I Got Stripes
Johnny Cash
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
On a Monday, I was arrested (uh huh) On a Tuesday, They locked me in the jail (oh boy) On a Wednesday, My trial was attested On a Thursday, They said guilty and The Judge's gavel fell I got stripes, Stripes around my shoulders I got chains, Chains around my feet I got stripes, Stripes around my shoulders And them chains, them chains, They're about to drag me down On a Monday, My momma come to see me On a Tuesday, They caught me with a file On a Wednesday, I'm down in solitary On a Thursday, I start on bread and water for a while I got stripes, Stripes around my shoulders I got chains, Chains around my feet I got stripes, Stripes around my shoulders And them chains, them chains, They're about to drag me down I got stripes, Stripes around my shoulders I got chains, Chains around my feet I got stripes, Stripes around my shoulders And them chains, them chains, They're about to drag me down
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: CHARLIE WILLIAMS, JOHNNY CASH
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Song Inspiration"I Got Stripes" is reportedly inspired by Johnny Cash's own experiences with incarceration, particularly several nights spent in jail for minor offenses and substance abuse problems.
|
Release DateThe song was released in July 1959, and it remains one of Cash's best-known works.
|
Album Information"I Got Stripes" is featured in the album "At Folsom Prison," which Cash recorded live in front of an audience of inmates at Folsom State Prison in California.
|
Song ThemeThe song tells the tale of a prisoner who has been sentenced for killing a man in self-defense, reflecting the harsh realities of prison life.
|
Chart PerformanceDespite its grim theme, the song achieved commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard country charts in 1959.
|
Style and GenreDisplaying Cash's iconic "boom-chicka-boom" rhythm, the song is a perfect example of country blues mixed with rock and roll influences.
|
Music Partnership"I Got Stripes" is another collaboration work with Charlie Williams who was Cash's frequent songwriting partner during that period.
|
Lyrics InterpretationThe title "I Got Stripes" is a reference to the black and white striped uniforms that prisoners were required to wear.
|
LegacyThe song continues to influence many musicians till today, including Bob Dylan who cited Cash as a major influence in his career.
|
Live RecordingsThe live recording of "I Got Stripes" at Folsom State Prison is noted for its raw emotion stemming from Cash's personal experiences and the captive audience's reaction. The audience's response added a unique ambience that sets the live version apart from the studio recording.
|
Awards Information"At Folsom Prison," the album where "I Got Stripes" was featured, was certified Triple Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2003. Although the album received limited airplay, it still achieved great commercial success through album sales.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"I Got Stripes Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8237674/Johnny+Cash/I+Got+Stripes>.
Discuss the I Got Stripes Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In