About the song
Johnny Cash’s “The Man Comes Around” stands as a powerful reflection of his deep-rooted musical legacy and profound storytelling abilities. Released as the title track of his 2002 album “American IV: The Man Comes Around,” this song captures Cash’s introspective journey through life, faith, and mortality.
Written entirely by Johnny Cash himself, “The Man Comes Around” showcases his unique ability to blend elements of country, folk, and gospel into a cohesive narrative. The song explores themes of judgment, redemption, and the inevitability of facing one’s actions, drawing on biblical references and Cash’s own life experiences.
The album “American IV: The Man Comes Around” received critical acclaim upon its release, with Cash’s rendition of this title track standing out as a highlight. The song reached various chart positions, reflecting its impact and resonance with listeners worldwide.
Johnny Cash’s deep, resonant voice and emotive delivery infuse “The Man Comes Around” with a sense of urgency and gravity. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics leave a lasting impression, evoking introspection and contemplation among audiences.
Throughout his career, Johnny Cash remained a beacon of authenticity and honesty in the music industry. His ability to convey profound themes through his music, especially in songs like “The Man Comes Around,” solidifies his status as a legendary figure in American roots music.
For those familiar with Johnny Cash’s work, “The Man Comes Around” serves as a poignant reminder of his artistic brilliance and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Whether revisiting his catalog or discovering his music for the first time, this track exemplifies Cash’s enduring impact and relevance in the world of music.
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Lyrics
“And I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder
One of the four beasts saying,
‘Come and see.’ and I saw, and behold a white horse”
There’s a man goin’ ’round takin’ names
And he decides who to free and who to blame
Everybody won’t be treated all the same
There’ll be a golden ladder reachin’ down
When the man comes around
The hairs on your arm will stand up
At the terror in each sip and in each sup
Will you partake of that last offered cup
Or disappear into the potter’s ground?
When the man comes around
Hear the trumpets hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singin’
Multitudes are marchin’ to the big kettledrum
Voices callin’, voices cryin’
Some are born and some are dyin’
It’s alpha and omega’s kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn tree
It’s hard for thee to kick against the pricks
Till armageddon no shalam, no shalom
Then the father hen will call his chickens home
The wise man will bow down before the throne
And at his feet they’ll cast their golden crowns
When the man comes around
Whoever is unjust let him be unjust still
Whoever is righteous let him be righteous still
Whoever is filthy let him be filthy still
Listen to the words long written down
When the man comes around
Hear the trumpets hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singin’
Multitudes are marchin’ to the big kettledrum
Voices callin’, voices cryin’
Some are born and some are dyin’
It’s alpha and omega’s kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn trees
It’s hard for thee to kick against the prick
In measured hundredweight and penny pound
When the man comes around
“And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts
And I looked, and behold a pale horse
And his name that sat on him was death, and hell followed with him”