About the song
“The Chicken in Black” by Johnny Cash is a song that defies conventional expectations, showcasing the legendary country singer’s ability to blend humor, narrative, and a touch of absurdity into his musical storytelling. Released in 1984, it was part of *Johnny Cash’s album “Johnny Cash is Coming to Town,” an album that marked a return to Cash’s signature storytelling style after several years of experimenting with different musical genres. The song, with its humorous lyrics and playful tone, is often seen as a lighter moment in Cash’s otherwise somber and serious discography.
The song’s premise is delightfully quirky, telling the story of a man who undergoes a strange and supernatural transformation after being involved in a freak accident. The man’s soul is placed into the body of a chicken, and the song chronicles his experiences and the absurdity of his new life. With lyrics that embrace an over-the-top narrative, “The Chicken in Black” is a far cry from the traditional country ballads or heartfelt anthems that Johnny Cash is most well-known for. Instead, it demonstrates his ability to experiment and stretch the boundaries of his musical and storytelling capabilities. It’s as though Cash is having fun with the conventions of country music, blending dark humor with surrealist imagery.
Musically, the song features Cash’s unmistakable deep baritone voice, which delivers the lyrics with a level of sincerity that somehow enhances the absurdity of the story. His signature sound is augmented by a light, bouncy rhythm that fits the comical tone of the song, with the occasional nod to traditional country instrumentation like the electric guitar and upright bass. While the song may not have the gravitas of some of Cash’s more iconic tracks, such as “I Walk the Line” or “Folsom Prison Blues,” it’s still distinctly Cash in its delivery—daring, engaging, and often deeply relatable, even in its most surreal moments.
“The Chicken in Black” also reflects Cash’s willingness to address darker themes through humor. While many listeners may view the song as a lighthearted novelty, it can also be interpreted as a commentary on the bizarre twists and turns that life can take. In typical Johnny Cash fashion, even the most ridiculous of circumstances carry an undercurrent of deeper meaning. The humor may act as a coping mechanism for life’s difficulties, and the surreal story of the man turned chicken can be seen as an expression of alienation, a theme that Cash explored in his music throughout his career.
In terms of cultural impact, “The Chicken in Black” is often regarded as one of Cash’s more eccentric moments. It was released at a time when Cash was experiencing a renaissance in his career, especially with the help of the TV show The Johnny Cash Show and his newfound collaborations with younger artists. The song, though not a massive commercial hit, became an oddball favorite for Cash fans, showcasing his versatility as an artist. It added a layer of irreverence to Cash’s larger-than-life persona, offering a fun contrast to his more somber and introspective work.
While the song didn’t achieve significant chart success compared to some of Cash’s more famous hits, “The Chicken in Black” remains an example of his fearless approach to music. Johnny Cash was never afraid to challenge expectations, whether through his deep, reflective songs about prison life or, as in this case, his willingness to create a humorous, surreal story. “The Chicken in Black” stands as a reminder that even in his later years, Cash was not afraid to inject a little bit of humor and the bizarre into his catalog, giving his listeners something fresh and unexpected.
In conclusion, “The Chicken in Black” may not be the first song most people think of when they think of Johnny Cash, but it serves as a testament to his boundless creativity and his ability to take on any genre or theme, no matter how unconventional. The song captures Cash’s spirit of adventure and his willingness to approach his craft with a sense of fun, all while maintaining the authenticity that his fans have come to expect from him. It’s one of those songs that, in its absurdity, reflects the vast range of Cash’s talents—proving that even the strangest stories could be told with depth, sincerity, and a whole lot of personality.
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Lyrics
For two long years my head hurt badSo the doctor checked me an he shook his headHe said, “I’m sorry to tell youBut your body’s outlived your brain”He said, “I know this doctor in New York, sonAnd he’ll fix you right up with a brand new one”So the head doctor met me when I stepped down off of the trainHe said, “We had this bank robber killed last nightHis body’s shot but his brain’s alrightI’ll give you a transplant, boy, and you’ll be okay”I got my new brain in and I was feelin’ greatI went right back to Nashville with no headacheBut something strange happened when I walked in the bank one dayI said, “Stick ’em up everybody, I’m robbin’ this placeDrop all of your money in my guitar caseDon’t nobody move and don’t nobody reach for that door”A lady said, “Why, you’re Johnny Cash”I said, “No ma’am, I’m the Manhattan FlashAnd I am the best bank robber in New York”Now the other night, Roy Acuff called meHe said, “John, I’d like for you to do the OprySo I went out on the stage, but I couldn’t sing”I got into a half a verse of “I Walk The Line”And something snapped in this head of mineI yelled, “Stick ’em upGive me your money, your watches and rings”Well, I called New York and talked to that brain quackI said, “Doc, I’ve gotta have my old brain back”He said, “I’m sorry there, Mr. Cash, but I can’t do that”He said, “I put your brain in a chicken last MondayHe’s singing your songs and makin’ lots of moneyAnd I got him signed to a ten-year recording contract”Now, friends, if you see me walkin’ down the streetRemember what you see ain’t necessarily meAnd if I try to hold you up, don’t pay me no mindBut when you got ten bucks that you can blowYou oughta catch that Johnny Chicken showHe’s doin’ fairs and concert dates all up and down the lineI said, “Stick ’em up everybody, I’m robbin’ this placeDrop all of your money in my guitar caseDon’t nobody move and don’t nobody reach for that door”A lady said, “Why, you’re Johnny Cash”I said, “No ma’am, I’m the Manhattan FlashAnd I am the best bank robber in New York”Well, I don’t pay any income taxYou don’t pay tax on money you stealYou oughta catch that Johnny Chicken showChicken in black