Nasty Dan
Johnny Cash · The Johnny Cash Children's Album [1975]
He'd 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 grown and yell and I heard 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 and 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 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 who met Dan somehow.
She said "You're 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 old house
With his nasty old wife and his nasty old kid, in nasty happiness!
Nasty Dan was a nasty man, hard to understand, that Nasty Dan.
Nasty Dan
Johnny Cash's 'Nasty Dan' appears on his 1975 children's album, The Johnny Cash Children's Album. Recorded during a period when Cash frequently collaborated with his son, the track reflects the gentle, storytelling style characteristic of his early work with young audiences. While often associated with his broader outlaw country persona, this recording showcases a softer side of his vocal delivery and songwriting. The piece stands as part of his extensive discography of family-oriented music, capturing the warmth and simplicity found in many of his later children's projects. It serves as a testament to his ability to adapt his signature sound for different demographics without losing its emotional resonance.
