What Do I Care
Johnny Cash · The Greatest: The Number Ones [2012]
If the total isn't high enough when they figure me
When I grow old if there's no gray from worry in my hair
What do I care? What do I care?
What do I care just as long as you were mine a little while?
When the road was long and weary you gave me a few good mile
What do I care if I miss a goal because I make a slip?
I'll still be satisfied because I tasted your sweet lips
What do I care if I never have much money?
And sometimes my table looks a little bare
Anything that I may miss is made up for each time we kiss
You love me and I love you, so what do I care?
What do I care just as long as you were mine a little while?
When the road was long and weary you gave me a few good mile
What do I care if I miss a goal because I make a slip?
I'll still be satisfied because I tasted your sweet lips
What do I care if I never have much money?
And sometimes my table looks a little bare
Anything that I may miss is made up for each time we kiss
You love me and I love you, so what do I care?
What Do I Care
Johnny Cash's 'What Do I Care' stands as a quintessential example of his signature country-rock sound, blending raw vocal delivery with a driving rhythm section. Recorded for his 2012 compilation 'The Greatest: The Number Ones,' the track exemplifies Cash's ability to deliver poignant, unadorned storytelling that resonated with audiences across generations. The song's lyrics explore themes of indifference and resilience, characteristic of Cash's later work where he often reflected on life's uncertainties with a weary yet accepting tone. As part of his extensive discography, this recording captures the essence of his enduring appeal, merging traditional country roots with a polished production style that defined his final era. The track remains a staple of his catalog, illustrating how Cash maintained his artistic integrity while adapting to changing musical landscapes.