jbmorgan86's review against another edition
3.0
Earlier this school year (after Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize for literature), I had my eighth grade honors students debate the question, "Is there a difference between poetry and song lyrics?" Furthermore, I asked them if they could tell the difference if they read them on a page. The consensus was "yes," there is a difference and yes, one can tell the difference is (usually) pretty clear.
I was reminded of that discussion as I read through this collection of Johnny Cash "poems." It is clear that most (if not all) were intended to be put to music. Once they are put to music, they take on a life of their own. Therefore, it is hard to judge these lyrics. Some are quite entertaining (such as the biting "I Wish You a Merry Christmas") but something is missing: that typical boom-chicka-boom-chicka.
I was reminded of that discussion as I read through this collection of Johnny Cash "poems." It is clear that most (if not all) were intended to be put to music. Once they are put to music, they take on a life of their own. Therefore, it is hard to judge these lyrics. Some are quite entertaining (such as the biting "I Wish You a Merry Christmas") but something is missing: that typical boom-chicka-boom-chicka.
raeleechoins's review against another edition
5.0
This collection captures the depths of Johnny Cash’s heart, as well as the shallowness of his mind. I found myself trying to put music to the words, though he never recorded any of these.
mulders's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
4.0
pbobrit's review against another edition
4.0
This book will appeal mainly to fans of Johnny Cash. This is a collect of poems (and some select lyrics) from his earliest years till right up to his last illness and death. One of the prefaces is written by his son and sheds light on Johnny Cash's love of poetry and the written word in general. The poems are a varied bunch. Some clearly destined to become lyrics, other written as straight-up poems. This book is a fun one to dip in and out of.
bericson13's review against another edition
4.0
"I've dreamed up a hideaway called Chinky Pin Hill"
I didn't plan on loving this collection as much as I did. oh my goodness. ❤️
I didn't plan on loving this collection as much as I did. oh my goodness. ❤️
loper100's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
A beautiful collection of poetry that's a must read for any die hard Cash fan.
halierivers's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Not life changing poetry but a must read for anyone who wants insight into an icons head. I’m fairly certain Johnny Cash murderer someone though.
stephjlw's review against another edition
Really interesting collection. Not my usual taste of poetry but bring a casual fan of Cash’s music I thought I’d give this a read. I think a more hardcore listener of Cash would get a lot more from this than myself.