“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something about Johnny Cash’s voice that feels like the embodiment of truth—raw, unfiltered, and deeply honest. “Cry, Cry, Cry” is one of those songs that showcases this authenticity, drawing listeners in with its simplicity and emotional weight. Released as Cash’s first single, this song not only marked the beginning of a legendary career but also paved the way for the country music revolution that Cash would lead. It’s a song of heartbreak and regret, emotions that Cash would revisit throughout his career, but this one—this is where it all started.
About The Composition
- Title: Cry, Cry, Cry
- Composer: Johnny Cash
- Premiere Date: May 21, 1955
- Album/Opus/Collection: Released as a single; included in With His Hot and Blue Guitar
- Genre: Country (Honky-Tonk subgenre)
Background
Johnny Cash wrote “Cry, Cry, Cry” in early 1955 as a way to satisfy the demands of Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records, who wanted a hit. Cash, eager to prove himself as a songwriter, delivered the goods with this one. He tapped into the honky-tonk style, with its tales of love, betrayal, and heartache, themes that resonated deeply with the country audience of the time. The song was recorded at Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, a place where many groundbreaking artists of the time began their careers, including Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. “Cry, Cry, Cry” became an instant hit upon its release, reaching No. 14 on the country charts and cementing Cash’s place in country music history.
Musical Style
Musically, “Cry, Cry, Cry” is straightforward but powerful, built around a traditional country structure with Cash’s iconic boom-chicka-boom rhythm. This rhythm, which would become a hallmark of his sound, is driven by his acoustic guitar, giving the song a rolling, steady beat that perfectly supports the lyrics. The song’s arrangement is minimalist, featuring just guitars and upright bass, which allows Cash’s voice to take center stage. His deep, resonant tone and delivery add weight to the story of heartbreak. There are no unnecessary frills—just pure, emotional storytelling through music.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Cry, Cry, Cry” tell a classic tale of love gone wrong. Cash sings to an unfaithful lover, warning them that they will eventually regret their actions and be the one left crying. The simplicity of the lyrics is deceptive—they carry a universal message of betrayal and regret that resonates with anyone who’s ever experienced heartbreak. “You’ll cry, cry, cry and you’ll cry alone,” Cash warns, capturing the sting of loneliness in just a few words. The straightforward storytelling and conversational tone make the song relatable and enduring.
Performance History
From the moment it hit the airwaves, “Cry, Cry, Cry” became a staple in Cash’s performances. It was his breakthrough song, and it often appeared in his setlists during the early years of his career. Over time, as Cash’s catalog grew, “Cry, Cry, Cry” became a nostalgic favorite for fans who wanted to hear where it all began. Notable performances include early appearances on radio shows and at the Grand Ole Opry, where Cash’s deep voice and distinctive style captured the attention of both the audience and fellow musicians.
Cultural Impact
While “Cry, Cry, Cry” may not have the same widespread cultural reach as some of Cash’s later works, its importance lies in its role as the launchpad for one of the most influential careers in country music. The song helped establish Johnny Cash as a major figure in the genre and introduced his unique sound to the world. Beyond music, “Cry, Cry, Cry” has appeared in various media over the years, including being covered by artists who admire Cash’s style. Its influence can be felt in the broader genre of country music, where themes of heartbreak, delivered in a straightforward manner, continue to dominate.
Legacy
As Cash’s career skyrocketed, “Cry, Cry, Cry” remained a pivotal point in his journey. Its straightforward, no-nonsense style would become a signature of Cash’s music, and its themes of heartache and honesty would resonate throughout his later works. The song’s legacy endures in the way it captures the essence of country music—simple, heartfelt, and true. While Cash would go on to write and perform many iconic songs, “Cry, Cry, Cry” holds a special place as the one that started it all.
Conclusion
Johnny Cash’s “Cry, Cry, Cry” is more than just a debut single—it’s a piece of music history that marks the beginning of an era. Listening to it today, you can feel the same raw energy and emotional honesty that made it a hit in 1955. If you’ve never heard it before, I encourage you to seek out one of Cash’s early recordings and experience the simplicity and power of this timeless country song. It’s a reminder that sometimes, all you need is a voice, a guitar, and a story to tell.
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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