Johnny Cash – Hey Porter

Hey Porter! (The Johnny Cash Collection), Johnny Cash - Qobuz

About the song:

Johnny Cash is an American country music singer, songwriter, and actor. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold over 90 million records worldwide. Cash is known for his distinctive bass-baritone voice, his rebellious image, and his outlaw country music style.

“Hey Porter” is a song written by Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins. It was first released by Cash on his 1960 album Now, There Was a Song!. The song is a blues-inspired ballad about a man who is trying to catch a train to see his woman.

The song is notable for its use of the “boom-chicka-boom” rhythm, which is a common rhythm in country music. The song also features Cash’s signature bass-baritone voice and his distinctive guitar playing.

Critical reception

“Hey Porter” has received positive reviews from critics. AllMusic critic Mark Deming called the song “a classic example of Cash’s early sound.” He praised the song’s “driving rhythm” and Cash’s “powerful vocals.”

Impact and legacy

“Hey Porter” is a classic country music song that has been covered by many artists, including Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. The song has also been used in several films and television shows, including “Thelma and Louise” and “The Sopranos.”

“Hey Porter” is a timeless song that continues to be enjoyed by fans of country music.

Here are some additional details about the song:

  • The song was written by Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins.
  • It was first released by Cash on his 1960 album Now, There Was a Song!.
  • The song is a blues-inspired ballad about a man who is trying to catch a train to see his woman.
  • The song is notable for its use of the “boom-chicka-boom” rhythm, which is a common rhythm in country music.
  • The song also features Cash’s signature bass-baritone voice and his distinctive guitar playing.

“Hey Porter” is a classic country music song that has been covered by many artists and used in several films and television shows. It is a timeless song that continues to be enjoyed by fans of country music.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Hey Porter”

 

Hey porter! Hey porter!
Would you tell me the time?
How much longer will it be till we cross
that Mason Dixon Line?
At daylight would ya tell that engineer
to slow it down?
Or better still, just stop the train,
Cause I wanna look around.Hey porter! Hey porter!
What time did ya say?
How much longer will it be till I can
see the light of day?
When we hit Dixie will you tell that engineer
to ring his bell?
And ask everybody that ain’t asleep
to stand right up and yell.

Hey porter! Hey porter!
It’s getting light outside.
This old train is puffin’ smoke,
and I have to strain my eyes.
But ask that engineer if he will
blow his whistle please.
Cause I smell frost on cotton leaves
and I feel that Southern breeze.

Hey porter! Hey porter!
Please get my bags for me.
I need nobody to tell me now
that we’re in Tennessee.
Go tell that engineer to make that
lonesome whistle scream,
We’re not so far from home
so take it easy on the steam.

Hey porter! Hey porter!
Please open up the door.
When they stop the train I’m gonna get off first
Cause I can’t wait no more.
Tell that engineer I said thanks alot,
and I didn’t mind the fare.
I’m gonna set my feet on Southern soil
and breathe that Southern air.