The Most Popular Johnny Cash Song, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:41
Johnny Cash, an iconic figure in music, has a diverse discography that touches the emotions and lives of many listeners. Each fan might argue that a different track stands as the seminal Johnny Cash song, reflecting personal memories or particular moments in time. This diversity in opinion shows the importance of having a clear, crowd-sourced ranking to help both long-time followers and new listeners identify which songs resonate most broadly.
By participating in this voting process, users contribute to a collective evaluation, ensuring that the ranking reflects a wide array of perspectives. This not only creates a more accurate reflection of community preferences but also introduces participants to tracks they might not have considered before. The dynamic nature of voting continually adjusts the ranking, keeping it fresh and relevant.
What Is the Most Popular Johnny Cash Song?
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135votesThis song is often considered Johnny Cash's signature tune and has been covered by countless artists. It was written by June Carter Cash and Merle Kilgore and tells the story of the intensity of love.The Ring of Fire is a major fault line encircling the Pacific Ocean, known for its high seismic and volcanic activity. It is often referred to as a region with a horseshoe-shaped arrangement of tectonic plate boundaries and several underwater trenches. The Ring of Fire stretches over 40,000 kilometers and is home to approximately 75% of the world's active volcanoes. It is notorious for frequent earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
- Length: 40,000 kilometers
- Active volcanoes: Approximately 75% of the world's active volcanoes
- Region: Encircles the Pacific Ocean
- Shape: Horseshoe-shaped
- Tectonic plate boundaries: Multiple plate boundaries
Ring of Fire in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular fault line
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233votes
Folsom Prison Blues
Johnny CashThis song, which Cash wrote while serving in the Air Force, became a hit after his performance at Folsom Prison. The song tells the story of a prisoner's longing for freedom.Folsom Prison Blues is a song that was written and performed by Johnny Cash. It was released in 1955 and is considered one of his most popular and iconic songs. The song is a classic country and rockabilly track that tells the story of a man who is stuck in Folsom Prison and longs to be free. The lyrics capture the loneliness and despair of life behind bars while also expressing a desire for redemption. Folsom Prison Blues showcases Cash's distinctive deep and rich vocals, accompanied by his signature guitar sound. The song became a huge success, reaching the top of the country music charts and later gaining widespread acclaim. It has since become a staple of Johnny Cash's discography and an anthem for outlaw country music.- Release Date: 1955
- Genre: Country, Rockabilly
- Album: With His Hot and Blue Guitar!
- Chart Performance: Reached No.1 on the country music charts
- Length: 2 minutes and 50 seconds
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312votes
I Walk the Line
Johnny CashThis song was Cash's first number one hit and has become a classic. It tells the story of a man's commitment to his wife and family.I Walk the Line is a classic country and rockabilly song by Johnny Cash. It was released in 1956 and became one of his most popular and signature songs. The song is known for its simple yet powerful melody, catchy guitar riff, and heartfelt lyrics.- Release Year: 1956
- Genre: Country, Rockabilly
- Song Length: 2 minutes and 45 seconds
- Label: Sun Records
- Chart Performance: Reached No. 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the US Billboard Country Singles chart
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46votes
Man in Black
Johnny CashThis song was written by Cash to explain his penchant for wearing black clothing. It became an anthem for those who felt marginalized by society.The song 'Man in Black' is a protest song written and performed by Johnny Cash. It was released in 1971 as a single and later included in his album 'Man in Black'. The lyrics of the song are a reflection of Cash's empathy for the underprivileged and his criticism of social injustices. Cash uses the color black as a symbol of solidarity with the oppressed and a reminder of the ongoing struggles in the world. The song became iconic for its powerful message and Cash's distinctive deep vocals.- Release date: 1971
- Album: Man in Black
- Genre: Country
- Length: 2:52
- Writer: Johnny Cash
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514votesThis humorous song, written by Shel Silverstein, tells the story of a man who names his son Sue and the boy's journey to overcome the name.A Boy Named Sue is a popular country song performed by Johnny Cash. It tells the story of a boy named Sue who grows up seeking revenge on his absent father for giving him a feminine name. The song humorously explores themes of masculinity, father-son relationships, and the power of a name.
- Genre: Country
- Length: 3:47
- Album: At San Quentin
- Label: Columbia Records
- Release Date: June 4, 1969
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611votesThis song, a cover of a Nine Inch Nails song, is often considered one of Cash's most haunting and emotional performances. It was released shortly before his death and is a reflection on his life.Hurt is a song by Johnny Cash, originally written and recorded by the band Nine Inch Nails. It was produced by Rick Rubin and released in 2002 as part of Cash's album 'American IV: The Man Comes Around.' The song gained immense popularity and critical acclaim for its haunting composition and deeply emotional lyrics.
- Original Release: 1994 by Nine Inch Nails
- Cover Release: 2002 by Johnny Cash
- Genre: Alternative Rock, Country
- Album: 'The Downward Spiral' by Nine Inch Nails, 'American IV: The Man Comes Around' by Johnny Cash
- Duration: 3 minutes and 36 seconds
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78votesThis song, written by Kris Kristofferson, tells the story of a man waking up after a wild night of partying and feeling the regret and loneliness of his choices.Sunday Morning Coming Down is a classic country song that reflects on the emptiness and loneliness felt on a Sunday morning after a wild and restless Saturday night. The song describes the protagonist's struggle to find solace and meaning in his life amidst the hangover and the quietness of the Sunday morning.
- Genre: Country
- Album: Kris Kristofferson
- Year: 1969
- Length: 4:06
- Label: Monument Records
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88votes
The Ballad of Ira Hayes
Johnny CashThis song tells the story of Ira Hayes, a Native American soldier who helped raise the flag at Iwo Jima and struggled with alcoholism and poverty after the war.The Ballad of Ira Hayes is a song by Johnny Cash that tells the story of Ira Hayes, a Native American and Marine who fought in World War II and was one of the six soldiers to raise the flag on Iwo Jima. The song reflects on the tragic life of Hayes after the war.- Genre: Country
- Release Date: 1964
- Album: Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian
- Songwriter: Peter La Farge
- Length: 4:08
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99votes
Get Rhythm
Johnny CashThis upbeat, lively song is a celebration of music and its ability to lift spirits and bring people together.Get Rhythm is a lively and upbeat rockabilly song originally recorded by Johnny Cash. It was released in 1956 as a single and later included in his album 'Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!'. The song became one of Cash's most popular and enduring hits, showcasing his distinctive blend of country, rock, and rhythm and blues.- Genre: Rockabilly
- Release Date: 1956
- Album: Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!
- Song Length: 2 minutes and 14 seconds
- Songwriter: Johnny Cash
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108votesThis cautionary tale tells the story of a young man who ignores his mother's warning and takes his gun to town, with disastrous consequences.
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular song
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Commercial successOne key factor to consider is the commercial success of a Johnny Cash song. This can be determined by looking at factors such as chart performance, record sales, and certifications received.
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Acclaim and awardsAnother important factor is the acclaim and awards that the song has received. This could include any critical acclaim from music critics, rankings in "Best Of" lists, and any music industry awards it has won, such as Grammy Awards.
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Cultural impactThe cultural impact of a Johnny Cash song is also an important measure of its popularity. This can include the influence it had on other artists, relevance in popular culture, and how well-known the song is among both Johnny Cash fans and the general public.
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Longevity and timeless appealPopular Johnny Cash songs often have a timeless quality that transcends eras and generations. This could be due to the song's subject matter, or its universal appeal and resonance with listeners.
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Music video and live performancesThe popularity of a Johnny Cash song can also be influenced by its music video and live performances. This includes the visual appeal and creativity of the music video, as well as the energy and impact of the song when performed live.
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Streaming numbers and online engagementIn the modern era, a good indicator of a song's popularity can be its streaming numbers and online engagement. High numbers of streams, views on music platforms (like YouTube or Spotify), and fan interaction on social media can show a song's enduring popularity.
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Radio airplayRadio airplay is also a key factor to consider, as a song that gets significant airtime on various radio stations is likely to be popular among listeners and have a wider reach.
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Covers and adaptationsThe number and prominence of covers and adaptations of a Johnny Cash song can indicate its popularity. If other artists from various genres have covered the song, it shows its wide-reaching appeal and influence.
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Lyrics and overall songwritingLastly, the lyrics and overall songwriting of a Johnny Cash song can determine its popularity. Memorable, relatable, and well-written lyrics can contribute to a song's enduring appeal and widespread popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Johnny Cash song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1487 views
- 138 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular johnny cash song
Johnny Cash, often referred to as "The Man in Black," is a legendary figure in the world of country music. With a career spanning over five decades, Cash has left an indelible mark on the industry and is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of all time.
Throughout his career, Cash produced countless hits, many of which have become iconic pieces of American culture. From "Ring of Fire" to "Walk the Line," his music has touched the hearts and minds of fans all over the world.
In this poll, we aim to uncover the most popular Johnny Cash song of all time. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply enjoy his music, we invite you to participate and cast your vote for your favorite Cash tune. So put on your boots, grab your guitar, and let's dive into the world of Johnny Cash.
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