About the song
Background of “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash
- Original Song: “I’ve Been Everywhere” wasn’t written by Cash. It originated in Australia by Geoff Mack in 1959. The song became popular with different versions featuring locations from various countries.
- Cash’s Version: Cash released his rendition in 1996 on his album “Unchained.”
Themes in Cash’s Version
- Travel and Experience: The song is a catalogue of places, highlighting the singer’s vast travels and experiences.
- Wanderlust and Restlessness: The rapid-fire listing of locations could suggest a restless spirit, always seeking the next adventure.
- Bragging Rights (with a Wink): The sheer number of places visited can be seen as a boastful claim to worldly experience. However, Cash’s delivery often adds a touch of humor, making it less serious.
- The Open Road: The song evokes a sense of freedom and adventure associated with traveling, particularly by car or truck.
- Connection to Everyday People: The places listed are often small towns and familiar locations, creating a sense of relatability for the listener.
It’s important to note that Cash’s cover doesn’t delve into the emotional experiences of travel. It focuses more on the act of having been there and the lighthearted boast of seeing the world.
Video
Lyrics
I was totin’ my pack along the dusty Winnemucca roadWhen along came a semi with a high an’ canvas-covered load“If you’re goin’ to Winnemucca, Mack, with me you can ride”And so I climbed into the cab, and then I settled down insideHe asked me if I’d seen a road with so much dust and sandAnd I said, “Listen, I’ve traveled every road in this here land”
I’ve been everywhere, manI’ve been everywhere, manCrossed the deserts bare, manI’ve breathed the mountain air, manOf travel I’ve had my share, manI’ve been everywhere
I’ve been to Reno, Chicago, Fargo, MinnesotaBuffalo, Toronto, Winslow, SarasotaWichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, OklahomaTampa, Panama, Mattawa, La PalomaBangor, Baltimore, Salvador, AmarilloTocapillo, Baranquilla, and Perdilla, I’m a killer
I’ve been everywhere, manI’ve been everywhere, manCrossed the deserts bare, manI’ve breathed the mountain air, manOf travel I’ve had my share, manI’ve been everywhere
I’ve been to Boston, Charleston, Dayton, LouisianaWashington, Houston, Kingston, TexarkanaMonterey, Faraday, Santa Fe, TallapoosaGlen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, OskaloosaTennessee to Tennesse Chicopee, Spirit LakeGrand Lake, Devils Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete’s sake
I’ve been everywhere, manI’ve been everywhere, manCrossed the desert’s bare, manI’ve breathed the mountain air, manOf travel I’ve had my share, manI’ve been everywhere
I’ve been to Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, OmbabikaSchefferville, Jacksonville, Waterville, Costa RicaPittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, ShreveportHackensack, Cadillac, Fond du Lac, DavenportIdaho, Jellico, Argentina, Diamantina,Pasadena, Catalina, see what I mean
I’ve been everywhere, manI’ve been everywhere, manCrossed the desert’s bare, manI’ve breathed the mountain air, manOf travel I’ve had my share, manI’ve been everywhere
I’ve been to Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravelburg, ColoradoEllensburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, El DoradoLarimore, Atmore, Haverstraw, ChatanikaChaska, Nebraska, Alaska, OpelikaBaraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas CitySioux City, Cedar City, Dodge City, what a pity
I’ve been everywhere, manI’ve been everywhere, manCrossed the desert’s bare, manI’ve breathed the mountain air, manOf travel I’ve had my share, manI’ve been everywhere
I’ve been everywhere