About the song
In the realm of country music, few songs have left an indelible mark on the genre like Johnny Cash’s iconic hit, “Ring of Fire.” Written by Cash’s eventual second wife, June Carter Cash, and songwriter Merle Kilgore, this 1963 masterpiece has become an anthem of love’s all-consuming passion, burning bright like a fiery ring that refuses to be extinguished.
The song’s origins date back to 1962, when June Carter’s sister, Anita Carter, recorded an early version of the song, “(Love’s) Ring of Fire,” for her album Folk Songs Old and New. However, it was Cash’s version that catapulted the song to fame, staying at the top of the country charts for seven weeks and earning a gold certification from the RIAA in 2010. With over 1.2 million digital downloads, “Ring of Fire” has become one of Cash’s most beloved and enduring songs.
The song’s lyrics, penned by June Carter and Merle Kilgore, are a poetic exploration of the intense emotions that accompany falling in love. The chorus, with its soaring melody and mariachi-inspired horns, is a masterclass in capturing the essence of passion and desire. As Cash’s daughter Rosanne noted, “The song is about the transformative power of love, and that’s what it has always meant to me and that’s what it will always mean to the Cash children.”
Interestingly, the song’s origins are shrouded in mystery, with some sources claiming that June Carter was inspired by an Elizabethan poetry book owned by her uncle A. P. Carter. Regardless of its true origins, “Ring of Fire” has become an integral part of country music history, with Rolling Stone naming it the number one greatest country song of all time and Country Music Television ranking it as the fourth greatest country song of all time.
In addition to its musical significance, “Ring of Fire” has also become a cultural phenomenon, with its lyrics and melody seeping into popular culture. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and even the rock band, The Killers. Its influence can be heard in everything from country music to rock, pop, and even hip-hop.
Despite its enduring popularity, “Ring of Fire” has also been the subject of controversy, with some claiming that June Carter did not write the song as she claimed. Vivian Cash, Johnny’s first wife, wrote in her autobiography that Johnny wrote the song while “pilled up and drunk” and that June never knew what the song was really about. Regardless of the truth behind the song’s origins, “Ring of Fire” remains a timeless classic, a testament to the power of love and the enduring legacy of Johnny Cash.
In conclusion, “Ring of Fire” is a song that has captured the hearts of millions, a fiery passion that continues to burn bright to this day. Its influence on country music and popular culture is undeniable, and its legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. As a testament to the transformative power of love, “Ring of Fire” remains an iconic anthem that will forever be etched in the annals of music history.
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Lyrics
Love is a burning thing
And it makes a fiery ring
Bound by wild desire
I fell into a ring of fireI fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire, the ring of fireI fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire, the ring of fireThe taste of love is sweet
When hearts like ours meet
I fell for you like a child
Oh, but the fire went wildI fell in to a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire, the ring of fireAnd it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire, the ring of fire
The ring of fire, the ring of fire