About the song

Ballad of a Teenage Queen is a song written by Jack Clement and recorded by Johnny Cash. It was released in 1958 as the B-side to his single “Big River”. The song tells the story of a teenage girl who is beautiful, popular, and seemingly has it all. However, she dies in a car accident, and the song reflects on the fleeting nature of life and beauty.

The song is a classic example of Cash’s storytelling ability. He sings the song in a matter-of-fact style, but his deep voice and expressive delivery give the song a powerful emotional impact. The lyrics are simple but effective, and they paint a vivid picture of the teenage girl and her tragic fate.

The song’s themes of beauty, death, and the passage of time are universal, and they have resonated with listeners for generations. It is a song that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and it is sure to stay with you long after you hear it.

The song has been covered by many artists, including Emmylou Harris, Joan Baez, and Rosanne Cash. However, Johnny Cash’s version remains the definitive one. His unique interpretation of the song has made it a classic, and it is sure to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Here are some additional details about the song:

  • The song was inspired by a real-life event. Clement wrote the song after reading about the death of a teenage girl in a car accident.
  • The song was a commercial success. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
  • The song has been praised by critics for its powerful lyrics and Cash’s moving performance. It has been called one of the greatest country songs of all time.

If you are a fan of Johnny Cash or country music, then you should definitely listen to “Ballad of a Teenage Queen.” It is a classic song that is sure to move you.

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Lyrics

Dream on, dream on, teenage queenPrettiest girl we’ve ever seen
There’s a story in our townOf the prettiest girl aroundGolden hair and eyes of blueHow those eyes could flash at youHow those eyes could flash at you
Boys hung ’round her by the scoreBut she loved the boy next doorWho worked at the candy store
Dream on, dream on, teenage queenPrettiest girl we’ve ever seen
She was tops in all they saidIt never once went to her headShe had everything, it seemsNot a care, this teenage queenNot a care, this teenage queen
Other boys could offer moreBut she loved the boy next doorWho worked at the candy store
Dream on, dream on, teenage queenYou should be a movie queen
He would marry her next springSaved his money, bought a ringThen one day a movie scoutCame to town to take her outCame to town to take her out
Hollywood could offer moreSo she left the boy next doorWorking at the candy store
Dream on, dream on, teenage queenSee you on the movie screen
Very soon she was a starPretty house and shiny carsSwimming pool and a fence aroundBut she missed her old hometownBut she missed her old hometown
All the world was at her doorAll except the boy next doorWho worked at the candy store
Dream on, dream on, teenage queenSaddest girl we’ve ever seen
Then one day the teenage star
Sold her house and all her carsGave up all her wealth and fameLeft it all and caught a trainLeft it all and caught a train
Do I have to tell you more?She came back to the boy next doorWho worked at the candy store
Now this story has some moreYou’ll hear it all at the candy store

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