Well, you wonder why I always dress in black
Why you never see bright colors on my back
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone
Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down
Living in the hopeless, hungry side of town
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime
But is there because he's a victim of the times.

I wear the black for those who never read
Or listened to the words that Jesus said
About the road to happiness through love and charity
Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.

Well, we're doing mighty fine, I do suppose
In our streak of lightning cars and fancy clothes
But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back
Up front there oughta be a Man In Black.

I wear it for the sick and lonely old
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold
I wear the black in mourning for the lives that could have been
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.

And, I wear it for the thousands who have died
Believing that the Lord was on their side
I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died
Believing that we all were on their side.

Well, there's things that never will be right, I know
And things need changing everywhere you go
But 'til we start to make a move to make a few things right
You'll never see me wear a suit of white.

Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day
And tell the world that everything's okay
But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back
'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black.

John Carter Cash writes:

"My Dad, Johnny Cash"

"I never heard him publicly endorse or oppose a war, or speak out as an anti-war activist.  He supported the troops by performing for them.  But I know that, privately, he never supported any war, including the current one.  He was a deeply spiritual man.  He always thought world leaders should come up with other ideas.

When Dad was asked what he would like to be remembered for, he said he'd like to be remembered as a good father.  To his family, this is his greatest gift.  And even though his greatest gift to the world may arguably be his music, I believe his faith and perseverance offer just as strong a legacy."

John Carter Cash

@Copyright USA Weekend
December 2-4, 2005