Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash – The One On The Right Is On The Left

Please scroll down for the music video. It is at the end of the article! 👇👇

About The Song

“The One On The Right Is On The Left” is a quirky and thought-provoking track from Johnny Cash that offers a humorous commentary on the political climate of his time. Released as a B-side on his album Everybody Loves a Nut, this song employs a satirical tone to highlight the absurdity of political divisions.

The lyrics present a chaotic scene at a folk music concert where political affiliations lead to a chaotic brawl among the audience. The repetitive chorus, “Well, the one on the right was on the left and the one in the middle was on the right and the one on the left was in the middle and the guy in the rear…” serves as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the confusion and contradictions often found in political discourse.   

Cash’s delivery is both playful and insightful, as he paints a vivid picture of a concert gone awry. His deep, resonant voice lends a sense of authority to the narrative, even as he mocks the absurdity of the situation. The song’s simple, folksy melody complements the lighthearted tone, making it a catchy and memorable tune.

While the song may seem lighthearted on the surface, it carries a deeper message about the importance of unity and understanding. By highlighting the absurdity of political divisions, Cash encourages listeners to look beyond their differences and find common ground.

“The One On The Right Is On The Left” is a testament to Johnny Cash’s versatility as an artist. While he is best known for his serious, heartfelt ballads, this song showcases his ability to craft a humorous and thought-provoking tune. It’s a reminder that even the most serious of topics can be approached with a sense of humor and irony.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LixJECmbfNY

Lyric

There once was a musical troupeA pickin’ singin’ folk groupThey sang the mountain balladsAnd the folk songs of our land
They were long on musical abilityFolks thought they would go farBut political incompatibilityLed to their downfall
Well, the one on the right was on the leftAnd the one in the middle was on the rightAnd the one on the left was in the middleAnd the guy in the rear was a Methodist
This musical aggregationToured the entire nationSinging the traditional balladsAnd the folk songs of our land (land)
They performed with great virtuosityAnd soon they were the rageBut political animosityPrevailed upon the stage
Well, the one on the right was on the leftAnd the one in the middle was on the rightAnd the one on the left was in the middleAnd the guy in the rear burned his driver’s license
Well the curtain had ascendedA hush fell on the crowdAs thousands there were gatheredTo hear the folk songs of our land
But they took their politics seriouslyAnd that night at the concert hallAs the audience watched deliriouslyThey had a free-for-all
Well, the one on the right was on the bottomAnd the one in the middle was on the topAnd the one on the left got a broken armAnd the guy in the rear said, “Oh dear”
Now this should be a lessonIf you plan to start a folk groupDon’t go mixin’ politicsWith the folk songs of our land
Just work on harmony and dictionPlay your banjo wellAnd if you have political convictionsKeep ’em to yourself
Now, the one on the left works in a bankAnd the one in the middle drives a truckThe one on the right’s an all-night deejayAnd the guy in the rear got drafted
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