About The Song
Johnny Cash’s “The Mercy Seat” is a haunting and evocative exploration of mortality and redemption.
The song’s title, “The Mercy Seat,” is a biblical reference to the place where God’s mercy is sought. In the context of the song, it represents a place of ultimate judgment and salvation. Cash’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man facing his own mortality and seeking forgiveness for his sins.
One of the most striking aspects of “The Mercy Seat” is its dark and brooding atmosphere. The song’s slow tempo and minimalistic arrangement create a sense of impending doom. Cash’s deep, resonant voice conveys a sense of both resignation and defiance.
The song’s narrative follows a man on death row, reflecting on his life and seeking redemption. The imagery of the electric chair and the “mercy seat” is both chilling and thought-provoking. Cash’s lyrics explore themes of guilt, regret, and the search for meaning in the face of death.
Johnny Cash’s interpretation of “The Mercy Seat” is a testament to his ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. His powerful performance, combined with the song’s haunting melody and evocative lyrics, creates a listening experience that is both haunting and unforgettable.
“The Mercy Seat” is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of mortality and redemption. Cash’s heartfelt performance, combined with the song’s dark and brooding atmosphere, creates a listening experience that is both moving and memorable. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Johnny Cash or simply someone who appreciates great music, this song is definitely worth a listen.
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Lyric
It all began whenThey took me from my homeAnd put me on death rowA crime for which I am totally innocent, you knowI began to warm and chillTo objects and their fieldsA ragged cup, a twisted mopThe face of Jesus in my soupThose sinister dinner dealsThe meal trolley’s wicked wheelsA hooked bone rising from my foodAnd all things either good or un-goodAnd the mercy seat is waitingAnd I think my head is burningAnd in a way I’m yearningTo be done with all this weighing of the truthAn eye for an eye and a tooth for a toothAnd anyway I told the truthAnd I’m not afraid to dieI hear stories from the chamberChrist was born into a mangerAnd like some ragged strangerHe died upon the crossMight I say, it seemsSo fitting in its wayHe was a carpenter by tradeOr at least that’s what I’m toldMy kill-hand’s tattooed ‘E.V.I.L.’Across it’s brother’s fistThat filthy five, they did nothingTo challenge or resistIn Heaven, His throne is made of goldThe ark of His Testament is stowedA throne from which I’m toldAll history does unfoldIt’s made of wood and wireAnd my body is on fireAnd God is never far awayInto the mercy seat I climbMy head is shaved, my head is wiredAnd like a moth that tries to enter the bright eyeI go shuffling out of lifeJust to hide in death awhileAnd anyway I never liedAnd the mercy seat is waitingAnd I think my head is burningAnd in a way I’m yearningTo be done with all this weighing of the truthAn eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth and anywayI told the truth and I’m not afraid to dieAnd the mercy seat is burningAnd I think my head is glowingAnd in a way I’m hopingTo be done with all this twisting of the truthAn eye for an eye and a tooth for a toothAnd anyway there was no proof and I’m not afraid to dieAnd the mercy seat is glowingAnd I think my head is smokingAnd in a way I’m hoping to be doneWith all these looks of disbeliefA life for a life and a truth for a truthAnd I’ve got nothing left to loseAnd I’m not afraid to dieAnd the mercy seat is smokingAnd I think my head is meltingAnd in a way that’s helpingTo be done with all this twisting of the truthAn eye for an eye and a tooth for a toothAnd anyway I told the truthBut I’m afraid I told a lie