Delia's Gone
Johnny Cash · Other Songs - Johnny Cash
Delia all my life
If I hadn't have shot poor Delia
I'd a had her for my wife
Delia's gone
one more round
Delia's gone
I went up to Memphis
And I me Delia there
Found her in her parlour
And I tied her to her chair
Delia's gone
one more round
Delia's gone
She was low down and, triflin
She was cold and mean
Kind of evil make me
Want to grab my sub-mochine
Delia's gone
one more round
Delia's gone
First time I shot her
Shot her in the side
Hard to watch her suffer
But with the second shot she died
Delia's gone
one more round
Delia's gone
But Jailer oh' Jailer
Jailer I cant sleep
Cause all around the bedside
I hear the patter of Delia's feet
Delia's gone
one more round
Delia's gone
So if your woman's devilish
You can let her run
Or you can bring her down
And do her, like Delia got done
Delia's gone
one more round
Delia's gone
Delia's gone
one more round
Delia's gone
About Delia's Gone
Johnny Cash's "Delia's Gone" stands as a poignant testament to his mastery of the outlaw country and gospel genres, capturing the raw emotion of loss and memory. Recorded during a period where Cash frequently explored themes of mortality and personal grief, the track reflects his signature vocal style, blending a gravelly delivery with a rhythmic, percussive approach that emphasizes the human condition. The song serves as a narrative device, illustrating how Cash often used fictionalized characters to process real-life sorrow, a technique evident in his broader discography. By avoiding direct lyrical quotation, the focus remains on the atmospheric tension and emotional depth characteristic of his late-career recordings, which resonated deeply with audiences seeking authenticity in their musical experiences.