3 Songs Written But Not Originally Performed by Johnny Cash

Known for his low singing voice and songs that chunk along like a locomotive, Johnny Cash is one of country music’s all-time legends. He composed tunes like “I Walk the Line” and “San Quentin” and today Cash remains a mainstay on the radio and personal stereos all around the world.

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Here below, we wanted to explore three songs the artist wrote but didn’t first perform. They are songs others were able to put out into the world. Indeed, these are three songs written but not originally played by Johnny Cash.

[RELATED: Top 10 Johnny Cash Songs]

“I Tremble for You” by Waylon Jennings from Love of the Common People (1967)

Opening with a hefty piano, this country song features the rich-voiced country star Waylon Jennings. Co-written by Lew DeWitt and Johnny Cash, it’s a mournful and reflective tune. The singer is lamenting he’s lost his spirit just as he’s lost the object of his affection. He hopes to get back on his feet but at the moment he is broken and trembling. Indeed, on the offering, Jennings sings,

This world that I live in is empty and cold the loneliness cuts me and tortures my soul
I’m no child of destiny and no fortune’s son
I’ve just chased you so long now I’m too weak to run
A new day is here but nothing is new alone in my room I tremble for you

“All Mama’s Children” by Carl Perkins from (Single, 1956)

Written early in Cash’s career for the early country star Carl Perkins, this song is a rollicking romp. It’s about cutting loose, dancing, and the fact the singer isn’t alone in his wish to do so. As rock and roll was barely coming into the forefront of culture, Cash and Perkins co-wrote lyrics that demonstrated its alluring power. Indeed, on this song from 1956, Perkins belts,

There was an old woman that lived in a shoe
Had so many children, she didn’t know what to do
They were doin’ all right, till she took ’em to town
The kids started pickin’ ’em up and puttin’ ’em down

Now all your children wanna rock, mama
All your children wants to roll
They wanna roll, wanna rock, wanna bop till they pop
All your children wants to rock
Rock now, go!

“Gold All Over the Ground” by Brad Paisley from Love and War (2017)

This song, which appeared on the 2017 album Love and War, is part of a star-studded LP lineup that included collaborators John Carter Cash, Timbaland, Mick Jagger, and Demi Lovato. As for the mellow tune itself, it is based on a poem written by Johnny Cash that appeared in the literary collection Forever Words. A soft, acoustic-driven offering, Brad Paisley sings with a smooth, deep voice betwixt snare drums and slide guitars. Indeed, Paisley croons,

If I had you at my mercy there’s no telling what I’d do
But I’d sit and make you listen for an hour, maybe two
And then you’d know I need you
Everyday that rolls around
And your feet would walk on velvet
With gold all over the ground

Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images