Tennessee Flat Top Box

Johnny Cash

About Tennessee Flat Top Box

"Tennessee Flat Top Box" is a song written and recorded by American country music singer Johnny Cash. It was released as a single in late 1961, reaching 11 on the Billboard country singles charts and 84 on the pop charts. The song's name refers to a steel-stringed acoustic guitar.


Year:
1988
3:06
66 
#1

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In a little cabaret in a South Texas border town,
Sat a boy and his guitar, and the people came from miles around.
And all the girls from there to Austin,
Were slipping away from home and putting jewelery in hock.
To take the trip, to go and listen,
To the little dark-haired boy who played the Tennessee flat top box.

And he would play,

Well, he couldn't ride or wrangle, and he never cared to make a dime.
But give him his guitar, and he'd be happy all the time.
And all the girls from nine to ninety,
Were snapping fingers, tapping toes, and begging him: "Don't stop."
And hypnotized and fascinated,
By the little dark-haired boy who played the Tennessee flat top box.

And he would play,

Then one day he was gone, and no one ever saw him 'round,
He'd vanished like the breeze, they forgot him in the little town.
But all the girls still dreamed about him.
And hung around the cabaret until the doors were locked.
And then one day on the Hit Parade,
Was a little dark-haired boy who played the Tennessee flat top box.

And he would play

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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 R. Cash

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Tennessee Flat Top Box" was written and recorded by Johnny Cash - an American country music icon. The song was released in November 1961.
Album Information
It was featured on Cash's album, "Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash," which was his sixteenth album.
Chart Performance
Despite its popularity now, "Tennessee Flat Top Box" did not hit number one on the charts when it was released. Nevertheless, it reached up to number 11 on Billboard's C&W Sides chart in 1962.
Song's Theme
The song tells a story about a young boy with a talent for guitar who rises to fame as a musician, seeking nothing more than to play his "Tennessee flat top box," a term used for a kind of guitar.
Musical Style
It is considered a hallmark example of Cash's storytelling style within the genre of country music.
Cover Versions
Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cash's daughter, covered this song in 1987 and her version, surprisingly, reached number one on the Billboard country music chart.
Song's Revival
Rosanne Cash's cover of "Tennessee Flat Top Box" not only brought the song to a new generation but also reestablished its place among country music classics.
Johnny Cash's Reaction
Despite this being one of his lesser-known songs, Johnny Cash was extremely proud of it and was quoted saying that hearing Rosanne's cover of it was one of the greatest joys of his life.
Other Appearances
The song was included in Johnny Cash's live album called "At Folsom Prison," recorded in 1968.
Legacy
More than five decades after its initial release, "Tennessee Flat Top Box" continues to be a favorite among Johnny Cash's fans and an enduring classic in country music.

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