Old Chunk of Coal
Johnny Cash · Other Songs - Johnny Cash
But I'm gonna be a diamond some day
I'm gonna grow and glow 'til I'm so blue, pure perfect
I'm gonna put a smile on everybody's face
But I'm gonna kneel and pray everyday
Lest I should become vain along the way
I'm just an old chunk of coal, now Lord
But I'm gonna be a diamond some day
I'm gonna learn the right way to talk
I'm gonna search and find a better way to walk
I'm gonna spit and polish my old rough-edged self
Until I get rid of every single flaw
I'm gonna be the world's best friend
I'm gonna go around shakin' everybody's hand
I'm gonna be the cotton-pickin' rage of the age
Yes, I'm gonna be a diamond some day
I said, "I'm just an old chunk of coal, my Lord
But I'm gonna be a diamond some day"
Old Chunk of Coal
Johnny Cash's 'Old Chunk of Coal' stands as a poignant example of his mastery in the country and folk genres, particularly within his later period. Recorded during the early 1970s, the track reflects Cash's signature storytelling approach, blending acoustic instrumentation with his distinctive vocal delivery to explore themes of hardship and resilience. As part of his extensive discography from this era, the song exemplifies the raw emotional depth characteristic of his work, resonating with listeners through its narrative focus on the struggles of the working class. The recording captures a moment in Cash's career where his artistry continued to evolve, maintaining his commitment to authentic expression and social commentary without relying on commercial polish.