↓

I have sailed the peaceful waters of the ocean deep and blue
I held my breath and watched the western sunsets golden hue
I’ve flown above the mountain peaks and valleys wide and green
But you’re the nearest thing to heaven that I’ve seen

You’re the nearest thing to heaven yes you are
I have searched for happiness so long and far
But my search for love was through the day that I found you
Cause you’re the nearest thing to heaven yes you are

I confess that I’ve been tempted by a luring magic charms
When the smile was flashed my way and stood before two open arms
But I turned and walked away because I love you like I do
You’re the nearest thing to heaven darlin’ you

You’re the nearest thing to heaven yes you are . . .

I have watched the silver raindrops fall to earth to cool the day
Watched the rainbow at twilight when the clouds had blown away
I love the pretty flowers but they cannot buy the worth
Cause you’re the nearest thing to heaven on this earth

You’re the nearest thing to heaven yes you are . . .

Some people say a man is made outta mud – A poor man’s made outta muscle and blood
Muscle and blood and skin and bones – A mind that’s weak and a back that’s strong

You load sixteen tons, what do you get – Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don’t you call me ‘cause I can’t go – I owe my soul to the company store

I was born one mornin’ when the sun didn’t shine – I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine
I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal – And the straw boss said, «Well, a-bless my soul»

You load sixteen tons, what do you get – Another day older . . .

I was born one mornin’, it was drizzlin’ rain – Fightin’ and trouble are my middle name
I was raised in the canebrake by an ol’ mama lion – Ain’t no boss man alive make me walk the line

You load sixteen tons, what do you get – Another day older . . .

If you see me comin’, better step aside – A lotta men didn’t, a lotta men died
One fist of iron, the other of steel – If the right one don’t get you, then the left one will.

♦ ‘Man In Black’ ↓

Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,
Why you never see bright colors on my back,
And why does my appearance always have a somber tone.
Well, there’s a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
Livin’ in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
And I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
But still is there because he’s a victim of the times.

I wear the black for those who’ve never read,
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
Why, you’d think He’s talking straight to you and me.

Well, 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.

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.

And, yes, I wear it for the thousands who have died,
Believin’ that the Lord was on their side,
I wear it for another hundred thousand who’ve died,
Believen’ that we all were on their side.

Well, there’s things that never will be right I know,
And things need changin’ everywhere you go,
But ‘til we start to make a move to make a few things right,
You’ll never see me wear a suit of white.

I’d love to wear a rainbow every day,
to tell the world that everything’s OK,
But maybe I carry off a little darkness on my back,
‘Till things are brighter, I’m the Man In Black.

⇓ ‘She Used to Love me a Lot’ ♥

I’m no slave to whistle, clock or bell – Nor we got prisoner of Wall Street

Let me be easy on the man that’s down – Let me be square and generous with all

And guide me on the long damn trail ahead that stretches upward toward the great divide

I saw her through the window today – She was sittin’ in the Silver Spoon cafe
I started to keep going but something made me stop – She used to love me a lot

She looked lonely and I knew the cure – Old memories would win her heart for sure
I thought I’d walk on in and I’d give it my best shot – She used to love me a lot

I sat down beside her and she smiled – She said, where have you been, it’s been awhile
She was glad to see me, I could almost read her thoughts – She used to love me a lot

She used to love me with a love that wouldn’t die – Looking at her now I can’t believe I said good-bye
It would only take a minute to turn back the clock – She used to love me a lot

I remember how good it was back then, and I said, it’s not to late to start again

We could spend a night together, take up where we left off – She used to love me a lot

But I panicked as she turned to walk away, as she went out the door I heard her say,

‘Yes I’m in need of something, but it’s something you ain’t got, but I used to love you a lot’

I thought she loved me with a love that wouldn’t die
Looking at her now I can’t believe she said goodbye
She just left me standing in there, I’ve never been so shocked
She used to love me a lot . . .

⇔Waylon Jennings_’I’m Movin’ On’⇐

That big eight wheeler a rollin’ down the track
Means your true lovin’ daddy ain’t comin’ back
‘Cause I’m movin’ on, I’ll soon be gone
You were flyin’ too high for my little old sky
So I’m movin’ on

That big loud whistle as it blew and blew
Said hello to the Southland, we’re comin’ to you
And we’re movin’ on, oh hear my song
You had the laugh on me, so I’ve set you free
And I’m movin’ on

Mister Fireman, won’t you please listen to me?
‘Cause I got a pretty mama in Tennessee
Keep movin’ me on, keep rollin’ on
So shovel the coal, let this rattle a roll
And keep movin’ me on

Mister Engineer take that throttle in hand
This rattler’s the fastest in the southern land
To keep movin’ me on, keep rollin’ on
You’re gonna ease my mind, put me there on time
And keep rollin’ on

I warned you baby from time to time
But you just wouldn’t listen or pay me no mind
Now I’m movin’ on, I’m rollin’ on
You have broken your vow and it’s all over now
So I’m movin’ on

You switched your engine now I ain’t got time
For a triflin’ woman on my main line
‘Cause I’m movin’ on, you done your daddy wrong
I’ve warned you twice, now you can settle the price
‘Cause I’m movin’ on

But someday baby when you’ve had your play
You’re gonna want your daddy but your daddy will say
Keep movin’ on, you stayed away too long
I’m through with you, too bad you’re blue
Keep movin’ on

Riding on the City of New Orleans, ↑ Illinois Central Monday morning rail
Fifteen cars and fifteen restless riders – Three conductors and twenty-five sacks of mail.
All along the southbound odyssey, the train pulls out at Kankakee
Rolls along past houses, farms and fields.
Passin’ trains that have no names – Freight yards full of old black men
The graveyards of the rusted automobiles.

[Chorus]
Good morning America how are you?
Say, don’t you know me I’m your native son,
I’m the train they call The City of New Orleans,
I’ll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done.

Dealin’ cards with an old man on the club car.
Penny a point ain’t nobody keepin’ score.
Hey, pass the paper bag that holds the bottle
Feel the wheels rumblin’ ‘neath the floor.
And the sons of Pullman porters and the sons of engineers
Ride their daddy’s magic carpets made of steel.
Mothers with their babes asleep, rockin’ to the gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rails is all they feel.

[Chorus . . .]

Nighttime on The City of New Orleans, Changing cars in Memphis, Tennessee.
Half way home and we’ll be there by morning
Through the Mississippi darkness rolling down to the sea.
And all the towns and people seem to fade right into a bad dream
And the steel rails still ain’t heard the news.
The conductor sings his song again – The passengers will please refrain
This train’s got the disappearing railroad blues.

Good night, America, how are you?
Don’t you know me I’m your native son,
I’m the train they call The City of New Orleans,
I’ll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done.

•→‘Don’t Take your Guns to Town’ ⇔ [lyrics] ⇐

♦ ‘The Last Gunfighter Ballad’ ↓

The old gunfighter stood on the porch
and stared into the sun
And relived all the old days
back when he was livin’ by the gun
When deadly games of pride were played
and livin’ was mistakes not made
And the thought of the smell of the black powder smoke
And the stand in the street at the turn of a joke …

And it’s always keep your back to the sun
And you can almost feel the weight of that gun
It’s faster than snakes or a blink of the eye
And it’s a time for all slow men to die
His eyes get squinty and he’s straight as a log
and he empties his gun at the dirty dog
And he’s hit by the smell of the black powder smoke
And the stand in the street at the turn of a joke …

Now the burn of a bullet is only a scar
And he’s back in his chair in front of a bar
And the streets are empty and the blood’s all dried
The dead are dust and the whiskey’s inside
So buy him a drink and lend him an ear
He’s nobody’s fool and he’s the only one here
Who remembers the smell of the black powder smoke
And the stand in the street at the turn of a joke …

Said I stood in that street before it was paved
I learned to shoot or be shot before I could shave
And I did it all for the money and the fame
Noble was nothing but feelin’ no shame
And nothing was sacred but stayin’ alive
And all that I learned from a Colt .45
Was to cuss the smell of the black powder smoke
And the stand in the street at the turn of a joke …

Now he’s just an old man that nobody believes
Says he’s a gunfighter the last of this breed
And there’s ghosts in the street seekin’ revenge
Callin’ him out to the lunatic fringe
He’s out in the traffic now checking the sun
And he’s killed by a car as he goes for his gun
So much for the smell of the black powder smoke
And the stand in the street at the turn of a joke …

∞ Two songs with Joni Mitchell ⇓

•→ ‘The Long Black Veil’ ⇐

Ten years ago on a cold dark night someone was killed ‘neath the town hall lights

There were few at the scene, but they all agreed that the slayer who ran, looked a lot like me

Now she walks these hills, in a long black veil

She visits my grave, when the night winds wail

Nobody knows, nobody sees – Nobody knows, but me

The scaffold is high, and eternity’s near – She stood in the crowd, and shed not a tear

But some times at night, when the cold wind moans, in a long black veil, she cries over my bones

Now she walks these hills, in a long black veil . . .

The judge said son, what is your alibi – If you were somewhere else, then you won’t have to die

I spoke not a word, though it meant my life, I’d been in the arms of my best friends wife

Now she walks these hills, in a long black veil

She visits my grave, when the night winds wail

Nobody knows, nobody sees – Nobody knows, but me . . .

• ‘Girl From The North Country’ ↑ [B. Dylan]

If you’re travelin’ to the north country fair,
Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline,
Remember me to one who lives there.
She once was a true love of mine.

If you go when the snowflakes storm,
When the rivers freeze and summer comes to an end,
Please see if he has a coat so warm,
To keep him from the howlin’ winds.

(K. Kristofferson) →

◊→ ‘Hurt’ ⇐ [Trent Reznor]

Video released: 2002 – Director: Mark Romanek. The montage of shots of Cash served a poignant purpose at the time; after Johnny’s death (2003) seven months later it became even more powerful. A fitting audiovisual epitaph.

I hurt myself today – To see if I still feel

I focus on the pain – The only thing that’s real

The needle tears a hole – The old familiar sting

Try to kill it all away But I remember everything

What have I become – My sweetest friend

Everyone I know goes away In the end

And you could have it all – My empire of dirt

I will let you down – I will make you hurt

I wear this crown of thorns – Upon my liar’s chair

Full of broken thoughts – I cannot repair

Beneath the stains of time – The feelings disappear

You are someone else – I am still right here

What have I become – My sweetest friend

Everyone I know goes away In the end

And you could have it all – My empire of dirt

I will let you down – I will make you hurt

If I could start again – A million miles away

I would keep myself – I would find a way