Johnny Cash – A Boy Named Sue (Live at San Quentin, 1969)

A Boy Named Sue - song and lyrics by Johnny Cash | Spotify

About the song:

Chắc chắn rồi, đây là phần giới thiệu cho “A Boy Named Sue” của Johnny Cash:

“A Boy Named Sue” is a song written by Shel Silverstein and recorded by Johnny Cash. It was released in 1969 as the second single from his album At San Quentin. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in the United States and number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song is a humorous tale about a boy named Sue who was given that name by his father, who wanted to toughen him up. Sue grows up to be a tough guy who gets into fights, but he eventually learns to embrace his name and his unique identity.

Background and writing

The song was written by Shel Silverstein, who is best known for his children’s books. Silverstein was inspired to write the song after he heard a friend tell a story about a man named Sue. Silverstein thought the story was funny and decided to write a song about it.

Recording and release

The song was recorded by Johnny Cash in 1969 at San Quentin State Prison. Cash was joined on the recording by the San Quentin Prison Band. The song was released as the second single from Cash’s album At San Quentin.

Critical reception

“A Boy Named Sue” was a critical and commercial success. The song was praised for its humor, its catchy melody, and Cash’s powerful vocals. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance in 1970.

Impact and legacy

“A Boy Named Sue” is one of Johnny Cash’s most popular songs. The song has been covered by many artists, including Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., and The Flaming Lips. The song has also been featured in several films and television shows, including Thelma and Louise and The Simpsons.

“A Boy Named Sue” is a humorous and heartwarming song about the importance of accepting oneself. The song is a classic example of Johnny Cash’s storytelling ability and his unique blend of country and rock music.

Here are some additional details about the song:

  • The song was inspired by a story that Shel Silverstein heard from a friend.
  • The song was recorded at San Quentin State Prison in 1969.
  • The song won a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance in 1970.
  • The song has been covered by many artists, including Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., and The Flaming Lips.
  • The song has been featured in several films and television shows, including Thelma and Louise and The Simpsons.

“A Boy Named Sue” is a classic American song that continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Video:

Lyrics:

“A Boy Named Sue”

 

My daddy left home when I was three
And he didn’t leave much to ma and me
Just 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 he ever did
Was before he left, he went and named me “Sue”.

Well, he must o’ thought that is quite a joke
And it got a lot of laughs from a’ lots of folk,
It seems I had to fight my whole life through.
Some gal would giggle and I’d get red
And some guy’d laugh and I’d bust his head,
I tell ya, life ain’t easy for a boy named “Sue”.

Well, I grew up quick and I grew up mean,
My fist got hard and my wits got keen,
I’d roam from town to town to hide my shame.
But I made me a vow to the moon and stars
That I’d search the honky-tonks and bars
And kill that man who gave me that awful name.

Well, it was Gatlinburg in mid-July
And I just hit town and my throat was dry,
I 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’d had,
And I 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’re gonna die!”

Yeah, 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.
But I busted a chair right across his teeth
And we crashed through the wall and into the street
Kicking and a’ gouging in the mud and the blood and the beer.

I tell ya, I’ve fought tougher men
But I really can’t remember when,
He kicked like a mule and he bit like a crocodile.
I heard him laugh and then I heard him cuss,
He went for his gun and 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
And I knew I wouldn’t be there to help ya along.
So I give ya that name and I said goodbye
I knew you’d have to get tough or die
And it’s the name that helped to make you strong.”

He said, “Now you just fought one hell 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 ya ought to thank me, before I die,
For the gravel in ya guts and the spit in ya eye
Cause I’m the son of a bitch that named you ‘Sue’.”

Well, what could I do, what could I do?

I got all choked up and I threw down my gun
And I called him my pa, and he called me his son,
And I came 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 son, I think I’m gonna name him
Bill or George! Anything but Sue! I still hate that name!