Introduction
There’s something unforgettable about the voice of Johnny Cash. It echoes with a deep, almost sacred resonance, pulling you into a realm where biblical imagery and raw emotion collide. I remember the first time I heard “The Man Comes Around”—its apocalyptic tone and prophetic lyrics felt like an intense sermon set to music. The song captures Cash at his most reflective and spiritual, making you stop and listen, not just with your ears but with your soul.
About The Composition
- Title: The Man Comes Around
- Composer: Johnny Cash
- Premiere Date: November 5, 2002
- Album/Opus/Collection: American IV: The Man Comes Around
- Genre: Country, Folk, Gospel
Background
“The Man Comes Around” is one of Johnny Cash’s final original compositions, written during a period when he was keenly aware of his mortality. Inspired by the Book of Revelation from the Bible, the song delves into themes of judgment, redemption, and the end of days. Cash himself considered it one of his most important works. In many ways, it encapsulates his spiritual journey, as well as his thoughts on life, death, and what comes after. Released as part of American IV: The Man Comes Around, the song stood out in the collection for its dark, haunting tone, serving as a powerful centerpiece of the album.
Musical Style
Musically, “The Man Comes Around” is stripped back yet impactful. Cash’s voice—gravelly and worn with age—sits over a simple guitar rhythm, lending the song an air of authenticity and vulnerability. The track starts with Cash reciting a passage from Revelation, setting a somber, almost eerie mood before transitioning into the song’s gentle melody. His vocal delivery gives the song an edge of urgency, as if he’s warning listeners of the coming reckoning. The use of biblical references, set against the backdrop of Cash’s minimalist instrumentation, adds to the sense of looming prophecy.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “The Man Comes Around” are steeped in biblical symbolism and apocalyptic imagery, drawing heavily from the Book of Revelation. Lines like “And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts, and I looked, and behold, a pale horse” are direct references to scripture, evoking themes of judgment day and the final reckoning. Cash uses this imagery to reflect on life, death, and salvation, posing the ultimate question to his audience: Where will you stand when “the man comes around”? The lyrics are poignant, urgent, and contemplative, perfectly mirroring Cash’s spiritual preoccupations during the final years of his life.
Performance History
Since its release, “The Man Comes Around” has been recognized as one of Johnny Cash’s most profound compositions. Though Cash was already battling illness, his performance of the song is a testament to his enduring strength as a storyteller. The song has been performed live by various artists, paying tribute to its legacy. Its usage in films and television, including movies like Dawn of the Dead and Logan, further highlights its haunting, apocalyptic tone and its impact on popular culture.
Cultural Impact
Beyond its role as a pivotal song in Cash’s late career, “The Man Comes Around” has transcended its initial release to become a cultural touchstone. It’s been used in various media to convey themes of finality, death, and reflection. Its spiritual and foreboding tone has made it a favorite in film soundtracks and a lasting symbol of Cash’s legacy as an artist who was unafraid to confront life’s deepest questions. The song’s message of judgment and redemption resonates widely, particularly in times of societal reflection or personal introspection.
Legacy
“The Man Comes Around” holds a special place in Johnny Cash’s discography. As one of his final compositions, it serves as a lasting testament to his faith, his artistry, and his ability to speak to universal truths. Its legacy endures, not just as a song, but as a statement of Cash’s spiritual beliefs and his reflections on mortality. For listeners, it’s a reminder of the inevitable passage of time and the judgments we all must face. Its relevance continues today, as its themes of justice, morality, and redemption remain as pressing as ever.
Conclusion
There’s something undeniably powerful about “The Man Comes Around.” It’s more than just a song—it’s a spiritual journey, a reflection, and a warning all rolled into one. If you haven’t yet delved into this track, I highly recommend it, especially the live versions or recordings from American IV: The Man Comes Around. Listening to Cash’s gravelly voice narrate these apocalyptic visions is an experience that lingers long after the song ends. So, take a moment, sit back, and let Johnny Cash’s voice take you on a journey through life, death, and everything in between
Video
Lyrics
“And I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder
One of the four beasts saying,
‘Come and see.’ and I saw, and behold a white horse”
There’s a man goin’ ’round takin’ names
And he decides who to free and who to blame
Everybody won’t be treated all the same
There’ll be a golden ladder reachin’ down
When the man comes around
The hairs on your arm will stand up
At the terror in each sip and in each sup
Will you partake of that last offered cup
Or disappear into the potter’s ground?
When the man comes around
Hear the trumpets hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singin’
Multitudes are marchin’ to the big kettledrum
Voices callin’, voices cryin’
Some are born and some are dyin’
It’s alpha and omega’s kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn tree
It’s hard for thee to kick against the pricks
Till armageddon no shalam, no shalom
Then the father hen will call his chickens home
The wise man will bow down before the throne
And at his feet they’ll cast their golden crowns
When the man comes around
Whoever is unjust let him be unjust still
Whoever is righteous let him be righteous still
Whoever is filthy let him be filthy still
Listen to the words long written down
When the man comes around
Hear the trumpets hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singin’
Multitudes are marchin’ to the big kettledrum
Voices callin’, voices cryin’
Some are born and some are dyin’
It’s alpha and omega’s kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn trees
It’s hard for thee to kick against the prick
In measured hundredweight and penny pound
When the man comes around
“And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts
And I looked, and behold a pale horse
And his name that sat on him was death, and hell followed with him”