Get Rhythm

Johnny Cash

About Get Rhythm

"Get Rhythm" is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter and musician Johnny Cash. It was originally released as the B-side to the single release "I Walk the Line" in 1956 on Sun 241. It was re-released with overdubbed "live" effects in September 1969 as an A-side single and reached number 60 on the Billboard Pop chart.


Year:
2017
2:11
79 
#1

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Hey, get rhythm when you get the blues
C'mon get rhythm, when you get the blues
Get a rock 'n roll feeling in your bones
Put taps on your toes and get goin'
Get rhythm, when you get the blues

Little shoeshine boy never get slowed down
But he's got the dirtiest job in town
Bendin' low at the peoples' feet
On the windy corner of a dirty street
Well, I asked him while he shined my shoes
How'd he keep from gettin' the blues
He grinned as he raised his little head
Popped a shoeshine rag and then he said

Hey, get rhythm when you get the blues
C'mon get rhythm, when you get the blues
A jumpy rhythm makes you feel so fine
It'll shake all the troubles from your worried mind
Get rhythm, when you get the blues

Get rhythm, when you get the blues
C'mon get rhythm, when you get the blues
Get a rock 'n roll feeling in your bones
Put taps on your toes and get goin'
Get rhythm, when you get the blues

Well, I sat down to listen to the shoeshine boy
And I thought I was gonna jump with joy
Slapped on the shoe polish left and right
He took a shoeshine rag and he held it tight
He stopped once to wipe the sweat away
I said you're a mighty little boy to be-a workin' that way
He said I like it with a big wide grin
Kept on a poppin' and he said again

Get rhythm, when you get the blues
C'mon get rhythm, when you get the blues
It only cost a dime, just a nickel a shoe
It does a million dollars worth of good for you
Get rhythm, when you get the blues

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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: JOHNNY CASH

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Origination
"Get Rhythm" was written and first recorded by iconic country music star Johnny Cash in 1955.
B-Side Release
Interestingly, the track was originally the B-side to Cash's debut hit single "I Walk the Line."
Inspiration
Johnny Cash claimed to have been inspired to write "Get Rhythm" after meeting a shoe shine boy while working as a radio operator for the U.S. Air Force in Germany.
Conceptual Approach
The song adopts a rhythm and blues style, differing from the usual country genre Johnny Cash was known for.
Re-Recording
Johnny Cash re-recorded and re-released the song in 1969 for the album "The Johnny Cash Collection: His Greatest Hits, Volume II."
Unique Instrumentals
"Get Rhythm" features a unique sound effect to mimic the sound of shoe shine rags, created by drummer W.S. Holland using a dollar bill and two matchbox packs.
Classification
It is considered one of Johnny Cash’s signature songs, despite its initial status as a B-side track.
Live Performances
"Get Rhythm" was frequently included in Cash's live setlists. There are numerous live versions of the song that have been recorded and released over the years.
Cover Versions
Various artists have covered the song in the decades since its release, including the British rock band Status Quo and country singer Martin Delray.
Film Reference
"Get Rhythm" was featured in the 2005 Johnny Cash biopic movie "Walk the Line," sung by actor Joaquin Phoenix who played Cash in the film.
Historical Recognition
The song is preserved in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

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    Get Rhythm

    5.1M
    26,237     783

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1969

    Billboard #60


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    Original Sun Albums: 1957-1964

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