I awoke from a wonderful sleep after some friends and i went to see a sneak preview of Once Apon a Time in Mexico. I yawned, looked at the clock and realized that i had nowhere i had to be and nothing i had to do today, which was nice. I got out of bed and went over to my computer where i was informed that Johnny Cash had died. Talk about a buzz kill.

Johnny Cash was a country/folk singer born in Arkansas. He was originally going to be a gospel singer but opted instead to sing country when he realesed his debut album in 1957. Since then he was a chronicler of the american condition as well as shaping it with his deep baratone voice and genius lyrics.

In his book "Sex, Drugs and Co-Co Puffs", Chuck Klosterman indicates that Cash's genius can be proved by simply looking at the lyrics of the song Folsom Prison Blues. In that song, Cash is singing about what it feels like to be in prison when he hears trains passing by. the lines that Klosterman referrs to go "I bet there's rich folks eatin'/ In a fancy dining car/ They're probably drinkin' coffee/ and smokin big cigars". The absolute simplicity of the lines give a view into the mind of a man who just wants a cup of coffee. Killer's minds are extremely simple which enables them to "Shoot a man in Reno, just to watch him die"

Johnny Cash also wrote many songs that have become major mainstays in the American tapestry. "Five Feet High and Rising" talks about floodwaters, "Don't Take Your Guns to Town" cautions against being stupid and hot-headed, and his signature piece "Man in Black" draws attention to the forgotten face of America; the sick, the poor, the wrongfully accused.

Cash played with many amazing performers in his day such as Willie Nelson, Charlie Prine and even appeared on a track called "The Wanderer" by the Irish pop band U2. His distinctive voice and powerful delivery made him a much sought after performer even in the autumn years of his life. Cash's last album featured covers of the Nine Inch Nails song "Hurt"and the Depesch Mode song "Personal Jesus." He also sang along with his daughter Rosanne on her latest album "Rules of Travel.

While i didn't get into Johnny Cash until i heard some of his stuff in college, i am still glad that i was able to hear some of his amazing songs whose lyrics still resonate today. Johnny, wherever old country singers go, i hope the whiskey is flowing and the days are as perfect as that day in the song "Flesh and Blood"

I'll end this with some of Johnny's lyrics.

Unchained
by: Johnny Cash

I have been ungrateful
And I have been unwise
Restless from the cradle
But now I realize
It's so hard to see the rainbow
Through glasses dark as these
Maybe I'll be able
From down on my knees

Oh I am weak
Oh I know I am vain
Take this weight from me
Let my spirit be
unchained

Old man swearin' at the sidewalk
And I am overcome
Seems that we've both forgotten
Forgotten to go home

Have I seen an angel
Or have I seen a ghost
Where's that rock of ages
When you need it most

It's so hard to see the rainbow
Through glasses dark as these
Maybe I'll be able
From down on my knees

Goodbye Johnny Cash

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