In the rich tapestry of American music history, few names resonate as profoundly as that of Johnny Cash. A country music icon and a beacon of expression for the working class, Cash’s early oeuvre established the foundation for his enduring legacy.
Among his seminal works, the song “Cry! Cry! Cry!” stands out as a debut single that captured the sentiments of its era and marked the onset of Cash’s illustrious career.
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The Birth of Cry! Cry! Cry!
Released in 1955, “Cry! Cry! Cry!” emerged from the creative depths of Cash’s artistry. Legend has it that after a conversation with his producer, Sam Phillips, Cash was inspired to write the song overnight.
This impulsive yet productive burst of creativity demonstrated Cash’s innate ability to convey raw human emotions—a trait that would become his signature style. The following day, armed with his fresh composition, Cash returned to Phillips and presented the track, which was subsequently coupled with another song titled “Hey Porter” on its B-side.
From its inception, “Cry! Cry! Cry!” achieved notable commercial success, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Best Sellers chart. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and melodic structure resonated deeply with listeners, propelling it into the hearts of many.
As a testament to its impact, the success of this single earned Cash a featured spot on the Louisiana Hayride Tour, a significant platform that further catapulted his career into the stratosphere—a whirlwind journey that would lead Cash to become a household name and a treasured figure in the realm of music.
The Essence of the Song
At its core, “Cry! Cry! Cry!” captures the theme of heartache and longing, which resonate universally regardless of the era. Cash’s emotive vocal delivery and the simplicity of the instrumental arrangement create an atmosphere that draws listeners in, invoking a sense of empathy for the tales of sorrow and loss depicted in the lyrics.
This ability to tell a story through song sets Cash apart, aligning him with other great American storytellers. Throughout his career, Cash often returned to these themes, evolving them into deeper narratives as he refined his musical style.
Yet, it is this very debut that encapsulates the essence of what would become a lifelong mission: to explore the human condition through music, reflecting on both personal and collective experiences of love and loss.
In summation, “Cry! Cry! Cry!” is not merely a song but a pivotal moment in the artistic journey of Johnny Cash. As the track continues to resonate with listeners today, it serves as a powerful reminder of the timelessness of Cash’s artistry and the emotional truths that music can convey.
This allows one to appreciate the depth of feeling embedded within the very fabric of the song, showcasing why Johnny Cash remains an indelible figure in music history.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Everybody knows where you go when the sun goes down
I think you only live to see the lights of town
I wasted my time when I would try, try, try
‘Cause when the lights have lost their glow, you’ll cry, cry, cry
[Verse 2]
Soon your sugar daddies will all be gone
You’ll wake up some cold day and find you’re alone
You’ll call for me, but I’m gonna tell you, “Bye, bye, bye”
When I turn around and walk away, you’ll cry, cry, cry
[Chorus]
You’re gonna cry, cry, cry, and you’ll cry alone
When everyone’s forgotten, and you’re left on your own
You’re gonna cry, cry, cry
[Verse 3]
I lie awake at night to wait ’til you come in
You stay a little while and then you’re gone again
Every question that I ask, I get a lie, lie, lie
For every lie you tell, you’re gonna cry, cry, cry
[Verse 4]
When your fickle love gets old, no one will care for you
Then you’ll come back to me for a little love that’s true
I’ll tell you no, and then you’ll ask me, “Why, why, why?”
When I remind you of all of this, you’ll cry, cry, cry
[Chorus]
You’re gonna cry, cry, cry, and you’ll want me then
It’ll hurt when you think of the fool you’ve been
You’re gonna cry, cry, cry
