There are two things to unpack with “Five Feet High and Rising”:
The Song: “Five Feet High and Rising” is a song written and originally recorded by Johnny Cash himself. It appeared on his 1959 album “Songs of Our Soil.” The song depicts a rising flood through a simple call-and-response between a child and parents.
The Album: There’s also a compilation album by Johnny Cash titled “Five Feet High and Rising,” released in 1974 by Columbia Records. This album features various songs from Cash’s earlier recordings, but doesn’t include the original “Five Feet High and Rising” track.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Five Feet High and Rising” are repetitive and stark. A child asks “How high’s the water?” and receives a progressively worrying answer from a parent, culminating in the realization they need to evacuate to higher ground.
Themes
The central theme is the devastating power of nature, specifically flooding. Cash portrays the rising water level through the innocent questions of a child, creating a sense of urgency and helplessness. The song also touches on themes of displacement and seeking refuge.
How high’s the water, Mama? Two feet high and risin’ How high’s the water, Papa? She said it’s two feet high and risin’
We can make it to the road in a homemade boat That’s the only thing we got left that’ll float It’s already over all the wheat and the oats Two feet high and risin’
How high’s the water, Mama? Three feet high and risin’ How high’s the water, Papa? She said it’s three feet high and risin’
Well, the hives are gone I’ve lost my bees The chickens are sleepin’ In the willow trees Cow’s in water up past her knees Three feet high and risin’
How high’s the water, Mama? Four feet high and risin’ How high’s the water, Papa? She said it’s Four feet high and risin’
Hey, come look through the window pane The bus is comin’, gonna take us to the train Looks like we’ll be blessed with a little more rain Four feet high and risin’
How high’s the water, Mama? Five feet high and risin’ How high’s the water, Papa? She said it’s five feet high and risin’
Well, the rails are washed out north of town We gotta head for higher ground We can’t come back till the water goes down Five feet high and risin’
