About the song
Released in 1969, “A Boy Named Sue” is one of the most iconic songs in the country music genre, known not only for its witty storytelling but also for its profound impact on the music world. The song, which was performed by Johnny Cash—though written by Shel Silverstein, with Kris Kristofferson serving as a key part of the narrative’s wider appeal—first appeared on Cash’s album “At San Quentin”. The song’s release and subsequent success highlighted the unique collaboration between an acclaimed writer and a legendary performer, blending humor, tragedy, and life’s unpredictable nature into a single, unforgettable track.
“A Boy Named Sue” tells the humorous yet poignant story of a boy who is burdened with the unfortunate name of “Sue,” given to him by his father, who abandoned him early in life. The song follows the boy’s journey as he grows up with a deep sense of resentment towards his father for the embarrassment and hardship his name brings. Eventually, he tracks down his father and confronts him in a violent altercation, only to find that his father named him Sue in an attempt to make him tough and self-reliant. The song ends with the two men coming to an understanding, and Sue realizing that his father’s decision, though painful, ultimately shaped him into the man he had become.
The song’s humor is central to its charm, but there’s also a deeper undercurrent of emotional growth and resilience. Sue’s struggle with his name symbolizes the difficulties we all face growing up, as well as the ways in which our struggles can shape our identities and futures. In a larger sense, it reflects the unpredictability of life—how events beyond our control can forge our character and push us to overcome adversity in ways we may not have chosen. This blend of humor and insight is a hallmark of both Kris Kristofferson’s and Shel Silverstein’s songwriting, making the song a classic not only within country music but in the broader sphere of American storytelling through song.
The societal impact of “A Boy Named Sue” cannot be overstated. The song’s success was a cultural milestone for Johnny Cash, whose unique voice and persona were perfectly suited for such a larger-than-life narrative. Its popularity cemented his position as a country music legend, while also introducing a wider audience to the humorous and relatable side of country storytelling. The song remains a staple of Cash’s live performances and has been covered by numerous artists in various genres, further proving its timeless appeal.
In conclusion, “A Boy Named Sue” is more than just a humorous tale of a boy with an unfortunate name; it is a reflection on the challenges of life, the power of resilience, and the transformative nature of hardship. Released in 1969, this unforgettable track from Johnny Cash‘s “At San Quentin” album has continued to resonate with audiences for decades, not only for its brilliant lyrics but for its deeper message about how adversity can shape who we become. Through Kris Kristofferson’s involvement in this iconic story, “A Boy Named Sue” remains a testament to the power of songwriting to entertain, inspire, and bring humor to life’s toughest moments.
Video
Lyrics
[Intro]
“I want you to, if you don’t mind, Carl, I’d like you to stay out and help us on some songs, play the guitar.”
“I’d love to!”
“One of the greatest guitar players as well as songwriters and singers in the business. Appreciate a little help on the guitar, all right?”[Verse 1]
Well, my daddy left home when I was three
And he didn’t leave much to ma and me
Just this old guitar and an empty bottle of booze
Now, I don’t blame him ’cause he run and hid
But the meanest thing that he ever did
Was before he left, he went and named me “Sue”[Verse 2]
Well, he must’ve thought that it was quite a joke
And it got a lot of laughs from a lots of folks
It seems I had to fight my whole life through
Some gal would giggle and I’d get red
And some guy’d laugh then I’d bust his head
I tell ya, life ain’t easy for a boy named “Sue”[Verse 3]
Well, I grew up quick and I grew up mean
My fists got hard and my wits got keen
Roamed from town to town to hide my shame
But I made me a vow to the Moon and stars
I’d search the honky-tonks and bars
And kill the man who gave me that awful name[Verse 4]
Well, it was Gatlinburg in mid-July
And I just hit town and my throat was dry
I thought I’d stop and have myself a brew
At an old saloon on a street of mud
There at a table, dealing stud
Sat the dirty, mangy dog that named me “Sue”[Verse 5]
Well, I knew that snake was my own sweet dad
From a worn-out picture that my mother’d had
And I knew that scar on his cheek and his evil eye
He was big and bent and gray and old
And I looked at him and my blood ran cold
And I said, “My name is Sue! How do you do?
Now you gonna die!”
Yeah, that’s what I told him![Verse 6]
Well, I hit him hard right between the eyes
And he went down, but to my surprise
He come up with a knife and cut off a piece of my ear
But I busted a chair right across his teeth
And we crashed through the wall and into the street
Kicking and a-gouging in the mud and the blood and the beer[Verse 7]
I tell you, I’ve fought tougher men
But I really can’t remember when
He kicked like a mule and he bit like a crocodile
I heard him laugh and then I heard him cuss
And he went for his gun and I pulled mine first
He stood there lookin’ at me and I saw him smile[Verse 8]
And he said, “Son, this world is rough
And if a man’s gonna make it, he’s gotta be tough
And I knew I wouldn’t be there to help you along
So I give you that name and I said goodbye
I knew you’d have to get tough or die
And it’s that name that helped to make you strong”
Yeah[Verse 9]
He said, “Now you just fought one hell of a fight
And I know you hate me and you got the right
To kill me now, and I wouldn’t blame you if you do
But you ought to thank me, before I die
For the gravel in your guts and the spit in your eye
Because I’m the son-of-a-bitch that named you Sue”Yeah, but what could I do?
What could I do?[Verse 10]
I got all choked up and I threw down my gun
And I called him my pa, and he called me a son
And I came away with a different point of view
And I think about him, now and then
Every time I try and every time I win
And if I ever have a son, I think I’m gonna name him
Bill or George! Any damn thing but Sue! I still hate that name!