No Good Chain Gang
Johnny Cash · Other Songs - Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash & Waylon Jennings
Bet it ain't raining back home
Bet your sister's still on the phone
Bet Momma's in the kitchen, cooking fried chicken
Wishing that I hadn't done wrong
Yeah, Momma, don't you worry about it none though
Everything's gonna be all right, Momma
They're teaching us a lot of new things in here Momma
Things like
There ain't no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain't cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don't go writing hot cheques down in Mississippi
And there ain't no good chain gang
Papa's reading yesterday's mail
Wishing that the hay was all baled
I bet he's a-wishing we could go fishing
And here I am a-laying in jail
Well, Papa, don't you worry about it none now
Everything's gonna be all right, Papa
They're teaching us a lesson a day we're learning pretty well too
We've already learned a whole lot of stuff already
Things like
There ain't no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain't cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don't go writing hot cheques down in Mississippi
And there ain't no good chain gang
There ain't no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain't cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don't go writing hot cheques down in Mississippi
And there ain't no good chain gang
There ain't no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain't cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don't go writing hot cheques down in Mississippi
And there ain't no good chain gang
No Good Chain Gang
Johnny Cash's "No Good Chain Gang" stands as a testament to his enduring mastery of the country and folk traditions. The recording captures the Man in Black's signature baritone, delivering a narrative steeped in the hardships and resilience often found within his discography. While the specific album placement for this track varies across different compilations, the song itself reflects Cash's ability to transform simple storytelling into profound musical statements. It aligns with his broader body of work that frequently explores themes of labor, struggle, and redemption. This piece remains a compelling example of his songwriting craft, showcasing the raw emotional power that defined his career and influenced generations of musicians within the genre.