About the song
“Cry! Cry! Cry!” is the debut single by the legendary singer-songwriter Johnny Cash, released in 1955. This song marked the beginning of Cash’s illustrious career and set the stage for his future success. Reaching number 14 on the Best Sellers charts, “Cry! Cry! Cry!” quickly became a hit and introduced the world to Cash’s unique voice and storytelling style.
In 1954, after serving with the United States Air Force, Johnny Cash returned home and signed with Sun Records. His initial offering to the label was the song “Hey, Porter,” which failed to impress the executives, including Sun Records owner Sam Phillips. Phillips challenged Cash to come back with a song that would be commercially viable. Rising to the occasion, Cash went home and wrote “Cry! Cry! Cry!” overnight, bringing it to Phillips the next day. The song was paired with “Hey, Porter” as the B-side and released as a single.
For the recording, Johnny Cash was supported by his band, “The Tennessee Two,” featuring Luther Perkins on guitar and Marshall Grant on bass. This collaboration resulted in a distinctive sound that combined elements of country, rockabilly, and blues, which would become a hallmark of Cash’s music.
The success of “Cry! Cry! Cry!” was immediate, with over 100,000 copies sold in the southern states alone. This early triumph earned Cash a featured spot on the Louisiana Hayride Tour, significantly boosting his career. Soon after, he began touring with other notable artists of the time, including Elvis Presley, further cementing his place in the music industry.
The song’s popularity and its impact on Cash’s career were significant enough to be highlighted in the 2005 film “Walk the Line,” which chronicles Cash’s life. Although “Cry! Cry! Cry!” was mentioned several times in the movie, it was not performed on screen. However, two deleted scenes show Joaquin Phoenix, who portrayed Cash, composing the song in his basement and later listening to it on the radio, capturing the pivotal moment in Cash’s early career.
“Cry! Cry! Cry!” was later included on Cash’s first album, “With His Hot and Blue Guitar,” released in 1957 by Sun Records. This album was among the first to be released by the label, showcasing Cash’s emerging talent and setting the foundation for his enduring legacy in the music world.
Johnny Cash’s “Cry! Cry! Cry!” remains a testament to his resilience and creativity, highlighting the start of a career that would span decades and influence countless artists. The song’s simple yet poignant lyrics, combined with Cash’s distinctive voice, continue to resonate with fans old and new, underscoring the timeless appeal of his music.
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Lyrics
Everybody knows where you go when the sun goes down
I think you only live to see the lights of town
I wasted my time when I would try, try, try
When the lights have lost their glow you’re gonna cry, cry, cry
I lie awake at night to wait till you come in
You stay a little while and then you’re gone again
Every question that I ask I get a lie, lie, lie
For every lie you tell you’re gonna cry, cry, cry
You’re gonna cry, cry, cry and you’ll cry alone
When everyone’s forgotten and you’re left on your own
You’re gonna cry, cry, cry
Soon your sugar-daddies will all be gone
You wake up some cold day and find you’re alone
You’ll call for me but I’m gonna tell you bye, bye, bye
When I turn around and walk away you’ll cry, cry, cry
When your fickle love gets old, no one will care for you
And you’ll come back for me for a little love that’s true
I’ll tell you no and you’re gonna ask me why, why, why
When I remind you of all of this and you’ll cry, cry, cry
You’re gonna cry, cry, cry and you’ll want me then
It’ll hurt when you think of all the fool you’ve been
You’re gonna cry, cry, cry