Five Feet High and Rising
Johnny Cash
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How high's the water, mama? Two feet high and risin' How high's the water, papa? She said it's two feet high and risin' We can make it to the road in a homemade boat That's the only thing we got left that'll float It's already over all the wheat and oats, Two feet high and risin' How high's the water, mama? Three feet high and risin' How high's the water, papa? She said it's three feet high and risin' Well, the hives are gone, I lost my bees The chickens are sleepin' In the willow trees Cow's in water up past her knees, Three feet high and risin' How high's the water, mama? Four feet high and risin' How high's the water, papa? She said it's four feet high and risin' Hey, come look through the window pane, The bus is coin', gonna take us to the train Looks like we'll be blessed with a little more rain, Four feet high and risin' How high's the water, mama? Five feet high and risin' How high's the water, papa? She said it's five feet high and risin' Well the rails are washed out north of town We gotta head for higher ground We can't come back till the water goes down, Five feet high and risin' Well, it's five feet high and risin'
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Written by: JOHNNY R. CASH
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Genre Classification"Five Feet High and Rising" is a song belonging to the country genre, embodying the classic storytelling approach characteristic of many country songs.
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Release YearThe song was released in the year 1959 as part of his album "Songs Of Our Soil."
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InspirationJohnny Cash drew inspiration from his own experiences for this song. He wrote it in response to the devastating floods he and his family faced in Arkansas during his childhood.
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Nature of SongIt's a concept song designed to capture the fear, uncertainty, and resilience exhibited in the face of natural disasters.
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Song Popularity"Five Feet High and Rising" is one of Johnny Cash's most famous songs, providing a compelling narrative that resonated with many people.
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Cultural SignificanceThe song is also culturally significant. Its themes of survival, resilience, and community strength have struck a chord in the collective consciousness, putting it on the list of the most memorable folk-country works.
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Personal Significance"Five Feet High and Rising" held personal significance for Cash. The lyrics reflect his concern and empathy for farmers, given his own early life working on cotton farms.
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Album's ThemeThe song aligned with the album's overall theme - which focused on mortality, tragedy, and the tribulations of rural life.
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ImpactCash's presentation of vivid, first-hand imagery in "Five Feet High and Rising" had a profound impact on listeners, and the song has been covered by numerous artists since its release.
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RecognitionIn 2006, the song was included in the Johnny Cash's album The Legend, which won a Grammy award for Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package. This is a testament to the song's enduring appeal.
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Media Appearances"Five Feet High and Rising" has also made its way into several films, television series, and radio appearances, further cementing its place in American culture.
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Music VideoThe music video for the song, included in the DVD “The Best of the Johnny Cash TV Show,” features a performance from Cash in a television appearance, relaying the narrative of the song with his signature stage presence and deep voice.
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Citation
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"Five Feet High and Rising Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1024796/Johnny+Cash/Five+Feet+High+and+Rising>.
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