About The Song
Have you ever heard the old saying, “A woman’s intuition is always right”? Johnny Cash’s song, “Mean Eyed Cat”, is a playful, yet heartfelt exploration of this timeless adage. Released in 1955, this country classic has captivated audiences for generations with its simple yet evocative lyrics and Cash’s signature gravelly voice.
The song tells the story of a man who underestimates his wife and her instincts. When she decides to leave, he sets off on a frantic chase to bring her back, only to find her working at a truck stop. The “mean eyed cat” of the title is a subtle, humorous reference to the woman’s independent spirit and perhaps a hint of mischief.
Cash’s portrayal of the husband is both endearing and relatable. His character is a man who loves his wife but struggles to fully appreciate her. Through the song, we see him learn a valuable lesson about trust and respect.
“Mean Eyed Cat” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a snapshot of a particular time and place in American history. The song’s references to trains, truck stops, and small-town life evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler era.
One of the most striking aspects of the song is its universal theme. The idea of a man and woman navigating the complexities of love and relationships is something that everyone can relate to. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Johnny Cash or simply appreciate a good country song, “Mean Eyed Cat” is sure to resonate with you.
So, the next time you find yourself questioning your partner’s instincts, remember the words of Johnny Cash. And who knows, you might just discover that there’s a little bit of “mean eyed cat” in all of us.
Video
Lyric
I give my woman half my money at the general storeI said, now buy a little groceries, and don’t spend no moreBut she paid ten dollars for a ten-cent hatAnd bought some store-bought cat food for a mean-eyed catWhen I give her ten more dollars for a one-way ticketShe was mad as could beThen I bet ten more that if she ever leftShe’d come a-crawlin’ back to meWhen I woke up this mornin’ and I turned my headThere wasn’t a cotton-pickin’ thing on her side of the bedI found a little note where her head belongedIt said, dear John, honey, baby, I’m long goneWhen I heard a whistle blowin’, and the big wheels a-turnin’I was scared as I could beI put on my overalls and I headed for townGonna bring her back with meI asked the man down at the station if he’d seen her thereI told him all about her pretty eyes and long, blonde hairHe spit his tobacco, said, I’ll be dad-blamedI believe I did see her leavin’ on the Eastbound trainI bought a round-trip ticket on the Eastbound trainI was broke as I could beBut when I come back, I gotta buy another ticketGotta bring her back with me