What Is Truth Lyrics - Johnny Cash

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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 2:38 159 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 »

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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.

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