Ballad Of A Teenage Queen
Johnny Cash · The Greatest: The Number Ones [2012]
There's a story in our town
Of the prettiest girl around
Golden hair and eyes of blue
How those eyes could flash at you (How those eyes could flash at you)
Boys hung 'round her by the score
But she loved the boy next door who worked at the candy store
(Dream on, dream on teenage queen prettiest girl we've ever seen)
She was tops in all they said
It never once went to her head
She had everything it seems
Not a care, this teenage queen (Not a care, this teenage queen)
Other boys could offer more
But she loved the boy next door who worked at the candy store
(Dream on, dream on teenage queen you should be a movie queen)
He would marry her next spring
Saved his money, bought a ring
Then one day a movie scout
Came to town to take her out (Came to town to take her out)
Hollywood could offer more
So she left the boy next door working at the candy store
(Dream on, dream on teenage queen see you on the movie screen)
Very soon she was a star
Pretty house and shiny car
Swimming pool and a fence around
But she missed her old home town (But she missed her old home town)
All the world was at her door
All except the boy next door who worked at the candy store
(Dream on, dream on teenage queen saddest girl we've ever seen)
Then one day the teenage star
Sold her house and all her cars
Gave up all her wealth and fame
Left it all and caught a train (Left it all and caught a train)
Do I have to tell you more
She came back to the boy next door who worked at the candy store
(Now this story has some more, you'll hear it all at the candy store)
Ballad Of A Teenage Queen
Johnny Cash's "Ballad Of A Teenage Queen" stands as a poignant exploration of youthful rebellion and the transition to adulthood. Recorded for his 2012 compilation "The Greatest: The Number Ones," the track captures Cash's signature gravelly delivery, infusing the narrative with a sense of weary wisdom. The song reflects on the fleeting nature of teenage defiance and the inevitable maturity that follows, themes central to Cash's broader body of work. By weaving together personal reflection with universal experience, the recording exemplifies Cash's ability to transform simple storytelling into profound musical commentary. Its inclusion in the greatest hits collection underscores its enduring appeal and status as a defining piece in his discography.