Johnny Cash Songs Ranked
John R. Cash (born J. R. Cash; February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Much of Cash’s music contained themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially in the latter stages of his career. He was known for his deep, calm bass-baritone voice, the distinctive sound of his Tennessee Three backing band characterized by train-like chugging guitar rhythms, a rebelliousness coupled with an increasingly somber and humble demeanor, free prison concerts, and a trademark all-black stage wardrobe which earned him the nickname “The Man in Black”. Cash is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide. His genre-spanning music embraced country, rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel sounds. This crossover appeal earned him the rare honor of being inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame. Here are all of Johnny Cash songs ranked.
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20. The General Lee (The Dukes Of Hazzard, 1981)
“This is fantastic!! Cash does a perfect job capturing the essence of the General Lee, and putting it to song. This song brings back memories. It’s a classic!”
19. Get Rhythm (Greatest!, 1959)
“Awesome recording of all my old favorites. Keeps me humming all day long. Two thumbs way up and I highly recommend it for vintage Cash fans”
18. I Won’t Back Down (American III: Solitary Man, 2000)
“Amazing and mesmerizing. This song is a true masterpiece. Listen to that song, one of the best of Johnny Cash Song. It’ll shake all the trouble from your worried mind!”
17. Personal Jesus (American IV: The Man Comes Around, 2002)
“Very good gospel singer with inspiring songs which are inspired from his personal life story and biblical verses. Jonny Cash sounds just like my papaw singing a cover of Depeche Mode’s song, complete with acoustic guitar. You’ll not regret it, I promise.”
See more: Johnny Cash Albums Ranked
16. I’ve Been Everywhere (Unchained, 1996)
“You can’t listen to this song.. I’ve Been Everywhere.. without getting up and dancing. This song rocks the house and for us adventurous souls who’ve done a lot of traveling or moving around. We can relate to its message.”
15. Sunday Morning Coming Down (Folsom Prison Blues, 1968)
“Kristofferson was actually working as a janitor at Columbia records when he pitched his song to Cash, who wasn’t that eager to hear it at first, as Kristofferson was unknown at the time. Kristofferson was a pilot in the military and delivered the song to Cash by way of helicopter before he finally listened to it. After hearing Sunday Morning Coming Down, Cash realized that this was a pretty good songwriter, and the rest is history.”
14. Cocaine Blues (Silver, 1979)
“A great song from one of the greatest albums of all time by one of the greatest artists of all time. It’s a little dark…but strong indeed! Arguably the best on Folsom.”
13. Rusty Cage (Unchained, 1996)
“My favorite Johnny Cash recordings are from late in his career like this one. This song may be my favorite recording of his for many reasons. First, it is bold, changing the feel from an energetic bouncy, yet dark country lilt until it hits a complete stop where it changes directions toward an even more dirty, gritty, blues, rock groove that is just as magnetic as the first section. This is simply cool and awesome.”
12. One Piece at a Time (One Piece at a Time, 1976)
“Something about this song always brings a smile to my face when I listen to it. This song has great lyrics, and the singers are amazing! One-piece at time rules…”
11. Highwayman (Highwayman, 1985)
“The version performed with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson is one of the most brilliant songs in history of music. Every time I listen to this I nearly start to cry. Absolutely legendary. Love thoes great men.”
10. Ain’t No Grave (American VI: Ain’t No Grave, 2010)
“This is something different from others songs. It’s a song you come to when you are in a dark phase. Personally I used to listen this in a dark room when I was in depression and this did help me a lot. I can relate to his music more than any other artist and this song I can relate every word with my life.”
9. Man in Black (Man in Black, 1971)
“This song shows that Johnny not only speaks for himself but others. He realizes that this world is not a peaceful one and that it never will be. Johnny Cash wore the black because he wanted to show this.”
8. (Ghost) Riders in the Sky (Silver, 1979)
“What more can I say than Johnny Cash singing about a lone cowboy getting a visit from Ghost Riders chasing the devil’s herd. It’s a song that brings up vivid images of the old west, the mysticism of the cowboy life as we think it was, while at the same time encouraging us to examine the path of our own lives.”
7. God’s Gonna Cut You Down (American V: A Hundred Highways, 2006)
“Come on this is a classic and makes your spine shiver from the voice of Johnny. This song is one of my favorites and always will be. I love him, when I listen to his songs I go to another level of thinking of life, but this one is a killer, makes you think about death.”
See more: At Folsom Prison (Johnny Cash Album) Live
6. The Man Comes Around (American IV: The Man Comes Around, 2002)
“This song is my favorite Johnny Cash song! His Revelation songs like this and Redemption Day really speak to the truth of what we need to look to in these days of immorality. Johnny’s life speaks, and he saw this as important. “And at His feet, they’ll cast a golden crown…”
5. A Boy Named Sue (At San Quentin, 1969)
“Flat out best story ever told on a song. This is the greatest Johnny Cash song hands down! Every time I listen to it I promise I’m going to name my first son Sue. Definitely Johnny Cash’s best song out there; it tells the best story with unforgettable and timeless lyrics. Absolutely hilarious as well.”
4. Folsom Prison Blues (Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!, 1957)
“This song was the epitome of Johnny Cash. He cared about the common man whether they were in prison or not. Never sold out to rich corporate greed. We need more music artist like him.”
3. I Walk the Line (I Walk the Line, 2011)
“I know most people prefer the new Johnny Cash songs, like Hurt or God’s Gonna Cut You Down, but we should not forget his origins and influence in country music all together. This has to be my favorite, with Folsom Prison Blues and Ring of Fire close behind, but the passion he had for this song really made him the artist he was.”
2. Ring of Fire (Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash, 1963)
“Johnny Cash is one of the best country artists in the world and this is, without a doubt, one of his greatest hits. This is a song that you can sing to and many people can really relate to.
1. Hurt (American IV: The Man Comes Around, 2002)
“While it may be a cover, Johnny’s voice and depth of emotion is what really grabs hold of your emotions when you hear this song. We all can identify in one way or another, and to me this always helps me remember that the memories I build with my daughter are worth more than any wealth.”
