Lumberjack

Johnny Cash · Bootleg Volume 3: Live Around The World [2011]

I lived on a farm out in Iowa

I pulled the corn and I worked in the hay

Got trapped by a girl but I wiggled free

Heard the Oregon timber callin' me



Will you tell me somethin' Mr lumberjack

Is it one for forward and three for back

Is it two for stop or four for go?

Boy ask a whistle punk I don't know



Well I learned this fact from a logger named Ray

You don't cut timber on a windy day

Stay out of the woods when the moisture's low

Or you ain't gonna live to collect your doe



Will you tell me somethin' Mr lumberjack

Is it one for forward and three for back

Is it two for stop or four for go?

Boy ask a whistle punk I don't know



Well you work in the woods from morning till night

You laugh and sing and you cuss and fight

On Saturday night you go to Eugene's

And on a Sunday morning your pockets are clean



Will you tell me somethin' Mr lumberjack

Is it one for forward and three for back

Is it two for stop or four for go?

Boy ask a whistle punk I don't know

Lumberjack

Johnny Cash's rendition of "Lumberjack" captures the rugged spirit of his signature sound within a live setting. Featured on the 2011 compilation Bootleg Volume 3: Live Around The World, this recording highlights Cash's enduring ability to connect with audiences through storytelling and raw vocal delivery. The track fits seamlessly into his extensive discography of folk and country interpretations, showcasing his versatility beyond his most famous studio hits. By performing this song on stage, Cash brought a timeless narrative to life, emphasizing the hard work and resilience often found in his musical themes. This live version serves as a testament to his powerful presence and the lasting appeal of his catalog, offering listeners a glimpse into the dynamic energy of his global tours during his later years.