Nasty Dan

Johnny Cash

About Nasty Dan

"Nasty Dan" is an American folk song written by Jeff Moss, who also wrote "Rubber Duckie". It was first recorded and released by Johnny Cash in 1975. A version of the song is on his album The Johnny Cash Children's Album. Cash performed the song for Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street, telling The Grouch, "You'll like this." According to the song, Nasty Dan was a nasty man. He ate nails for lunch, never took a bath or laughed, and would jump for joy when a little boy would trip and fall. The only words he ever said were: I don't like you at all. He eventually met Nasty Pearl, a nasty girl, and they settled down and had a nasty kid. Moss included a poem of the same name in his book of poetry. The song became a No. 1 hit in France in 1976 for Claude François, who recorded it with French lyrics under the title "Sale Bonhomme". 


Year:
1975
161 

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Nasty Dan was the meanest man I ever knew
He's stomp and scream and be real mean the whole day through
He'd frown a bunch he ate nails for lunch and he'd never laugh
He'd growl and yell and I hard tell that he never took a bath

Nasty Dan was a nasty man
Hard to understand that Nasty Dan

Now Nasty Dan was a nasty man the whole day long
He'd go where he could he'd try real good to make things go wrong
He'd jump for joy when a little boy would trip and fall
And the only words that he ever said were I don't like you at all

Nasty Dan was a nasty man
Hard to understand that Nasty Dan

Now a real interesting thing that I want you to know about is this here
Because it's the most important thing it concerns a girl and things like that
Now Nasty Pearl was a nasty girl that met Dan somehow
She said you like me rotten as can be let's get married now

So they went and they did and had a nasty kid
And I must confess that Dan pretty much leaves everyone alone now
And he doesn't bother anybody anymore cause he just lives in his nasty ol' house
With his nasty ol' wife and his nasty ol' kid in nasty happiness

Nasty Dan was a nasty man
Hard to understand that Nasty Dan

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


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: JEFFREY A MOSS

Lyrics © T.S.E.C.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Collaboration
"Nasty Dan" is a unique collaboration between the legendary country singer Johnny Cash and the beloved children's television program, "Sesame Street."
Song Composition
The song, written by Jeff Moss, expresses the story of a grumpy, unpleasant character named Dan who surprisingly finds happiness with a nasty woman named Pearl.
Television Appearance
The song was performed by Cash on Episode 0515 in the fifth season of "Sesame Street" that aired on February 25, 1973.
Humorous Tone
Unlike many of Johnny Cash's typically serious songs, "Nasty Dan" has a lighthearted, humorous tone fitting the show's young audience.
Animation
On "Sesame Street," the performance of the song was accompanied by an animation showing the characters Nasty Dan and Nasty Pearl.
The Muppet Connection
Johnny Cash was no stranger to the Muppets, having already guest-starred on "The Muppet Show."
Album Inclusion
Outside the TV show, "Nasty Dan" was included in the 1975 album "The Johnny Cash Children's Album," only proving Cash's versatility as an artist.
Family Collaboration
The studio recording of the song features a read-along segment by Cash's son, John Carter Cash.
Enduring Popularity
Despite its non-traditional origins and youthful audience, "Nasty Dan" remains a beloved song among Johnny Cash fans.
Cultural Impact
The song is a notable example of successful cross-genre collaboration, combining country music and children's television in a memorable and entertaining way.

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