Understand Your Man

Johnny Cash

About Understand Your Man

"Understand Your Man" is a 1964 single by Johnny Cash. The single went to number one on the country charts for six weeks. "Understand Your Man" also crossed over to the Top 40, peaking at number 35. Cash borrowed parts of the melody from Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right". It was also the last song Cash ever performed in front of an audience. It was the last song in his performance at the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, on 5 July 2003. Prior to singing it, Cash told the audience that at that point he had not performed it live in 25 years. (It was not, however, the final song he ever sang as, despite failing health, he continued to make studio recordings until late August 2003, shortly before his death.) 


Year:
2011
2:44
77 
#2

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

Don't call my name out your window, I'm leavin'
I won't even turn my head.
Don't sent your kinfolk to give me no talkin'
I'll be gone, like I said.

You'd just say the same old thing
That you be sayin' all along,
Just lay there in your bed and keep your mouth shut,
Till I'm gone.
Don't give me that old familiar cry and fuss and moan

Understand your man, I'm tired of your bad-mouthin'
Understand your man.

You can give my other suit to the Salvation Army,
And everything else I leave behind
I ain't takin' nothin' that'll slow down my travelin'
While I'm untanglin' my mind.

I ain't gonna repeat
What I said any more
While I'm breathin' air that ain't been breathed before,
I'll be just as gone as the wild goose in winter

Then you'll understand your man, meditate on it
Understand your man, you hear me talking
Understand your man. Remember what I told you
Understand your man
Understand your man

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


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 »

19 fans

Written by: JOHNNY R. CASH

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


20 facts about this song

Release Date
The release date of "Understand Your Man" by Johnny Cash was on January 13, 1964. It was the lead single from his album "I Walk the Line."
Chart Success
The song was a huge success, reaching number one on both the Billboard Country and Cashbox Country charts.
Influences
Johnny Cash was heavily influenced by Bob Dylan, and the tune of "Understand Your Man" is notably similar to Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right."
Grammy Award
Among Cash's many accolades, "Understand Your Man" earned him a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
Controversy
Despite its popularity, the song was controversial because of its lyrics, which seemed dismissive of women. Cash later explained that the song was meant to be humorous and self-deprecating.
Connection with U2
Decades later, Cash would record a song called "The Wanderer," with Irish rock band U2, whose final words echo lyrics from "Understand Your Man."
Last Live Performance
Interestingly, "Understand Your Man" was the last song Cash ever performed live in public, at the Carter Family Fold, in Hiltons, Virginia, July 5, 2003.
Song Writing
Unlike many other songs of its time, Johnny Cash himself composed the song and is the sole credit for its writing.
Its place in the American Recording
"Understand Your Man" also appeared on the 1994 album "American Recordings", which reinvigorated Cash's career.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered "Understand Your Man", including The Byrds on their album "Sweetheart of the Rodeo", and singer-songwriters Marshall Chapman and Tim O'Brien.
Album Information
"Understand Your Man" is a song from Johnny Cash's 1964 album "I Walk the Line."
Chart Performance
The song achieved substantial commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart where it stayed for six weeks.
Song's Inspiration
"Understand Your Man" was reportedly created as a response to his wife at the time, Vivian Liberto, as their marriage was beginning to fail.
Song's Genre
The song falls under the Country and Rockabilly music genres that Johnny Cash is well-known for.
Bob Dylan Connection
Interestingly, the song shares its melody with Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right." Cash informed Dylan before releasing the song, acknowledging the influence.
Lyrics Theme
"Understand Your Man" has lyrics that reflect a breakup, with the singer wanting to put an end to the relationship, and asking his partner to understand his decision.
Song's Duration
The length of this song is relatively short, clocking in at only 2 minutes and 42 seconds.
Last Performance
It is reported that Johnny Cash performed "Understand Your Man" for the last time on his television show, "Johnny Cash and Friends" in 1976.
Live Performance
Unlike many other hits by Johnny Cash, "Understand Your Man" was not frequently included in his live performances.
Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2020, this song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame due to its significance in recording history.

Discuss the Understand Your Man Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Understand Your Man Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/24692125/Johnny+Cash/Understand+Your+Man>.

    Missing lyrics by Johnny Cash?

    Know any other songs by Johnny Cash? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Understand Your Man

    1.1M
    4,749     122

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1964

    Billboard #35


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who of the following is not a Dutch rapper?
    A Kraantje Pappie
    B Lil Kleine
    C Snelle
    D Lars Vaular

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Johnny Cash's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Johnny Cash tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Understand Your Man

    »