About The Song
There’s a certain power in a song that can transport you to another time and place. Johnny Cash’s haunting ballad, “Five Feet High and Rising,” does just that. This timeless piece, released in 1959, offers a raw and personal account of the devastating Mississippi flood of 1937, an event that deeply impacted young Johnny Cash and his family.
“Five Feet High and Rising” is more than just a historical account; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. Cash’s deep, resonant voice conveys a sense of both fear and hope as he recounts the rising waters and the family’s desperate struggle to survive. The song’s title itself is a chilling reminder of the relentless force of nature and the precariousness of human existence.
The lyrics of “Five Feet High and Rising” are simple yet evocative. Cash paints a vivid picture of the floodwaters creeping higher and higher, forcing the family to abandon their home and seek refuge on higher ground. The song’s first-person perspective allows listeners to feel the fear and uncertainty that the Cash family must have experienced.
Musically, “Five Feet High and Rising” is a prime example of Cash’s early work. The song’s sparse arrangement features a driving rhythm and a mournful melody that perfectly captures the song’s somber tone. Cash’s guitar playing adds a raw and emotional quality to the recording, further emphasizing the song’s intensity.
“Five Feet High and Rising” has become a staple of the country music canon and is often cited as one of Cash’s most important recordings. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of survival, resilience, and the power of memory. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Johnny Cash or simply appreciate a well-crafted song, “Five Feet High and Rising” is a must-listen.
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Lyric
How high’s the water, Mama?Two feet high and risin’How high’s the water, Papa?She said it’s two feet high and risin’We can make it to the road in a homemade boatThat’s the only thing we got left that’ll floatIt’s already over all the wheat and the oatsTwo feet high and risin’How high’s the water, Mama?Three feet high and risin’How high’s the water, Papa?She said it’s three feet high and risin’Well, the hives are goneI’ve lost my beesThe chickens are sleepin’In the willow treesCow’s in water up past her kneesThree feet high and risin’How high’s the water, Mama?Four feet high and risin’How high’s the water, Papa?She said it’s Four feet high and risin’Hey, come look through the window paneThe bus is comin’, gonna take us to the trainLooks like we’ll be blessed with a little more rainFour feet high and risin’How high’s the water, Mama?Five feet high and risin’How high’s the water, Papa?She said it’s five feet high and risin’Well, the rails are washed out north of townWe gotta head for higher groundWe can’t come back till the water goes downFive feet high and risin’Well, it’s five feet high and risin’