Ride This Train (part 3)
Johnny Cash · Other Songs - Johnny Cash
And you talk about rough
You know a lot of places in the country claim Paul Bunyon lived there
But you should have seen Roseburg when me and my daddy'd come there
Everyone of them loggers looked like Paul Bunyon to me
As I was a skinny kid about sixteen
And I was scared to death when we walked into that camp
None of the lumberjacks paid any attention to me at first
But when my pa told the boss that me and him wanted a job
A lot of 'em stopped their work to see what was gonna happen
That big boss walked around me looked me up and down and said
Mister I believe that boy is made out of second growth
timber and I guess I was Everybody but me and pa had a big laugh over it
Pa got kinda mad and the boss finally said he might
start me out as a high climber
I didn't know what a high climber was boy I sure learned fast
That steel corded rope cut my back and that axe
I thought it was gonna break my arms off but I stuck with it
It wasn't long till I learned that a man's got to be
A lot tougher than the timber he's cuttin'
Finally I could swing that crosscut saw with the best of them
About Ride This Train (part 3)
Johnny Cash's "Ride This Train (part 3)" stands as a poignant chapter in his extensive catalog of storytelling, reflecting the deep well of narrative songwriting that defined his career. Released during a period where Cash frequently revisited themes of loss, redemption, and the human condition, the track exemplifies his signature blend of acoustic guitar and emotive vocals. As part of a larger musical journey, the song captures the raw intensity of his live performances, often recorded with a band that amplified the emotional weight of his delivery. The recording sits within the broader context of Cash's work from the early 1970s, a time when he continued to explore complex character studies and social commentary. While specific album placement may vary in different releases, the song remains a testament to his ability to craft atmospheric soundscapes that resonate with listeners. Its enduring appeal lies in Cash's unique voice, which transforms simple melodies into profound expressions of the American experience, ensuring that the story told on "Ride This Train" continues to connect with audiences decades later.