Johnny Cash, often called “The Man in Black,” has long been celebrated for his unique blend of country, rock, and folk music. One of the standout tracks in his rich discography is “The Man Comes Around.”
This song, released in 2002 as part of his acclaimed album American IV: The Man Comes Around, showcases Cash’s haunting baritone and reflects profound philosophical and spiritual insights.
>> Scroll down for the video <<<
The Essence of “The Man Comes Around”
In “The Man Comes Around,” Cash draws upon biblical imagery, particularly from the Book of Revelation, presenting a narrative that grapples with existential questions. The title itself is a direct nod to the concept of the apocalypse, where the “man” represents a figure of finality and judgment.
The lyrics ripple with urgency and gravity, urging listeners to contemplate their own mortality and the transient nature of life. It is in these themes that Cash finds a powerful platform to voice the struggles and aspirations of humankind.
Critical reception of the song highlights its chilling and evocative nature. Many have noted how Cash’s age at the time of recording infused the piece with a unique sincerity—each line delivered with the weight of experience, wisdom, and palpable emotion. His vocal delivery is both commanding and intimate, striking an intricate balance between authority and vulnerability.
This dichotomy makes “The Man Comes Around” not just a piece of music but a musical sermon resonating with anyone who has faced the harsh realities of life and death.
The Legacy of Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash was no stranger to the darker sides of life, having battled personal demons throughout his career, including addiction and heartache. Yet, rather than shying away from these experiences, he embraced them, offering listeners a raw and honest portrayal of the human condition.
With “The Man Comes Around,” Cash invites the audience into a space of reflection and denotes that redemption is always within reach, even amid despair.
This song also signifies the culmination of Cash’s life’s work—an artist who not only entertained but challenged societal norms and expectations through lyricism that was both thought-provoking and poignant.
As he approached the end of his life, his focus on spirituality and the afterlife became more pronounced, a shift that can be observed in many of his later works.
In conclusion, “The Man Comes Around” serves as a remarkable testament to Johnny Cash’s talent and his profound understanding of the complex fabric of existence. It stands as a reminder that while the end is inevitable, there is beauty in the journey and the stories that unfold along the way.
Through Cash’s artistry, we are left with reflections on our own lives, evoking curiosity and introspection that linger well beyond the final notes of this poignant song.
Video
Lyrics
[Intro]
“And I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder
One of the four beasts saying, ‘Come and see’
And I saw, and behold a white horse”
[Verse 1]
There’s a man goin’ ’round takin’ names
And he decides who to free and who to blame
Everybody won’t be treated all the same
There’ll be a golden ladder reachin’ down
When the man comes around
[Verse 2]
The hairs on your arm will stand up
At the terror in each sip and in each sup
Will you partake of that last offered cup
Or disappear into the potter’s ground?
When the man comes around
[Chorus]
Hear the trumpets, hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singin’
Multitudes are marchin’ to the big kettledrum
Voices callin’, voices cryin’
Some are born and some are dyin’
It’s Alpha and Omega’s kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn tree
It’s hard for thee to kick against the pricks
[Verse 3]
Till Armageddon, no shalam, no shalom
Then the father hen will call his chickens home
The wise men will bow down before the throne
And at his feet, they’ll cast their golden crowns
When the man comes around
[Verse 4]
Whoever is unjust, let him be unjust still
Whoever is righteous, let him be righteous still
Whoever is filthy, let him be filthy still
Listen to the words long written down
When the man comes around
[Chorus]
Hear the trumpets, hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singin’
Multitudes are marchin’ to the big kettledrum
Voices callin’, voices cryin’
Some are born and some are dyin’
It’s Alpha and Omega’s kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn tree
It’s hard for thee to kick against the pricks
In measured hundredweight and penny pound
When the man comes around
[Outro]
“And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts […]
And I looked, and behold a pale horse:
And his name that sat on him was Death
And Hell followed with him”
