About the song
Johnny Cash’s “One Piece at a Time” is a delightful and humorous song that showcases Cash’s storytelling prowess and his ability to connect with everyday working-class experiences. Released in 1976, the song was written by Wayne Kemp and became the last of Cash’s songs to reach number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It is featured on the album *One Piece at a Time*, which was produced by Charlie Bragg and Don Davis.
The song tells the whimsical tale of an assembly line worker at a Cadillac factory who devises a plan to build his own car by sneaking out parts one piece at a time over several years. As the years pass, the different parts come from different models and years, resulting in a uniquely cobbled-together “Cadillac” that humorously highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the character. The song’s catchy chorus and lively tempo made it an instant hit, resonating with audiences who appreciated its clever narrative and playful tone.
“One Piece at a Time” quickly climbed the charts, reflecting Cash’s enduring popularity in the mid-1970s. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and also found success on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart, where it also secured the top position. The song’s success was a testament to Cash’s versatility as an artist, able to move seamlessly from serious, contemplative songs to lighthearted, comedic tunes.
The song’s narrative is rich with vivid imagery and relatable humor, making it a favorite among fans who enjoyed Cash’s ability to tell stories that were both entertaining and thought-provoking. The image of the mismatched car, with parts from different years and models, serves as a metaphor for the patchwork nature of many people’s lives and the creative ways they navigate their circumstances.
For Johnny Cash, “One Piece at a Time” was more than just a hit single; it was a celebration of the creativity and resilience of the working class, a recurring theme in much of his music. The song’s humor and relatability helped it become a staple in Cash’s repertoire, illustrating his deep connection to his audience and his ability to capture the spirit of the times.
Even today, “One Piece at a Time” remains a beloved song that brings smiles to listeners’ faces and reminds them of Cash’s unique talent for blending humor with heart. It’s a testament to his legacy as a storyteller and a voice for everyday people, capturing the quirks and joys of life with unmatched charm and wit.
Video
Lyrics
Well, I left Kentucky back in ’49
An’ went to Detroit workin’ on a ‘sembly line
The first year they had me puttin’ wheels on Cadillacs
Every day I’d watch them beauties roll by
And sometimes I’d hang my head and cry
‘Cause I always wanted me one that was long and black
One day I devised myself a plan
That should be the envy of most any man
I’d sneak it out of there in a lunchbox in my hand
Now gettin’ caught meant gettin’ fired
But I figured I’d have it all by the time I retired
I’d have me a car worth at least a hundred grand
I’d get it one piece at a time and it wouldn’t cost me a dime
You’ll know it’s me when I come through your town
I’m gonna ride around in style, I’m gonna drive everybody wild
‘Cause I’ll have the only one there is a round
So the very next day when I punched in
With my big lunchbox and with help from my friends
I left that day with a lunch box full of gears
I’ve never considered myself a thief
But GM wouldn’t miss just one little piece
Especially if I strung it out over several years
The first day I got me a fuel pump
And the next day I got me an engine and a trunk
Then I got me a transmission and all of the chrome
The little things I could get in my big lunchbox
Like nuts, an’ bolts, and all four shocks
But the big stuff we snuck out in my buddy’s mobile home
Now, up to now my plan went all right
‘Til we tried to put it all together one night
And that’s when we noticed that something was definitely wrong
The transmission was a ’53 and the motor turned out to be a ’73
And when we tried to put in the bolts all the holes were gone
So we drilled it out so that it would fit
And with a little bit of help with an adapter kit
We had that engine runnin’ just like a song
Now the headlight’ was another sight
We had two on the left and one on the right
But when we pulled out the switch all three of ’em come on
The back end looked kinda funny too
But we put it together and when we got through
Well, that’s when we noticed that we only had one tail-fin
About that time my wife walked out
And I could see in her eyes that she had her doubts
But she opened the door and said, “Honey, take me for a spin”
So we drove up town just to get the tags
And I headed her right on down main drag
I could hear everybody laughin’ for blocks around
But up there at the court house they didn’t laugh
‘Cause to type it up it took the whole staff
And when they got through the title weighed sixty pounds
I got it one piece at a time and it didn’t cost me a dime
You’ll know it’s me when I come through your town
I’m gonna ride around in style, I’m gonna drive everybody wild
‘Cause I’ll have the only one there is around
Uh yow, Red Ryder, this is the cotton mouth
In the Psycho-Billy Cadillac come on, huh, this is the cotton mouth
And negatory on the cost of this mow-chine there Red Ryder
You might say I went right up to the factory
And picked it up, it’s cheaper that way
Uh, what model is it?
Well, it’s a ’49, ’50, ’51, ’52, ’53, ’54, ’55, ’56
’57, ’58’ 59′ automobile
It’s a ’60, ’61, ’62, ’63, ’64, ’65, ’66, ’67
’68, ’69, ’70 automobile