The One on the Right Is on the Left

Johnny Cash

About The One on the Right Is on the Left

"The One on the Right Is on the Left" is a country song written by Jack Clement. It was recorded by Johnny Cash on November 29, 1965 and included on his album Everybody Loves a Nut (1966). It was the album's third and most successful single (see 1966 in music), reaching number two on the U. S. Billboard Country Singles chart and forty-six on Billboard's Pop Singles chart.


Year:
2012
2:48
124 
#1

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There once was a musical troupe
A pickin' singin' folk group
They sang the mountain ballads
And the folk songs of our land

They were long on musical ability
Folks thought they would go far
But political incompatibility led to their downfall

Well, the one on the right was on the left
And the one in the middle was on the right
And the one on the left was in the middle
And the guy in the rear was a Methodist

This musical aggregation toured the entire nation
Singing the traditional ballads
And the folk songs of our land
They performed with great virtuosity
And soon they were the rage
But political animosity prevailed upon the stage

Well, the one on the right was on the left
And the one in the middle was on the right
And the one on the left was in the middle
And the guy in the rear burned his driver's license

Well the curtain had ascended
A hush fell on the crowd
As thousands there were gathered to hear the folk songs of our land
But they took their politics seriously
And that night at the concert hall
As the audience watched deliriously
They had a free-for-all

Well, the one on the right was on the bottom
And the one in the middle was on the top
And the one on the left got a broken arm
And the guy on his rear, said, "Oh dear"

Now this should be a lesson if you plan to start a folk group
Don't go mixin' politics with the folk songs of our land
Just work on harmony and diction
Play your banjo well
And if you have political convictions keep them to yourself

Now, the one on the left works in a bank
And the one in the middle drives a truck
The one on the right's an all-night deejay
And the guy in the rear got drafted

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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 »

19 fans

Written by: JACK CLEMENT

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Song and Artist
"The One on the Right Is on the Left" is a song by "Johnny Cash".
Release Date
This song was released in February 1966 as a single.
Album
It's included in Cash's album "Everybody Loves a Nut".
Chart Performance
The song reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Country Singles chart in 1966.
Producer
The song was produced by music producer Don Law and Columbia Records staff producer Frank Jones.
Genre
It belongs to Country, novelty, and folk genre.
Songwriter
The song was written by famous American singer-songwriter Jack Clement.
Message
The song is a mocking portrayal of a band that can't stop arguing over political preferences, ultimately causing their downfall.
Musical Style
The song uses a storytelling style, often used by Cash, to deliver its satirical message.
Awards
While it's not an award-winning song, it's among Johnny Cash's most popular singles.
Pop Culture
The phrase "the one on the right" from the title has since become a popular catchphrase in pop culture.
Record Label
The song was recorded under Columbia Records.
Duration
The song’s duration is 2 minutes and 48 seconds.
B-Side
The B-side of the single release was "You Beat All I Ever Saw".
Music Video
There is no official music video for the song; however, live performances by Cash can be found on various platforms.

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    The One on the Right Is on the Left

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #46


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