Johnny Cash – It Ain’t Me Babe (with June Carter Cash)

About the song

It Ain’t Me Babe: A Duet for the Ages

“It Ain’t Me Babe” is a country and folk song written by Bob Dylan and released on his 1964 album Another Side of Bob Dylan. The song is a simple yet powerful ballad about a man who is trying to end a relationship with a woman who is not right for him. The song’s lyrics are honest and straightforward, and the melody is haunting and memorable.

Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash

“It Ain’t Me Babe” has been covered by many artists, but the most famous version is the duet by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. Cash and Carter were both country music legends, and their voices were perfectly suited to the song. Cash’s deep, resonant voice provided the perfect foundation for Carter’s clear, angelic vocals.

The Cash-Carter duet of “It Ain’t Me Babe” was released in 1965 as a single from Cash’s album Orange Blossom Special. The song was a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also won the Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Performance by a Duo or Group in 1966.

A Timeless Classic

“It Ain’t Me Babe” is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by generations of listeners. The song’s simple message of love and loss is one that everyone can relate to. The Cash-Carter duet is a definitive version of the song, and it is sure to continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Key takeaways:

• “It Ain’t Me Babe” is a country and folk song written by Bob Dylan.
• The song is about a man who is trying to end a relationship with a woman who is not right for him.
• The most famous version of the song is the duet by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.
• The Cash-Carter duet was released in 1965 and was a major hit.
• “It Ain’t Me Babe” is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by generations of listeners.

Further information:

• Genre: Country, folk
• Written by: Bob Dylan
• Released: 1964 (Dylan), 1965 (Cash-Carter)
• Album: Another Side of Bob Dylan (Dylan), Orange Blossom Special (Cash-Carter)
• Performed by: Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, and many others
• Awards: Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Performance by a Duo or Group (1966)

Interesting facts:

• Bob Dylan wrote “It Ain’t Me Babe” in 1964 while he was on tour in England.
• The song was inspired by Dylan’s relationship with Joan Baez.
• Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash were married in 1968.
• The Cash-Carter duet of “It Ain’t Me Babe” was featured in the 2005 film Walk the Line.

Video

Lyrics

“It Ain’t Me Babe”

Go away from my window
Leave at your own chosen speed
I’m not the one you want, babe
I’m not the one you need
You say you’re lookin’ for someone
Who’s never weak but always strong
To protect you and defend you
Whether you are right or wrong
Someone to open each and every doorBut it ain’t me, babe
No, no, no, it ain’t me, babe
It ain’t me you’re lookin’ for, babe

Go lightly from the ledge, babe
Go lightly on the ground
I’m not the one you want, babe
I’ll only let you down
You say you’re lookin’ for someone
Who’ll promise never to part
Someone to close his eyes for you
Someone to close his heart
Someone to die for you and more

But it ain’t me, babe
No, no, no, it ain’t me, babe
It ain’t me you’re lookin’ for, babe

You say you’re lookin’ for someone
To pick you up each time you fall
To gather flowers constantly
And to come each time you call
And will love you for your life
And nothin’ more

But it ain’t me, babe
No, no, no, it ain’t me, babe
It ain’t me you’re lookin’ for, babe