Johnny Cash – One (1994)

About the song

Johnny Cash, the Man in Black, is a name synonymous with country music. His deep, resonant voice and iconic style have captivated audiences for decades. One of his most poignant and enduring songs is “One,” a heartfelt ballad that explores themes of unity, compassion, and the interconnectedness of humanity.

Released in 1967 as part of the album “Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison,” “One” is a stark departure from the outlaw persona that Cash had cultivated in the early years of his career. Instead, the song offers a more introspective and contemplative side of the singer. The lyrics, penned by Cash himself, paint a vivid picture of a world ravaged by conflict and division. Yet, amidst the chaos, Cash finds a glimmer of hope in the universal truth that we are all “one.”

The song begins with a simple, acoustic guitar strumming, setting a somber and contemplative mood. Cash’s voice, rich and emotive, immediately draws the listener in. He sings of the pain and suffering caused by war, poverty, and injustice. The imagery is stark and unflinching, as Cash describes the horrors of the battlefield and the despair of the downtrodden.

However, the song is not merely a catalog of misery. It also offers a message of hope and reconciliation. Cash emphasizes the common humanity that unites us all, regardless of our differences. He sings of the need for compassion, understanding, and a shared commitment to peace. The chorus, with its powerful refrain of “We are one,” serves as a rallying cry for unity and solidarity.

“One” is a timeless song that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its message of hope and compassion is as relevant now as it was when it was first released. Cash’s powerful vocals and the haunting melody of the song create a truly unforgettable listening experience. Whether you are a longtime fan of Johnny Cash or new to his music, “One” is a song that deserves a place in your collection.

Video

Lyrics

Is it getting better
Or do you feel the same?
Will it make it easier on you now
You’ve got someone to blame?

You said
One love
One life
When it’s one need
In the night
One love, we get to share it
It leaves you, baby, if you don’t care for it

Did I disappoint you
Or leave a bad taste in your mouth?
You act like you never had love
And you want me to go without

Well it’s
Too late
Tonight
To drag the past out
Into the light
We’re one, but we’re not the same
We get to carry each other
Carry each other
One

Have you come here for forgivness?
Have you come to raise the dead?
Have you come here to play Jesus
To the lepers in your head?

Did I ask too much?
More than a lot?
You gave me nothing, now
It’s all I got
We’re one, but we’re not the same
Well, we hurt each other, and we’re doin’ it again

You said love is a temple
Love the higher law
Love is a temple
Love the higher law
You ask me to enter
But then you make me crawl
And I can’t be holdin’ on
To what you’ve got
When all you’ve got is hurt

One love
One blood
One life
You’ve got to do what you should
One life with each other

Sister
Brothers
One life, but we’re not the same
We get to carry each other
Carry each other

One

One

One

One