About the song
Johnny Cash and the Power of Music
Johnny Cash is an American icon. His music has resonated with people for generations, and his songs have become classics of the country, folk, and rock genres. Cash was a singer, songwriter, and actor, and he is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
One of Cash’s most beloved songs is “Tennessee Flat Top Box,” a ballad about the power of music. The song was written by Cash and released in 1964. It is a simple song, but it is also a powerful one. The song tells the story of a young man who buys a guitar and learns to play it. The guitar becomes his companion and helps him through difficult times.
The song’s lyrics are simple and straightforward, but they are also poetic and evocative. The song’s melody is haunting and beautiful, and Cash’s vocals are warm and expressive. “Tennessee Flat Top Box” is a perfect example of Cash’s ability to connect with his listeners on an emotional level.
The song’s message is one of hope and resilience. The young man in the song finds comfort in the music that he plays. He realizes that even though things change, the music will always be there for him.
“Tennessee Flat Top Box” is a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come. It is a song about the power of music, the importance of family, and the strength of the human spirit.
Key takeaways:
- “Tennessee Flat Top Box” is a ballad about the power of music.
- The song was written by Johnny Cash and released in 1964.
- The song is about a young man who buys a guitar and learns to play it.
- The guitar becomes his companion and helps him through difficult times.
- The song’s lyrics are simple and straightforward, but they are also poetic and evocative.
- The song’s melody is haunting and beautiful, and Cash’s vocals are warm and expressive.
- “Tennessee Flat Top Box” is a perfect example of Cash’s ability to connect with his listeners on an emotional level.
- The song’s message is one of hope and resilience.
- “Tennessee Flat Top Box” is a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.
Additional information:
- Genre: Country, folk, rock
- Length: 2:52
- Album: Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian
- Other Johnny Cash songs you might like: “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Man in Black”
Critical reception:
- “Tennessee Flat Top Box” has been praised by critics for its simple yet powerful message.
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson.
- “Tennessee Flat Top Box” is considered one of Johnny Cash’s signature songs.
Video
Lyrics
“Tennessee Flat-Top Box”
In a little cabaret in a South Texas border town,
Sat a boy and his guitar, and the people came from all around.
And all the girls from there to Austin,
Were slippin’ away from home and puttin’ jewelery in hock.
To take the trip, to go and listen,
To the little dark-haired boy who played the Tennessee flat top box.And he would play: [Instrumental]Well, he couldn’t ride or wrangle, and he never cared to make a dime.
But give him his guitar, and he’d be happy all the time.
And all the girls from nine to ninety,
Were snapping fingers, tapping toes, and begging him: “Don’t stop.”
And hypnotized and fascinated,
By the little dark-haired boy who played the Tennessee flat top box.And he would play: [Instrumental]
Then one day he was gone, and no one ever saw him ’round,
He’d vanished like the breeze, they forgot him in the little town.
But all the girls still dreamed about him.
And hung around the cabaret until the doors were locked.
And then one day on the Hit Parade,
Was a little dark-haired boy who played the Tennessee flat top box.And he would play: [Instrumental]