Five Feet High and Rising

Johnny Cash

About Five Feet High and Rising

"Five Feet High and Rising" is a song written and originally recorded by Johnny Cash. The song was recorded by Cash on March 12, 1959 for his third Columbia album and released as a single July, with "I Got Stripes" (another song from the same recording session) on the opposite side.


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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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Johnny Cash

John R. "Johnny" Cash (February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003), was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Although he is primarily remembered as a country music icon, his songs and sound spanned many other genres including rockabilly and rock and roll—especially early in his career—as well as blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal led to Cash being inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Gospel Music Hall of Fame. more »

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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.
Release Year
The song was released in the year 1959 as part of his album "Songs Of Our Soil."
Inspiration
Johnny 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.
Nature of Song
It's a concept song designed to capture the fear, uncertainty, and resilience exhibited in the face of natural disasters.
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.
Cultural Significance
The 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.
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.
Album's Theme
The song aligned with the album's overall theme - which focused on mortality, tragedy, and the tribulations of rural life.
Impact
Cash'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.
Recognition
In 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.
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.
Music Video
The 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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    Five Feet High and Rising

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1959

    Billboard #76


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