About The Song
“Cry! Cry! Cry!” was written by Johnny Cash in 1955, marking his debut single as a recording artist. Cash composed the song while transitioning from his Air Force service to a music career in Memphis, Tennessee, inspired by the raw emotion of heartbreak and betrayal. It was recorded on May 21, 1955, at Sun Studio in Memphis, produced by Sam Phillips. The track was released as a single in June 1955 by Sun Records, with “Hey Porter” as the B-side, and later included on Cash’s debut album, Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!, released in October 1957. The song, running 2:27, is a country-rockabilly track featuring Cash’s distinctive baritone, Luther Perkins’ minimalist guitar, and Marshall Grant’s upright bass.
The single entered the Billboard Best Sellers in Stores (country) chart at number 14 in July 1955, peaking at number 14, as country charts were the primary focus for Sun Records releases at the time. It did not appear on the pop charts, as Billboard’s Hot 100 was not yet established. The song’s regional success in the South helped launch Cash’s career, selling over 100,000 copies. A re-release in 1960 by Sun Records failed to chart significantly. Internationally, it had limited impact, with no notable chart performance in Canada or the UK. Cash Box praised it as a “hard-hitting, emotional country tune” with “raw vocal power,” noting its appeal to jukebox operators.
Background details include Cash’s determination to break into music after pitching himself to Sam Phillips, who initially rejected him but accepted “Cry! Cry! Cry!” after hearing its potential. The song was recorded in a single session with the Tennessee Two, capturing their signature “boom-chicka-boom” sound. Its lyrics, reflecting a scorned lover’s defiance, resonated with audiences familiar with country’s storytelling tradition. Covers include versions by Marty Stuart (1989) and Elvis Costello (1982). Cash performed it on the Louisiana Hayride radio show in 1955, boosting his early fame. No major controversies surrounded the song, though its raw tone surprised some listeners expecting softer country fare.
Expert commentary includes AllMusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine, who called it a “fiery introduction” to Cash’s career, highlighting its blend of country and emerging rockabilly. Songfacts noted its role in establishing Cash’s outlaw persona, with lyrics that “cut deep.” Rolling Stone cited it as a foundational track for Cash’s Sun Records era. The song’s simplicity made it a staple in his live sets, including a 1956 Grand Ole Opry performance. Its use in the 2005 film Walk the Line, performed by Joaquin Phoenix, and in a 2010 episode of Justified underscores its lasting influence in country music.
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Lyric
Everybody knows where you go when the sun goes down
I think you only live to see the lights up town
I wasted my time when I would try, try, try
‘Cause when the lights have lost their glow, you’ll cry, cry, crySoon your sugar daddies will all be gone
You’ll wake up some cold day and find you’re alone
You’ll call for me, but I’m gonna tell you bye, bye, bye
When I turn around and walk away, you’ll cry, cry, cryYou’re gonna cry, cry, cry, and you’ll cry alone
When everyone’s forgotten and you’re left on your own
You’re gonna cry, cry, cryI lie awake at night to wait till you come in
You stay a little while and then you’re gone again
Every question that I ask, I get a lie, lie, lie
For every lie you tell, you’re gonna cry, cry, cryWhen your fickle love gets old, no one will care for you
Then you’ll come back to me for a little love that’s true
I’ll tell you no, and then you’ll ask me why, why, why
When I remind you of all of this, you’ll cry, cry, cryYou’re gonna cry, cry, cry, and you’ll cry alone
When everyone’s forgotten and you’re left on your own
You’re gonna cry, cry, cry