What Is Truth Lyrics - Johnny Cash

In LyricsBy ArtistBy Album #ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Random New Lyrics In Lyrics By Artist by Album

PDF Playlist

What is Truth Listen online

Johnny Cash

About What is Truth

"What Is Truth" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Johnny Cash released in February 1970. Generally viewed as a protest song, a rarity in country music at the time, the criticism of the Vietnam War, and war in general, made the song a major crossover hit. The song peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles. It also became Cash's 12th Top 40 single on the Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 19, and his 2nd Top 10 single on the Adult Contemporary chart, peaking at Number 4. It also reached number 1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada. more »

Year: 2010 2:38 158 Views The old man turned off the radio Said, "Where did all of the old songs go Kids sure play funny music these days They play it in the strangest ways" Said, "it looks to me like they've all gone wild It was peaceful back when I was a child" Well, man, could it be that the girls and boys Are trying to be heard above your noise? And the lonely voice of youth cries "What is truth?" A little boy of three sittin' on the floor Looks up and says, "Daddy, what is war?" "son, that's when people fight and die" The little boy of three says "Daddy, why?" A young man of seventeen in Sunday school Being taught the golden rule And by the time another year has gone around It may be his turn to lay his life down Can you blame the voice of youth for asking "What is truth?" A young man sittin' on the witness stand The man with the book says "Raise your hand" "Repeat after me, I solemnly swear" The man looked down at his long hair And although the young man solemnly swore Nobody seems to hear anymore And it didn't really matter if the truth was there It was the cut of his clothes and the length of his hair And the lonely voice of youth cries "What is truth?" The young girl dancing to the latest beat Has found new ways to move her feet The young man speaking in the city square Is trying to tell somebody that he cares Yeah, the ones that you're calling wild Are going to be the leaders in a little while This old world's wakin' to a new born day And I solemnly swear that it'll be their way You better help the voice of youth find "What is truth/"

Johnny Cash

John R. "Johnny" Cash (February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003), was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Although he is primarily remembered as a country music icon, his songs and sound spanned many other genres including rockabilly and rock and roll—especially early in his career—as well as blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal led to Cash being inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Gospel Music Hall of Fame. more »

Follow 27 fans

Sheet Music PDF Playlist

Written by: JOHNNY R. CASH

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

15 facts about this song

Song Release "What Is Truth” was released by Johnny Cash in February 1970.

Album Placement The song was a part of Johnny Cash's 33rd studio album, “The Johnny Cash Show".

Chart Placement The song managed to peak at number three on the Billboard country chart.

Social Commentary "What Is Truth” is considered a social comment on the generation gap and the political and moral clashes between young people and their elders in the late 1960s.

Timeless Relevance Despite being a product of its time, the song is still considered relevant in today's socially and politically charged climate, as it begs the universal and timeless question – “What is truth?"

Inspirational Factor Cash was inspired to write this song after watching students protesting on TV.

Previous Performance Before its release, Cash previewed "What Is Truth" during his performance at The White House in front of President Richard Nixon in 1970.

Lyric Content The song contains a critical perspective on the Vietnam War, which was ongoing when the song was written and released.

Cover Version The song was covered by Nick Cave for the tribute album "Johnny Cash: Forever Words", a compilation of songs made from Johnny Cash's unused poetry, lyrics, and letters.

Song Meaning The song touches on themes of confusion, disillusionment, and loss of faith, while it encourages listeners to think and question rather than blindly follow authority.

Length of Track The duration of the song is approximately 2 minutes and 39 seconds.

Song Performance Johnny Cash performed this song live multiple times, making it one of his significant compositions.

Notable Influences "What Is Truth" encapsulates the signature country music style Johnny Cash was known for, complete with his distinctive bass-baritone voice.

Awards and Recognition Although the song didn't receive any specific awards, it helped further cement Johnny Cash's place as one of the greatest and most influential musicians in the history of American music.

Historical Significance The song can be seen as a piece of historical evidence, offering a glimpse into the socio-political climate of the late 1960s and early 1970s in the United States.

more »

Discuss the What is Truth Lyrics with the community:

https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/22132495/Johnny+Cash/What+is+Truth

0 Comments

0:00 0:00 clear Notify me of new comments via email. Publish ×Close

Report Comment

We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.

Cancel Report ×Close

Attachment

Close ×

You need to be logged in to favorite.

or fill the form below

Create a new account

Your name:*Required

Your email address:*Required

Pick a user name:*Required

Join

Log In

Username:*Required

Password:*Required

Log In

Forgot your password? Retrieve it

Citation

Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"What is Truth Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LTD, 2026. Web. 3 Jan. 2026. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/22132495/Johnny+Cash/What+is+Truth>.

Powered by CITE.ME

Missing lyrics by Johnny Cash?

Know any other songs by Johnny Cash? Don't keep it to yourself!

Add it Here ×Close

Image Credit

Close

The Web's Largest Resource for

Music, Songs & Lyrics

A Member Of The STANDS4 Network

Watch the song video

What is Truth

506.4K 3,903 58

more tracks from the album

The Pop Years: The 70s

• #1American Woman
• #2Spirit In the Sky
• #3Venus
• #4Band of Gold
• #5Give Me Just a Little More Time
• #7Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)
• #8Yellow River
• #9Ruby Tuesday
• #10Bridge Over Troubled Water
• #11Can't Help Falling In Love
• #12The Wonder of You
• #13What is Truth
• #15I Don't Believe In If Anymore
• #16Nobody's Fool
• #17Wedding Bell Blues
• #20Strange Band
• #21Rose Garden
• #22Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep
• #23Knock Three Times
• #25Co-Co
• #26Keep On Dancing
• #27What Have They Done To My Song, Ma?
• #28Tired of Being Alone
• #30La-La Means I Love You
• #32When You Get Right Down To It
• #34It's Impossible
• #35Watching the River Flow
• #36Chestnut Mare
• #38The Witch Queen of New Orleans
• #41All the Young Dudes
• #42Telegram Sam
• #43Little Willy
• #44Hold Your Head Up
• #45Say You Don't Mind
• #46Without You
• #47America
• #48Sylvia's Mother
• #50Lean On Me
• #51I Can See Clearly Now
• #52Let's Stay Together
• #53Runnin' Away
• #54Working On a Building of Love
• #55Back Stabbers
• #56Samson and Delilah
• #57Burlesque
• #58A Thing Called Love
• #59Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me
• #60An American Trilogy
• #61Walk On the Wild Side
• #62Rock On
• #63The Ballroom Blitz
• #64Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)
• #66Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree
• #6720th Century Boy
• #68That Lady, Pt. 1
• #69Love Train
• #70Love On a Mountain Top
• #71If You Don't Know Me By Now
• #72Me and Mrs. Jones
• #73Like Sister and Brother
• #74Solitaire
• #75Free Electric Band
• #76Born To Be With You
• #77God Gave Rock and Roll To You
• #79Radar Love
• #80Frankenstein
• #81Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
• #82Gonna Make You a Star
• #83Shang-a-Lang
• #84Seasons In the Sun
• #85Annie's Song
• #86When Will I See You Again
• #88Rock The Boat
• #89Summer Breeze
• #90Samba Pa Ti
• #91The Love I Lost
• #92TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)
• #93Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)
• #94Kissin' In The Back Row Of The Movies
• #95The Most Beautiful Girl
• #96I Can Help
• #97Tell Him
• #98Beach Baby
• #99Hey Rock and Roll
• #100Teenage Dream
• #101Hold Me Close
• #102Bye Bye Baby
• #103Once Bitten Twice Shy
• #104A Glass of Champagne
• #105Pick Up the Pieces
• #106Lady Marmalade
• #107It's In His Kiss
• #108What a Difference a Day Makes
• #109Take Good Care of Yourself
• #110Hold Back the Night
• #111The Way We Were - Try To Remember
• #112I Only Have Eyes For You
• #113Stand By Your Man
• #115Moonlighting
• #116Tears On My Pillow
• #117L.O.V.E.
• #118New York Groove
• #119New York City
• #120Three Steps To Heaven
• #121Daddy Cool
• #122More, More, More
• #123This is It
• #124I Love To Love
• #125I Love Music
• #126Play That Funky Music
• #127Love Really Hurts Without You
• #128You're More Than a Number In My Little Red Book
• #129Harvest For the World
• #131You Make Me Feel Like Dancing
• #132No Regrets
• #133Livin' Thing
• #134I Love To Boogie
• #135Under the Moon of Love
• #136I Only Wanna Be With You
• #137Living Next Door To Alice
• #138Jolene
• #139All By Myself
• #140Midnight Train To Georgia
• #141More Than a Feeling
• #142Black Betty
• #143Way Down
• #144Show You the Way To Go
• #145Boogie Nights
• #146Best of My Love
• #147Don't Leave Me This Way
• #148Free
• #150Red Light Spells Danger
• #151Baby Don't Change Your Mind
• #152Native New Yorker
• #153Saturday Nite
• #154She's Not There
• #155Lido Shuffle
• #156When I Need You
• #157You Got What It Takes
• #159Torn Between Two Lovers
• #161Y.M.C.a.
• #162Rasputin
• #163Instant Replay
• #164I Lost My Heart To a Starship Trooper
• #165Sorry, I'm a Lady
• #167Lovely Day
• #168Fantasy
• #169Sweet Talkin' Woman
• #170(Don't Fear) the Reaper
• #171Because the Night
• #172Automatic Lover
• #173Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick
• #174Oh Carol
• #175Emotions
• #176Shame
• #177Used Ta Be My Girl
• #178Come Back and Finish What You Started
• #179I Can't Stand the Rain
• #180Givin' Up Givin' In
• #181Shake Your Body (Down To the Ground)
• #182Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now
• #183I'm In the Mood For Dancing
• #185One Way Ticket
• #186Fire
• #187After the Love Has Gone
• #188Every Night
• #189Woman In Love
• #190It's a Disco Night (Rock Don't Stop)
• #192Keep On Dancin'
• #194Reasons To Be Cheerful, Pt. 3
• #195Every Day Hurts
• #196One Rule For You
• #197Take On the World
• #198I Want You To Want Me
• #199Hold the Line
• #200Bat Out of Hell

Browse Lyrics.com

#ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Random New Lyrics

Quiz

Are you a music master?

»

Rockstar David Howell Evans is better known by what name?

A The Purge B The Verge C The Serge D The Edge

Our awesome collection of

Promoted Songs

»

• Nothing Else MattersBrent Jones
• Come & Get Your KidsTocarra featuring MrBravalis
• God's Got A Blessing (Wi…Norman Hutchins

Get promoted

Free, no signup required:

Add to Chrome

Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web! Two clicks install »

Free, no signup required:

Add to Firefox

Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web! Two clicks install »

Don't miss Johnny Cash's

Upcoming Events

»

• Johnny Folsom 4 - Tribu…Fri • Jan 09 • 7:00 PMHouse of Blues Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, SC
• Double Tribute: Johnny …Fri • Jan 16 • 7:00 PMHop Springs, Murfreesboro, TN
• Johnny Cash Tribute By …Sat • Jan 31 • 7:00 PMWee Jimmies, Cowdenbeath
• Walkin' The Line: A Tri…Sun • Feb 15 • 3:00 PMChandler Center for the Arts, Chandler, AZ
• Johnny Cash – The Legac…Thu • Feb 19 • 8:00 PMVendelbohus, Hjørring