"... 'till things are brighter - I'm the man in black." Mic drop.

This song is huge for when and where it was. In this song: He called out over-incarceration, on a major network show, in prime time. This show was usually recorded at the Grand Ol' Opry for a taste of how conservative his viewership was likely to be. He had his own struggles with drugs, and alcohol and here he shows compassion for others in their struggles. The "hopeless hungry side of town" is hopeless and hungry because of redlining and racial discrimination and he's calling it out. Cash was born and lived in the South, his family was sharecroppers and he picked cotton as a kid, he knows what 'that side of town' means in those places. When he says they're losing "a hundred fine young men", he's talking about the Vietnam War. He's criticizing the currently-raging war on prime time network television, on his own show. He could have lost so much right there, but went for it anyways. He reminds us of the people we'd like to forget, the prisoners, the addicts, the sick, the lonely and old, those discriminated against for who they are or what they look like. He played concerts and made albums in prisons and brought hope to many there. Merle Haggard (a future working-class-supporting country star) was incarcerated at San Quentin when Cash played there and it inspired him to his own career. Cash is an icon.

I’m already crying! I love that Snoop calls him the original gangster! It doesn’t matter the genre, Johnny is recognized as very special!

Johnny Cash's life led him to have great sympathy for the disadvantaged. He came up extremely poor on an Arkansas cotton farm; he served in the Korean War; he was jailed more than once; he struggled with addiction to alcohol and amphetamines. He eventually re-dedicated himself to Christianity, which helped but did not cure his addictions. He performed several concerts at different prisons, offering music to the incarcerated.

My favorite Cash fact. When he was in the Air Force he was in Signals Intercept while stationed in Germany. He is the one who intercepted the message about Stalin's death so he was probably the first American to know about it.

Sunday Morning Coming Down. Written by Kris Kristofferson, who was a janitor at the Columbia offices and so knew Johnny, but only as an employee. Kristofferson was a helicopter pilot in the army reserve and landed a helicopter on Cash's lawn and gave Johnny a demo tape of the song. For a performance on Cash's TV show, NBC wanted Johnny to change the lyrics, but Johnny defiantly refused. Anyone who's had substance abuse issues will relate to the lyrics in the song. After Johnny recorded it, Kristofferson became a successful writer (Me and Bobby McGee), singer (Loving Her Was Easier), and actor (Blade). He was also one of the The Highwaymen alongside Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. After Sunday Morning Coming Down check out the song "Highwayman" by the legendary foursome.

I think Johnny would be sad that this song still resonates 60 years after he wrote it. 😢

Cash will choke you up because anytime someone speaks up for the downtrodden, something within us all resonates. He's preaching the Gospel right here.

That song came out in 1971. I was ten years old then. Few of us knew how important Johnny Cash really was then. But, over time, it became apparent that he was a true American troubadour. It's both weird and fitting that appreciation for him is growing exponentially in current times.

You might be interested in checking out the Lenny Kravitz song called Johnny Cash. Lenny was living in the same apartment building as june and Johnny when his mother died. June and Johnny stopped in the hallway/stairs to comfort him and it meant so much that he wrote this song.

This was during Vietnam. Which is why he got the big applause on the one line.

Johnny Cash was a good man! His wife, June forever changed his life for the best. Rest in peace, Johnny!❤

" I wear the black in mourning for the lives that could have been. Each week we lose 100 fine young men." A direct message about the Vietnam War taking place and those kids killed by politicians in Southeast Asia. We had 6 plaques at my old high school that memorialized those lives that could have been.

To realize that this was at, what many thought, was the peak of his career and national TV show. He got some flak from the establishment for coming out against the Vietnam war and in favor of the incarcerated. The man was not perfect but he never pretended to be. There are men that are more than their fame. Great men who gave great gifts to people. Johnny Cash is one of those. To me Mohammed Ali did so much more than simply be a great heavyweight champion. His greatness was in what he did outside the ring for the community and people in general and as a role model. Jimmy Carter’s greatness was in what he did outside the Presidency. We will never know all the lives we touch with our words and actions. So, it is important we try to do so with care and kindness. Love ya BP and all you do! I may not agree with you on some things but you keep doing you! It’s important.

No preacher ever spoke a more true and honest sermon as this song. Words to take to heart and to live by. God bless Johnnie's spirit. He blessed us with it through his music for years.

When he said 100,000 young men dying, he was talking about those lost in Vietnam & how people here were not supportive. My brother was Boo'd when he got off the plane, after serving 3 tours. Tis song speaks to today as clearly/ We do need an army of men in black.

Johnny cash had a tough life but never lost caring for others who are hurting. He was and will always be the real deal in Black.

Johnny was a hellraiser. Drugs, women, violence Johnny was heading down a bad road. Two things pulled him from that dark pit, The love of his wife June and god. Johnny lived it, and he sang about it

He got the type of voice and the lyrics that eclipses genre. Even people who cannot tolerate country music will happily listen to him.

Thank you for playing...Johnny Cash...dude is the BEST. This man spoke the truth throughout all his songs.

I keep saying on these johnny cash reactions BP u need to have a movie night with your lady and watch walk the line. You will learn loads about johnny

It was more than a song to him. He LIVED it.

a fact about Johnny Cash he is in the song writer's hall of fame, the country music hall of fame, the rock and roll hall of fame and the gospel music hall of fame. a legend and a very powerful perfomer

Check out his song Ragged Old Flag - definitely a lyric video. It's like nothing else you've heard.

He died the same day as My Great Uncle, a wwII veteran of the European theatre, a poor farm boy born in 1917 grew up in the depression. He helped raise me, I lived with him on his farm for three months every summer where he taught me how to crow corn and watermelon, how to thump watermelon to find the right one, eat some and feed the rest to your favorite cow. In my teens he had just retired as a county magistrate, he was the first non lawyer to act as a magistrate in SCs modern era after being a rural county deputy, and having a sixth grade education. He 'd throw you in jail when you broke the law and feed you and get you a job after you served your time, I witnessed it myself many times as men fresh out of lockup would come walking down the road to ask for a referral or if he knew someone would hire them, and he would. Hed tell me stories about how things used to be, about war, about life, most importantly how nothing good comes easy or apart from God. He was my best friend until I was 18 when he passed, the same day as Johnny, my other best friend who sang me to sleep all my childhood. At 39 I still miss him.

So happy to see you enjoying this so much with open ears. Makes me so sad he's been gone since 2003. Thank you for this tonight. You're gonna enjoy continuing this rabbit hole. It's full of gold and food for your soul

Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, etc were the original "gangster rappers". They spoke of being gangsters, murdering people, seeking redemption, etc. In a music class I took in college in the early 2000's the professor actually taught us that.

I’m a firm believer that music finds you when you need it. When you can hear the message.

When a man speaks from the heart, you can't pick him apart.

Cash had a hell of a life. Watching his biopic is worthwhile. It’s heartbreaking. He is unlike anything else.

Johnny Cash was gangsta with his songs. So much fire and his lyrics are real to this day. Theres a reason he is so celebrated as a musician.

I think what alot of people may have missed is that he believed he was carrying the darkness on him by wearing black, and by that, helping others by keeping it off of them...and even while overburdened himself, spreads a message of reality, but also of hope.

Thank you 🙏❤ Black Pegasus ❤ for your reaction to 🖤 Johnny Cash - Man in Black 🖤

Ain't No Grave (Can Hold My Body Down) is a late life masterpiece. Made around the same time as Hurt. Worth covering. Love his voice.

This is one of the best reactions for The Man In Black. Thank you for getting who he was and what he stood for.

Cash told stories about true heroes. "The Legend of John Henry's Hammer" which is a folk tale based on the life of a man who was a freed slave. Also "The Ballad of Ira Hayes" the only Indigenous American, who was a Marine that helped raise the flag at Iwo Jima.

Johnny Cash was as real as it gets. He was open about his struggles with his inner demons. He saw prisoners as people who had simply made some mistakes but weren't necessarily bad people. I'm not sure if I've recommended it before but please react to his cover of The Ballad of Ira Hayes. It's the true story of one of the Marines who raised the flag at Iwo Jima in WWII.

("Still there because he's a victum of the time").. He was also singing about civil rights and the black struggle back then. Let us not forget his first wife was a black woman (Vivian Cash) from 1954 - 1966. This man was informed on many levels and hated because of it. He was a true legend. Luv me some Cash..

Johnny was a Veteran of the Air Force, a Staff Sargent I believe. I'd like to think that gave him a different perspective than many song writers of his time. Elvis is another example of a Veteran Army Sargent who made it big in Music. Johnny and E were both at Sun Records during the early part of their careers. Both men left this Planet as Christian Soldiers, and that fact is really the most important Achievement for them both.

we do the right thing because that's the way we were raised

BP this is art that needs to be heard, not forgotten. Those of us who come to it "late" are fulfilling a purpose in making it accessible to generations who missed it or wern't born when it was written. Its power does not diminish with age because of its relevance. You're "contribution" is to produce reactions like this. Thank you.

Johnny was a Gangster, there will never be another one like him.

The song was released in 1971...The year I graduated from high school... America was still in Vietnam ... It was a very hard time...but every decade has something new... You are doing a fantastic job...I appreciate your truthfulness regarding being a man of God...This is very important that you let the world know...Thank you💛

I grew up listening to Johnny Cash my mum loved him and his music, and she always told me if I listened to him and his message, then I couldn't go far wrong as a person, and she was right.

BP, you should watch the movie Walk the Line. It's the story of Johnny Cash. Joaquin Phoenix played him and even did his own singing. Great, great movie. Reese Witherspoon played June Carter Cash and even won an Oscar. She also did her own singing.

You never know people until you find them. Never be embarrassed about only finding someone later. It is a testament to the artist to still be found and approached years later

I love this because you can tell how heartfelt it is. RIP Johnny Cash, immortal musical icon!

it's OK BP that you don't know what you don't know. What you're doing on this journey is remedying that and is a lot more than most do and it's important. I see you reflected in this song.

I feel he resonates so much because there was never even a SINGLE bit of dishonesty or changing what he believed in and stuck to it all throughout the years. He's not like so many who had a bit of a time where they were supporting the poor, downtrodden, or those affected by the civil rights issues. Some would come out, wave a hand to the crowd, then go back to their hotel, never to be seen again. Johnny Cash never wavered, and as you see here even wrote this song (IN A WEEK???) from fan questions and laid his position on these issues and there, it's recorded. He also recorded live albums in the very serious maximum security prisons of Folsom (this is the better one) and San Quentin that you should check out. This dude was going through some drug issues and finally got them (a bit) under control and so wanted to perform for others who, if he hadn't been lucky enough to have money, he probably would have been next to at some point in time.

Another lyrical banger is his cover of Sting's I Hung My Head that he recorded at the end of his life. An amazing story, and delivered as only Johnny can. A lyric vid will make sure you catch it all.

It chokes me up every time BP. It’s obviously so genuine I believe he means every single word he said. ❤

Singer, songwriter, musician, TV host, had his own tv show, actor, business man. There was nothing Johnny Cash couldn't do.

Cash chokes you up because he's the real deal. He came from nothing, suffered tragedies, became addicted to drugs, and never lost sight of any of it. He was perfectly imperfect, and directly influenced hundreds of musicians from every genre, giving many future stars who were unknown a start on his show. Later in his career he became part of the supergroup "The Highwaymen". His last works produced by Rick Rubin were gold, many released after his death. His life story is worth a deep look, maybe even more so than his music.

Welcome to the club man, Johnny Cash was a real as it gets, as real as the dirt on this earth. He was a rebel and a man of deep faith.This is a rabbit hole you wanna go down.

The day he died I went to KZfaq and listened to Johnny Cash, the Carters, got lost in that old music and I'll admit, I literally cried real tears. Not sure why it hit me so hard, but it just seemed like him passing was an end to an era.

Awsome to see this rabbit hole johnny was the man. Keep killin it BP.

1971 53 years later we still need a man in black

Johnny was an OG rock star too.. experiencing the full range of human behavior.. his poetry hits you in the gut with or without music..

I heard once that he actually wore a white suit to his son’s wedding day.

So stoked to see this!

Forever in our hearts Johnny Cash, and may you *RIP* Man in Black 💖💖💖 And you, Black Pegasus, you made this old lady cry, which doesn't happen often, but well worth the price, of finding out, how much Johnny Cash was the real deal, & know there will always be people who do care, it is just where you are looking 💖💖💖

Although I’m a millennial, I was lucky enough to grow up with a grandma who loved Johnny more than anything. He didn’t grow up with much and throughout his success he remained humble. He even performed concerts in prisons! Really great man.

I absolutely love that track! I had been wearing black for most of my teens when I found this track... I wish I had the same reasons as him... I just didn't wanna be a brand commercial. -and having all black clothes made it easy just to throw something on and never having to think about what to wear. I still wear mostly black as a base colour, but I have started doing details in red and/or white. I spend alot of energy custumizing things I have to fit that colourscheme. LOL ex. Black shoes and bright red laces. black skinny jeans with a few red cross stitches as details. Black belt, black t-shirt and a black/red hoodie with red inside the hood and red strings. etc. I recently started designing my own clothes. Not for sale, but just to have my own personal clothes with my own art, funny quotes etc. I love being an original. The best feeling I know is when ppl say "where did you buy that cool X (i.e. shirt, cardholder, backpack or what ever I made) and I can say. "I made it. -there is only this one in the world."

Something to note is since you reacted to his cover of 'hurt" which was his very last video-he was still in black. He NEVER forgot his words. Practice what you preach is a well known saying, but few have ever lived by that. Johnny Cash DID.

I’m ready

Congratulations, young man. You've become a Johnny Cash fan. You've taken a big step toward becoming a better human being. Well done.

This song gets me every time I hear it, so deep. Johnny Cash is and will always be one of a kind. RIP, Man in Black.

They say if the grand canyon could sing it would sound like Johnny Cash! My friend you are barely scratching the surface with Johnny Cash! So much great stuff to come! Remember to check Sunday morning coming down! Another powerful tune!

Some of his very best work was at Folsom prison and San Quenton. He came through so many hard times and he never forgot where he came from..

Johnny Cash wasn't just a man ahead of his time, he was a man for All Time.

BP - He has had that affect on A LOT of us, for YEARS, MAN!! :) GLAD to see you realizing the importance of this man. He was one of a kind, really, and TRULY MISSED! THANKS for reacting to his music and being open enough to welcome it to your ears!! HUGS!!

He was a hell of a singer with a unique voice and a unique style. Even in the last years of his life he recorded some amazing songs!

I always get emotional listenin to Johnny ❤He was so real xxxx

I see a darkness, The mercy seat and The beast in me are all covers recorded during the last phase of his career when Rick Rubin was producing his albums. All three songs are incredible and powerful. Its honestly hard to find a mediocre song in all those sessions (6 albums)

This song is a masterpiece and coming from Johnny you KNOW his words are REAL....hard to have a dry eye with this one

I was a kid when this came out. Pops loved listening to him , he had a way of reaching people.

I appreciate the respect you showed for him. This song was during the Vietnam war, which he was against and his words about losing fine young men reflected that war.

This is one of those songs that is just timeless. No matter what era you're born in, these are still problems you can see and have empathy for.

Johnny was America's story-teller. Thank you for re-discovering and sharing his story and talents.

His storytelling transcends genres and generations. He was a true artist. Punks love him. Metalheads love him. Country fans love him. Rappers love him. I couldn’t chat with a rapper or country fan about much in music but if the topic turned to Cash we’d find common ground.

He's the man period. Love j c.

Absolutely love johny and you. Wish we still had his voice. Not singing but his verbal gospel. Like you said a real one!

What made Cash so great is that he never forgot where he came from. A similar songwriter was Merle Haggard. Watch his video with Willie Nelson, singing Mamma Tried.

Great reaction BP! Johnny was a special one!❤️‍🔥✌🏻🫶🏻

This performance followed a visit to Vanderbilt University where he had conversations with the students about the Vietnam War. You'll notice, the line "Each week we lose a hundred fine young men" got special applause from the young audience members.

Johnny is a real one. Imperfect, lived his truth, worked in service of others, devoted to June, a creative light. Forever and always. His energy and vibration lives in my heart and soul.

A legend in his time and forever.

@ Black Pegasus: The refrain where Johnny says, "The man whose Bad Trip left him Cold" refers to somebody OD-ing on, probably Heroin, possibly Acid/LSD.

He walked into a locker room at a school he sang at.He looked through every locker,his brother Tommy was with him,and asked John what he was doing.John then found one that had the oldest most beaten tennis shoes , then he slipped $100.00 dollars in the shoes ,closed the locker and walked away. He had an incredible heart!

#1 because he is gone, #2 he speaks & sings truth from the heart, #3 and part of him grabs your soul and shakes you around for a time! He’s part of the music of that time, he, Elvis, there was a group of four, recording for Sun Records. My Almost 80 years of age causes me to forget important things like the other two names. Check them out!

In 1971 the Vietnam War was in full swing. Ultimately 58,220 US KIA, and how many more thousand were wounded in mind and body. And up to 3 million Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laoutions with munitions still killing and maiming today. His protest song.

I’m with you about losing hope but as long as people still resonate with songs like this, there is hope. Love your videos!

Glad it touched your spirit. I grew up listening to Johnny, because my dad was a fan. Grateful for his legacy of honesty and clarity. Have an amazing day!

He was a tremendous human being, I've always stood up for the underdog and it's because of him

I remember watching the Johnny Cash show every week with my parents. The night this song came on my Dad was working nights Mom was in the kitchen doing something I was in the living room alone. I just stood and listened with every fiber of my being to every work he spoke. This man could make a rock cry when he dug deep. As long as younger people open their minds to listening to the message he will never die. Thanks for keeping it going.

“People ask me why I wear black. I tell ‘em I wear black in the outside because that’s how I feel on the inside.” -JC

Rap should be telling a true story in rhythm and harmony!!!

Cash is authentic, and that connects at a different level. This is like the original "Rich Men North of Richmond". Johnny had a conscience as a wild youngster, but kept that conscience as he matured. Priceless. Check out "Ballad of Ira Hayes" if you get a chance. Really amazing true (at least partially) story. This and "We are the World" are great examples of artists using their platform. What artists today are trying to do the same?

Don't be so hard on yourself. We all start a journey every day, and you've started this one. Nothing to be ashamed of. I'm proud to watch this journey of yours, and I look forward to your next step. I'd recommend going on to "Folsom Prison Blues." I think that one will mean something, too.

Hey BP. I'm really enjoying these Johnny Cash reactions. There are so many great Cash songs, but I'd recommend looking at The Junkies Prayer. Keep up the good work. xx