About the song
Johnny Cash: The Ballad of “A Boy Named Sue”
Johnny Cash, the Man in Black, has always been known for his deep, resonant voice and his ability to weave tales of life, love, and loss. Among his vast discography, “A Boy Named Sue” stands out as a particularly compelling and enduring piece of country music. Released in 1969, this song is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a narrative that delves into themes of identity, masculinity, and the complexities of father-son relationships.
The song’s title alone is intriguing. “A Boy Named Sue” is a name that sticks in your mind, evoking curiosity and a sense of the unusual. The lyrics, penned by Shel Silverstein, paint a vivid picture of a boy growing up with an unconventional name, given to him by a vengeful father who wanted his son to experience the hardships of life. The boy, now a grown man, recounts the challenges he faced as a result of his name, from being bullied to facing discrimination.
What makes “A Boy Named Sue” so compelling is its unexpected twist. Rather than dwelling on resentment or bitterness, the song celebrates the protagonist’s triumph over adversity. He has emerged from his difficult childhood stronger, more resilient, and with a deep appreciation for the lessons he’s learned. The song’s final verse is a powerful affirmation of self-acceptance: “And now that I’m grown and I’m able to choose/I still like to think I know what I’m about/And I’ll tell you something, my friend, it’s true/I’m proud of the name that they gave me, at that.”
Cash’s delivery of “A Boy Named Sue” is nothing short of iconic. His deep, gravelly voice perfectly captures the raw emotion and intensity of the song’s narrative. The backing band provides a solid foundation, with a driving rhythm and a subtle twang that is unmistakably country. The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, allowing Cash’s vocals to take center stage.
The enduring appeal of “A Boy Named Sue” can be attributed to several factors. First, the song’s universal themes resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Everyone can relate to the experience of facing challenges and overcoming adversity. Second, the song’s clever lyrics and catchy melody make it a pleasure to listen to. And third, Cash’s powerful performance brings the song to life in a way that few other artists could.
“A Boy Named Sue” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the human spirit. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and resilience. And it’s a celebration of the unique qualities that make us who we are.
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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