About the song
Let’s journey into the realm of storytelling through music with the iconic tune, “A Boy Named Sue,” brought to life by the incomparable Johnny Cash. Written by Shel Silverstein, renowned for his whimsical and thought-provoking creations, this song is a true testament to the power of narrative within the realm of country music.
Released as part of Cash’s live album, “At San Quentin,” in 1969, “A Boy Named Sue” quickly captured the hearts and imaginations of listeners around the world. Its unconventional storyline, coupled with Cash’s raw and emotive delivery, propelled the song to the top of the charts, earning it widespread acclaim and recognition.
At its core, “A Boy Named Sue” tells the tale of a young man’s quest for identity and revenge after being saddled with an unconventional name by his absentee father. Through witty lyrics and infectious melodies, Cash takes audiences on a journey filled with humor, heartache, and ultimately, self-discovery.
This timeless classic not only showcases Cash’s unparalleled storytelling abilities but also highlights his ability to tackle complex themes with sincerity and authenticity. It climbed to the number one spot on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles and the Billboard Hot 100 charts, solidifying its status as one of Cash’s signature songs.
Decades since its release, “A Boy Named Sue” remains a beloved favorite among fans of all ages, proving that its message of resilience and self-acceptance resonates just as strongly today as it did upon its debut. With its unforgettable lyrics and unforgettable melody, this song stands as a testament to Johnny Cash’s enduring legacy as a true pioneer of American music.
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Lyrics
Thank you
Well, my daddy left home when I was three
Didn’t leave very much to my mom and me
Except 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 my daddy ever did
Was before he left, he went and named me Sue
Well, he must’ve thought that it was quite a joke
And I got a lot of laughs from a lots of folk
Seems I had to fight my whole life through
Some gal would giggle and I’d turn red
And some guy’d laugh and I’d bust his head
I tell you, life ain’t easy for a boy named Sue
But I grew up quick and I grew up mean
My fist got hard and my wits got keener
Roam from town to town to hide my shame
But I made me a vow to the moon and stars
I’d search the honky tonks and bars
And kill that man that gave me that awful name
Well, it was Gatlinburg in mid-July
And I just hit town and my throat was dry
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 had
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 gonna die”, 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
Then I busted a chair right across his teeth
And we crashed through the walls and into the street
Kicking and a-gouging in the mud and the blood and the beer
Well, I tell you, I’ve fought tougher men
But I really can’t remember when
He kicked like a mule and he bit like a crocodile
Well, I heard him laugh and then I heard him cuss
And he reached for his gun but 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
I knew I wouldn’t be there to help you along
So I give you that name, and I said goodbye
And I knew you’d have to get tough or die
It’s that name that helped to make you strong”
He said, “Now you just fought one heck 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 you ought to thank me, before I die
For the gravel in ya gut and the spit in ya eye
‘Cause I’m the son of a bitch that named you Sue”
What could I do?
Well, I got all choked up and I threw down my gun
I called him my pa, and he called me his son
Come 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-
Well, if I ever have a boy, I’ll name him
Frank or George or Bill or Tom, anything but Sue
I don’t want him go around, man call him Sue all his life
That’s a horrible thing to do to a boy trying to get a hold in the world
Named a boy a Sue