About The Song
If you’re a fan of classic country music, then the name Johnny Cash is undoubtedly familiar. With his deep, resonant voice and his ability to tell a story, Cash became one of the most iconic figures in American music. One of his more thought-provoking songs is “I Never Picked Cotton.” This particular track, from his album American II: Unchained, offers a poignant reflection on life, choices, and the enduring legacy of the American South.
“I Never Picked Cotton” is more than just a country song; it’s a social commentary wrapped in a personal narrative. The song opens with a stark contrast: while the protagonist’s family toiled in the cotton fields, he was able to escape that life. This escape, however, doesn’t lead to a carefree existence. Instead, it’s a journey filled with both triumphs and regrets.
Cash’s storytelling in this song is masterful. He paints vivid pictures of rural life and the challenges faced by those living in poverty. The chorus, with its repetitive line “I never picked cotton,” becomes a haunting refrain that underscores the character’s lifelong decision and the consequences that follow. The song is also a reflection on the American Dream and the idea that one can rise above their circumstances. However, it also serves as a reminder that the choices we make often have far-reaching consequences.
What makes “I Never Picked Cotton” so compelling is its raw honesty. Cash doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes, such as violence and regret. Yet, there’s also a sense of hope and redemption, even as the protagonist faces his ultimate fate. The song’s ending is particularly powerful, as the narrator reflects on his life and the one thing he can be proud of.
“I Never Picked Cotton” is a testament to Johnny Cash’s ability to connect with his audience on a deep emotional level. It’s a song that lingers in the mind long after the final note has faded, prompting listeners to consider their own lives and choices. For those who grew up in the South or who have a deep appreciation for country music, this song is a must-listen.
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Lyric
I never picked cottonBut my mother didAnd my brother didAnd my sister didAnd my daddy died youngWorkin’ in a coal mineWhen I was just a babyToo little for the cotton sackI played in the dirtWhile the others worked‘Til they couldn’t straighten up their backsAnd I made myself a promiseWhen I was old enough to runThat I’d never stay a single dayIn that Oklahoma sunAnd I never picked cottonLike my mother didAnd my brother didAnd my sister didAnd my daddy died youngWorkin’ in a coal mineFolks said that I grew up earlyAnd the farm couldn’t hold me thenSo I stole ten bucks and a pickup truckAnd I never went back againAnd it was fast cars and whiskeyLong legged girls and funI had everything that money could bringAnd I took it all with a gunAnd I never picked cottonLike my mother didAnd my brother didAnd my sister didAnd my daddy died youngWorkin’ in a coal mineIt was Saturday night in MemphisWhen a redneck grabbed my shirtAnd he said go back to your cotton sackI left him lying in the dirtAnd they’ll take me in the morningTo the gallows just outsideAnd in the time I gotThere ain’t a hell of a lotI can look back on with prideBut I never picked cottonLike my mother didAnd my brother didAnd my sister didAnd my daddy died youngWorkin’ in a coal mineI never picked cottonLike my mother didAnd my brother didAnd my sister didAnd my daddy died youngWorkin’ in a coal mine