Johnny Cash, an iconic figure in the world of country music, is known for his profound storytelling abilities and unique voice that resonates with listeners of all ages. Born on February 26, 1932, Cash left an indelible mark in the realm of music and American culture.
Within his vast catalog lies the unforgettable song One Piece At A Time, a poignant narrative that reflects the struggles and dreams of the everyman, encapsulating the essence of resilience and creativity.
>> Scroll down for the video <<<
The Genius of Storytelling in “One Piece At A Time”
Released in 1976 as part of the album of the same name, One Piece At A Time was co-written by Cash and country music songwriter Waylon Jennings. This song stands out in Cash’s expansive repertoire for its captivating narrative and clever lyrics.
It tells the story of a factory worker who, over the course of several years, constructs a unique car by sneaking out parts from his workplace. Cash paints a vivid picture of an industrious life filled with ambition and aspiration through his distinctive storytelling style.
The protagonist’s journey reflects Cash’s own experiences growing up in a modest agricultural family, highlighting universal themes such as perseverance, ingenuity, and the search for a better life.
The song reflects an era marked by the American spirit of determination, encapsulating the blue-collar ethos that resonates deeply with audiences. The catchy refrain and lively instrumentation make it not only a storytelling triumph but also a song that is memorable and enjoyable to sing along to.
Symbolism and Relevance
One Piece At A Time can symbolize American ingenuity, representing the working-class individual who dreams of something greater. Throughout the song, Cash intertwines humor with sincerity, showcasing the whimsical nature of the protagonist’s situation while drawing attention to the underlying frustration of feeling trapped in a monotonous job.
This duality is a hallmark of Cash’s songwriting, showcasing his ability to evoke laughter while provoking thought—a true testament to his musical prowess.
As one listens to the song, it becomes evident that One Piece At A Time is more than just a tale of assembling a vehicle. It serves as a metaphor for life itself, emphasizing that it comprises countless parts, experiences, and moments that are treasured one piece at a time. The theme of building one’s identity and dreams with limited resources resonates strongly even in today’s world, making the song perpetually relevant.
In conclusion, One Piece At A Time is a masterful blend of humor, storytelling, and relatable themes that capture the essence of the human experience. Johnny Cash once again demonstrates his ability to connect with the audience, delivering a narrative that engages and reflects the common man’s plight.
Cash’s work inspires generations, making songs like One Piece At A Time eternal classics highlighting the beauty of simplicity and the power of storytelling in music.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Well, I left Kentucky back in ’49
And went to Detroit, working on assembly line
The first year, they had me putting wheels on Cadillacs
Every day, I’d watch them beauties roll by
And sometimes, I’d hang my head and cry
‘Cause I always wanted me one that was long and black
One day, I devised myself a plan
That should be the envy of most any man
I’d sneak it out of there in a lunchbox in my hand
Now, getting caught meant getting fired
But I figured I’d have it all by the time I retired
I’d have me a car worth at least a hundred grand
[Chorus]
I’d get it one piece at a time
And it wouldn’t cost me a dime
You’d know it’s me when I come through your town
I’m gonna ride around in style
I’m gonna drive everybody wild
‘Cause I’ll have the only one there is around
[Verse 2]
So the very next day, when I punched in
With my big lunchbox and with help from my friend
I left that day with a lunchbox full of gears
I’ve never considered myself a thief
But GM wouldn’t miss just one little piece
Especially if I strung it out over several years
The first day, I got me a fuel pump
And the next day, I got me an engine and a trunk
Then I got me a transmission and all the chrome
The little things I could get in my big lunchbox
Like nuts and bolts and all four shocks
But the big stuff we snuck out in my buddy’s mobile home
Now, up to now, my plan went alright
‘Til we tried to put it all together one night
And that’s when we noticed that something was definitely wrong
The transmission was a ’53
And the motor turned out to be a ’73
And when we tried to put in the bolts, all the holes were gone
So we drilled it out so that it would fit
And with a little bit of help from an adaptor kit
We had that engine running just like a song
Now the headlights, they was another sight
We had two on the left and one on the right
But when we pulled out the switch, all three of ’em come on
The back end looked kind of funny too
But we put it together and when we got through
Well, that’s when we noticed that we only had one tail fin
About that time my wife walked out
And I could see in her eyes that she had her doubts
But she opened the door and said, “Honey, take me for a spin”
So we drove up town just to get the tags
And I headed her right on down main drag
I could hear everybody laughing for blocks around
But up there at the courthouse, they didn’t laugh
‘Cause to type it up, it took the whole staff
And when they got through, the title weighed sixty pounds
[Chorus]
I got it one piece at a time
And it didn’t cost me a dime
You’ll know it’s me when I come through your town
I’m gonna ride around in style
I’m gonna drive everybody wild
‘Cause I’ll have the only one there is around
[Outro]
Uh, yeah, Red Ryder?
This is the Cotton Mouth in the Psycho-Billy Cadillac, come on
Huh? This is the Cotton Mouth
And negatory on the cost of this machine, there, Red Ryder
You might say I went right up to the factory and picked it up
It’s cheaper that way
Uh, what model is it?
Well, it’s a ’49, ’50, ’51, ’52, ’53, ’54, ’55, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’59 automobile
It’s a ’60, ’61, ’62, ’63, ’64, ’65, ’66, ’67, ’68, ’69, ’70 automobile
