Bob Dylan has his fair share of songs that are considered groundbreaking, but he once pointed to a country hit when talking about the most “mysterious and revolutionary” track of all time. Find out below which legendary Johnny Cash song is Dylan’s favorite.
Videos by American Songwriter
Bob Dylan’s Favorite Country Song Is a True Johnny Cash Classic
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you’re mine, I walk the line, mmm
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I’ll admit that I’m a fool for you
Because you’re mine, I walk the line, mmm
Dylan and Johnny Cash famously duetted in 1969. As it turns out, that collaboration was forged out of a reverence from Dylan towards the country hero. One Cash song in particular caught Dylan’s ears, “I Walk the Line.”
Dylan is certainly not the first person to point out this song’s strengths, but given his songwriting power, his compliment likely means more than most. In his memoir, Dylan waxed poetic about “I Walk the Line” and the transformative effect it had on him.
“I‘d always considered [‘I Walk the Line’] to be up there at the top, one of the most mysterious and revolutionary of all time, a song that makes an attack on your most vulnerable spots, sharp words from a master,” Dylan once wrote.
“‘I keep a close watch on this heart of mine,’” Dylan continued. “Indeed. I must have recited those lines to myself a million times… When I first heard ‘I Walk the Line’ so many years earlier, it sounded like a voice calling out, ‘What are you doing there, boy?’ I was trying to keep my eyes wide opened, too.”
Behind “I Walk the Line”
“I Walk the Line” saw Cash sing about being tempted while out on the road. Though married, his oodles of fans made him think twice about his vow. “They kept on just layin’ it on you, night after night, city after city,” Cash once said. This song kept Cash in check, reminding him of his priorities.
This is a scenario Dylan likely knows a thing or two about as well. That could be why he related to it so heavily, however, this song is timeless and universally beloved for a reason. We all struggle to keep our priorities in check from time to time. This track helps us to remain on the good side of “the line.” Revisit “I Walk the Line,” below.
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I’ve known proves that it’s right
Because you’re mine, I walk the line, mmm
You’ve got a way to keep me on your side
You’ve give me cause for love that I can’t hide
For you, I know I’d even try to turn the tide
Because you’re mine, I walk the line, mmm
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.