“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s a certain charm in a song that spins a narrative as unexpected and engaging as Johnny Cash’s rendition of “A Boy Named Sue.” First introduced to the world during his infamous performance at San Quentin State Prison, the song marries humor and raw emotion, setting an unmatched precedent for storytelling in country music.
About The Composition
- Title: A Boy Named Sue
- Composer: Originally written by Shel Silverstein
- Premiere Date: Performed live on February 24, 1969
- Album/Opus/Collection: Featured on the album “At San Quentin”
- Genre: Country
Background
“A Boy Named Sue” was penned by the illustrious poet and songwriter Shel Silverstein. Johnny Cash first performed this song live during a concert at San Quentin State Prison, a performance that was recorded and subsequently released. The song’s narrative about a boy seeking revenge against his father, who had given him a name that made his life challenging, resonated with many for its emotional depth intertwined with a comedic twist. It quickly became one of Cash’s most famous tracks, highlighting its immediate impact and lasting appeal in his repertoire.
Musical Style
The song is marked by its straightforward, folky tune, typical of Cash’s style, with an acoustic guitar backing. Its spoken-word style verses punctuated by a catchy chorus allow the narrative to take center stage. The simplicity of the instrumentation ensures that the lyrics are the focal point, enhancing the storytelling.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “A Boy Named Sue” tell a story of resilience and unexpected reconciliation. The humorous and poignant narrative explores themes of identity, revenge, and forgiveness. Cash’s deep, resonant voice adds a layer of gravitas to the otherwise whimsical lyrics, creating a unique contrast that has captivated listeners for decades.
Performance History
Since its debut, “A Boy Named Sue” has been a staple in Johnny Cash’s performances, often eliciting strong audience reactions due to its blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling. Its live premiere at San Quentin is still one of the most notable performances of this song.
Cultural Impact
The song broke norms and expectations in country music, using humor to tackle deeper issues of identity and familial relationships. Its cross-genre appeal has led to numerous covers and mentions in popular culture, securing its place beyond the confines of country music.
Legacy
“A Boy Named Sue” remains a beloved classic, its narrative and musical simplicity continuing to resonate with new generations of listeners and musicians. It stands as a testament to Johnny Cash’s and Shel Silverstein’s genius in crafting songs that are both entertaining and profoundly meaningful.
Conclusion
“A Boy Named Sue” is more than just a song; it’s a story of overcoming and understanding, wrapped in a melody that sticks with you long after the last note has played. I encourage music lovers to delve into this track, exploring its live performances, especially the iconic San Quentin show, to fully appreciate its brilliance.
Video
Lyrics
Thank you
Well, my daddy left home when I was three
Didn’t leave very much to my mom and me
Except this old guitar and an empty bottle of booze
Now I don’t blame him ’cause he run and hid
But the meanest thing that my daddy ever did
Was before he left, he went and named me Sue
Well, he must’ve thought that it was quite a joke
And I got a lot of laughs from a lots of folk
Seems I had to fight my whole life through
Some gal would giggle and I’d turn red
And some guy’d laugh and I’d bust his head
I tell you, life ain’t easy for a boy named Sue
But I grew up quick and I grew up mean
My fist got hard and my wits got keener
Roam from town to town to hide my shame
But I made me a vow to the moon and stars
I’d search the honky tonks and bars
And kill that man that gave me that awful name
Well, it was Gatlinburg in mid-July
And I just hit town and my throat was dry
Thought I’d stop and have myself a brew
At an old saloon on a street of mud
There at a table, dealing stud
Sat the dirty, mangy dog that named me Sue
Well, I knew that snake was my own sweet dad
From a worn out picture that my mother had
Knew that scar on his cheek and his evil eye
He was big and bent and gray and old
And I looked at him and my blood ran cold
And I said, “My name is Sue, how do you do?
Now you gonna die”, that’s what I told him
Well, I hit him hard right between the eyes
And he went down, but to my surprise
He come up with a knife and cut off a piece of my ear
Then I busted a chair right across his teeth
And we crashed through the walls and into the street
Kicking and a-gouging in the mud and the blood and the beer
Well, I tell you, I’ve fought tougher men
But I really can’t remember when
He kicked like a mule and he bit like a crocodile
Well, I heard him laugh and then I heard him cuss
And he reached for his gun but I pulled mine first
He stood there lookin’ at me and I saw him smile
And he said, “Son, this world is rough
And if a man’s gonna make it, he’s gotta be tough
I knew I wouldn’t be there to help you along
So I give you that name, and I said goodbye
And I knew you’d have to get tough or die
It’s that name that helped to make you strong”
He said, “Now you just fought one heck of a fight
And I know you hate me, and you got the right to kill me now
And I wouldn’t blame you if you do
But you ought to thank me, before I die
For the gravel in ya gut and the spit in ya eye
‘Cause I’m the son of a bitch that named you Sue”
What could I do?
Well, I got all choked up and I threw down my gun
I called him my pa, and he called me his son
Come away with a different point of view
And I think about him, now and then
Every time I try and every time I win, and if I ever have a-
Well, if I ever have a boy, I’ll name him
Frank or George or Bill or Tom, anything but Sue
I don’t want him go around, man call him Sue all his life
That’s a horrible thing to do to a boy trying to get a hold in the world
Named a boy a Sue