Without a doubt, Johnny Cash is one of the greatest artists of all time.
His music has influenced millions of people and his personality has shaped the face of music as we know it.
I am personally an enormous fan of the man in black, and when the question of "what are the best Johnny Cash songs of all time," was recently raised during a recent drunken conversation amongst friends, it really got me thinking.
Here's what I cam up with...
1.
A Boy Named Sue A boy named Sue is the story of a boy who's father named him Sue so that, in a nutshell, he would be forced to fight and grow up tough.
It doesn't get much meaner than that.
My favorite line in the song, "My name is Sue! How do you do? Now you're gonna die!".
2.
Cocaine Blues Cocaine blues is a cautionary tale about drug abuse and inevitably paying a price for your crimes.
It's a haunting and powerful song that cuts really close to the bone.
Favorite line: "I can't forget that day I shot that bad b-ch down" 3.
Hurt Hurt is a song originally recorded by Nine Inch Nails.
The song was a dark lament that really struck a chord with listeners as it was released by Johnny Cash in what most sensed were the last years of his life.
It's as beautiful as it is depressing, at least in my opinion.
It seemed to be a perfect swan song for an amazing career.