About The Song
Johnny Cash, the man in black, has left an indelible mark on the world of country music. His deep, resonant voice and poignant lyrics have captivated audiences for generations. Among his vast discography, “Oh Bury Me Not” stands as a testament to Cash’s ability to connect with listeners on a profound level.
“Oh Bury Me Not” is more than just a song; it’s a heartfelt prayer and a reflection on life, death, and the enduring spirit of the American West. The track is a perfect example of Cash’s skill in weaving together traditional folk elements with contemporary country music.
The song’s title itself is a direct reference to a traditional folk ballad, suggesting a deep connection to the rich musical heritage of the United States. Cash’s interpretation of this timeless theme adds a layer of personal experience and contemplation, transforming the song into a poignant meditation on mortality.
“Oh Bury Me Not” is a slow, mournful ballad that is carried by Cash’s signature baritone. The sparse instrumentation, consisting primarily of acoustic guitar and pedal steel, creates a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements the somber lyrics. The imagery evoked in the song is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a solitary cowboy contemplating his own demise.
The lyrics of “Oh Bury Me Not” are filled with references to the natural world and the hardships of frontier life. Cash sings of wanting to be buried on a mountaintop, overlooking the vast landscape that he has come to love. This desire for a natural burial is a common theme in folk and country music, reflecting a deep connection to the land and a longing for a simple, unadorned existence.
The song’s refrain, “Oh bury me not,” is both a plea and a resignation. It expresses the singer’s fear of death, but also a sense of acceptance of his fate. This duality is a powerful and universal theme that resonates with listeners of all ages.
“Oh Bury Me Not” is a timeless classic that showcases Johnny Cash’s unique ability to connect with his audience on a deeply emotional level. The song’s themes of mortality, nature, and the enduring spirit of the American West continue to resonate with listeners today. Whether you are a lifelong fan of Johnny Cash or simply appreciate great country music, “Oh Bury Me Not” is a song that is well worth exploring.
Video
Lyric
Lord, I’ve never lived where churches grow I loved creation better as it stood That day you finished it so long ago And looked upon your work and called it good I know that others find you in the light That sifted down through tinted window panes And yet I seem to feel you near tonight In this dim, quiet starlight on the plains I thank you, Lord, that I’m placed so well That you’ve made my freedom so complete That I’m no slave to whistle, clock or bell Nor weak eyed prisoner of Waller Street Just let me live my life as I’ve begun And give me work that’s open to the sky Make me a partner of the wind and sun And I won’t ask a life that’s soft or high Let me be easy on the man that’s down Let me be square and generous with all I’m careless sometimes, Lord, when I’m in town But never let them say I’m mean or small Make me as big and open as the plains And honest as the horse between my knees Clean as a wind that blows behind the rains Free as the hawk that circles down the breeze Forgive me, Lord, if sometimes I forget You know about the reasons that are hid You understand the things that gall or fret Well, you knew me better than my mother did Just keep an eye on all that’s done or said And right mesometimes when I turn aside And guide me on that long, dim trail ahead That stretched upward toward the great divideOh, bury me not on the lone prairie These words came low and mournfully From the pallid lips of a youth who lay On his dying bed at the close of dayOh, bury me not and his voice failed there But we took no heed to his dying prayer In a shallow grave just six by three We buried him there on the lone prairie.