Johnny Cash has become my favorite singer in the past one and half years during which I have been in America, the States. All the credit goes to the fast internet connections that we have got here, and due to which I watch a lot of videos on youtube.com. To be fair, some credit also goes to the slight romanticism that still exists in America, although to a much lesser degree in Stamford,where I stay, the fast emerging business capital. However small be this romanticism in American diaspora, it has found an abundant counterpoint in my heart, which could be called a warehouse of romanticism, a bit leaky though.
Johnny Cash's country music and his sharp edgy voice have struck plenty a string with my heart. I have enjoyed listening to his renditions of "Walk the line", "Ring of Fire", "It aint me babe" and numerous other fantabulous numbers. Most of these are not his creations, but the magic that he brings to these words and music, with that great partner of a woman, June Cash, is examplary. The chemistry between the two, is perhaps unparalleled in music history and definitely unseen today.
"Help me make it through the night" , written and composed by Kris Kristofferson is a country music ballad by genre. Its a miraculous, self evident and all baring truth saga in itself. All the passion and yearning of a person, not being loved, or not being loved in return but definitely guarding a huge resorvoir of love within the flimsy walls of his heart.
The original song was meant to be a woman's expression, which makes it one of the most explicit female declaration of yearning for sexual intimacy. The words are simple and passionate at the same time:
I don't care what's right or wrong,
I don't try to understand,
Let the devil take tomorrow,
Lord tonight I need a friend.
When Johnny Cash and June Carter sing this melody, it takes a form of more of romantic sharing of feelings between 2 wannabe lovers:
Come and lay down by ma side
Till the early mornin' light
All I'm takin' is your time
Help me make it through the night
The yearning for sexual intimacy while still being resonant, the Cashes give voice to the thirst for companionship, of being together, of facing life hand in hand.
All and all a song which I can get back to initiate some thoughts:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=df9lIfWSqTE
