About the song
Johnny Cash’s “The Man Comes Around” is a profound and stirring piece, serving as the title track for his 2002 album *American IV: The Man Comes Around*. This song is one of Cash’s last original compositions, written during a period of reflection and introspection later in his life. The album, produced by Rick Rubin, is part of the American series, which has been highly praised for its raw and heartfelt interpretations of classic songs and new material.
“The Man Comes Around” stands out for its apocalyptic themes, inspired by Cash’s deep religious faith and fascination with biblical prophecy. The song opens with Cash reciting passages from the Book of Revelation, setting a somber and contemplative tone. The lyrics vividly depict the Day of Judgment, emphasizing themes of redemption and reckoning. Cash’s voice, weathered by time and experience, adds a layer of gravity and authenticity to the song, making it a powerful listening experience.
Upon its release, the album *American IV: The Man Comes Around* was met with critical acclaim, and the title track quickly became one of Cash’s most celebrated works in his later years. The song and the album both charted well, reflecting Cash’s enduring appeal and the deep connection he maintained with his audience. Notably, *American IV: The Man Comes Around* reached number 22 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the Top Country Albums chart, a testament to Cash’s lasting impact on the music world.
The music video for “The Man Comes Around” further amplifies its themes, featuring a montage of archival footage and poignant imagery that captures the song’s essence of finality and introspection. The track has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films and television shows, underscoring its broad cultural resonance.
For listeners, “The Man Comes Around” is more than just a song; it’s a reflection on life, faith, and the inevitable end we all face. It showcases Johnny Cash at his most reflective, offering a fitting capstone to a legendary career and leaving a lasting impression on all who hear it.
Video
Lyrics
“And I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder
One of the four beasts saying,
‘Come and see.’ and I saw, and behold a white horse”
There’s a man goin’ ’round takin’ names
And he decides who to free and who to blame
Everybody won’t be treated all the same
There’ll be a golden ladder reachin’ down
When the man comes around
The hairs on your arm will stand up
At the terror in each sip and in each sup
Will you partake of that last offered cup
Or disappear into the potter’s ground?
When the man comes around
Hear the trumpets hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singin’
Multitudes are marchin’ to the big kettledrum
Voices callin’, voices cryin’
Some are born and some are dyin’
It’s alpha and omega’s kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn tree
It’s hard for thee to kick against the pricks
Till armageddon no shalam, no shalom
Then the father hen will call his chickens home
The wise man will bow down before the throne
And at his feet they’ll cast their golden crowns
When the man comes around
Whoever is unjust let him be unjust still
Whoever is righteous let him be righteous still
Whoever is filthy let him be filthy still
Listen to the words long written down
When the man comes around
Hear the trumpets hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singin’
Multitudes are marchin’ to the big kettledrum
Voices callin’, voices cryin’
Some are born and some are dyin’
It’s alpha and omega’s kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn trees
It’s hard for thee to kick against the prick
In measured hundredweight and penny pound
When the man comes around
“And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts
And I looked, and behold a pale horse
And his name that sat on him was death, and hell followed with him”