Johnny Cash and Philosophy: The Burning Ring of Truth

Popular Culture and Philosophy #31

by John Huss (editor), David Werther (Editor)

Interest in the Man in Black has grown since his death in 2003, with increased record sales, cover videos by groups like Nine Inch Nails, and the 2006 biopic Walk the Line cementing his fame. This book honors Cash by examining the many philosophical issues and concepts within his music. From the gender confusion of “A Boy Named Sue” to the ethics of "shooting a man just to watch him die,” philosophers who are fans of Johnny Cash explore the meaning and continuing importance of his work and legacy.

Genres: Philosophy, Music

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2008

Reviews

[Jake · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've noticed these pop culture philosophy books in bookstores for several years and finally saw one at a thrift shop for a dollar. Each section is written by a different author and so of course there is a range of quality in the essays. Some are pretty interesting and some are quite bad. It also seemed that some of the sections had to really stretch to tie them into the music and/or life of Johnny Cash. I do like the idea of these books though. If somebody gets into philosophy because they pick up a book about Johnny Cash or Seinfeld or The Matrix or Star Trek or whatever then the world is a better place.

[Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me, it was quite profound indeed this book. Never realized that a song could be related to philosophy in such a way, making me more aware of how the lyrics can subconsciously influence the listeners' perception and emotions. By writing songs with philosophical tendency, listeners can sense sincerity through Cash's words and music, despite not really knowing why they love it so much. Even though the book didn't really talk about subconsciousness, it further proved why studying about the subject is everything to better comprehend people's functionality.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stopped on page 59. I guess I just prefer to think of Johnny Cash as "the man in black" rather than as a social construction. Plus his music was way better than this philosophizing.

2019 - I tried again, rereading and stopping at page 75 this time. Just spin the records and hear the unadulterated truth, even within the fable of Johnny Cash.

[Clarissa]

sitting in my car...waiting...

[Heather Stewart · Rating 1 out of 5]

What I learned from this book. I dislike philosophy very much.

[Ted O · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some parts were interesting and, as a fan, I liked learning a little more about JC, but ultimately it's a “meh” for me dawg. A few essays were enlightening, but many fall flat.

Would not recommended to anyone seriously interested in philosophy.