About the song
Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, two titans of country music, came together for a powerful duet on their track “There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang,” released in 1980. This song is a striking collaboration between two of the genre’s most iconic figures, known for their deep, resonant voices and their profound impact on country music.
The song “There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang” addresses themes of hardship and justice, reflecting the raw, unfiltered storytelling that both Jennings and Cash were renowned for. With Waylon Jennings’ distinctive outlaw country style blending seamlessly with Johnny Cash’s iconic baritone, the track creates a poignant commentary on the prison system and the struggles faced by those incarcerated. The narrative of the song conveys a sense of gritty realism, capturing the listener’s attention with its honest portrayal of a life behind bars.
Released as part of the album “Greatest Hits Volume 2” by Waylon Jennings and “The Last Gunfighter Ballad” by Johnny Cash, the song did not just resonate with audiences but also contributed to the critical acclaim of the albums themselves. While “There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang” did not achieve top chart positions, the collaboration was well-received in the country music community and further cemented the legacy of both artists as pioneers of the genre.
Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, each with their storied careers, brought a depth of authenticity and experience to the song. Jennings, with his rebellious outlaw image and Cash, with his deep-rooted traditionalism, combined to deliver a song that reflects their shared vision of country music’s power to tell compelling, unvarnished stories. Though they did not receive major awards specifically for this track, their contributions to country music through songs like this one have left an indelible mark on the genre.
In essence, “There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang” is more than just a song; it is a testament to the enduring influence and collaborative spirit of Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, highlighting their ability to address serious themes with musical integrity and emotional depth.
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Lyrics
… Bet it ain’t raining back home
Bet your sister’s still on the phone
Bet momma’s in the kitchen, cooking fried chicken
Wishing that I hadn’t done wrong
… Yeah, momma don’t you worry about it none though
Everything’s gonna be all right, momma
They’re teaching us a lot of new things in here momma
Things like
… There ain’t no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain’t cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don’t go writing hot checks down in Mississippi
And there ain’t no good chain gang
… Papa’s reading yesterday’s mail
Wishing that the hay was all bailed
I bet he’s wishing we could go fishing
Here I am laying in jail
… Well, papa don’t you worry about it none now
Everything’s gonna be alright papa
They’re teaching us a lesson a day we’re learning pretty well too
We’ve already learned a whole lot of stuff already
Things like
… There ain’t no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain’t cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don’t go writing hot checks down in Mississippi
And there ain’t no good chain gang
… There ain’t no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain’t cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don’t go writing hot checks down in Mississippi
And there ain’t no good chain gang
… There ain’t no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain’t cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don’t go writing hot checks down in Mississippi
And there ain’t no good chain gang
… There ain’t no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain’t cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don’t go writing hot checks down in Mississippi
And there ain’t no good chain gang