Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave

Johnny Cash is a legend. So legendary in fact, that he is still releasing music even years after his death. His most recent release, American VI: Ain’t No Grave, is a slow, refined work that is clearly late Cash, in touch with his spiritual and religious side. The works contained on American VI were recorded only months before Cash’s death in late 2003 in the same session as American V: A Hundred Highways.
American VI: Ain’t No Grave is a perfectly organized compilation of songs for Cash to have recorded so close to the end. Each and every song echoes the impending big sleep with an air of confidence and satisfaction. Especially known for his cover of Nine Inch Nail’s ‘Hurt,’ Cash is well versed in making the music of other’s work with is talents. All of the songs on American IV, one original and nine covers, are perfectly carried by the wise country singer.
‘Ain’t No Grave (Gonna Hold This Body Down)’ is a song written by Claude Ely. The song guests Avett Brothers Scott on Banjo and Seth doing footsteps. The song is a cover of an old religious tune, an eerie piece featuring dragging chains and church bells behind Cash’s voice and the light instrumentals. Cash sings in the song “Ain’t no grave can hold my body down.” He surely predicted the future.
‘Redemption Day’ is a Cheryl Crow song. The light guitar and organ provide a vehicle for Cash’s voice to carry Sheryl Crow’s lyrics on, lyrics that feel so natural coming from Cash that it may as well have been his own song.
‘For the Good Times’ written by Kris Kristofferson, is a song about enjoying life. Cash’s finely aged voice and his proximity to the big sleep really give this song a lot of power. ‘Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound’ is a song written by Tom Paxton. It is yet another song that can’t help but be applied to the end of Cash’s life, wondering where he’s bound at the end.
‘Satisfied Mind’ is a Red Hayes/Jack Rhodes original. The lyrics “How many times have you heard someone say, if I had his money I could do things my way, but little they know that its so hard to find, one rich man in ten, with a satisfied mind” are a bit of advice from a rich man to enjoy life regardless of your financial situation. ‘I Don’t Hurt Anymore’ is a Don Roberston/Walter E. Rollins tune and is yet another celebration of happiness. While the previous song was used to offer advice for happiness, this song is an exclamation of happiness.
‘Cool Water’ is a Bob Nolan song. The song is a conversation between the narrator and Dan, two men who just want water, in a desert. To put the song into the context of Cash’s life, a good old God loving man, would be to make it a metaphor for the afterlife.
‘Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream’ an Ed McCurdy piece, is truly a dream sequence musically. The most instrumentally rich song on the album, filled with guitars, piano, light percussion and organ, is truly a soothing piece.
‘Aloha Oe’ is a song written by Queen Lili’uokalani, and is easily recognized as ‘that cliché Hawaiian dancing song’ from movies. Despite this setback, the song is truly gorgeous. The ever heartbreaking slide guitar and Cash’s deep, old voice singing in a Hawaiian tongue are a true delight to the ears.
‘1 Corinthians 15:55’ is the only Cash original on the album. It’s an upbeat, religious ode to what the Man sees coming. “Hope springs eternal, just over the rise, when I see my redeemer beckoning me” is the chorus of the song. Cash, through all his trials and tribulations was still hopeful even in the end. “1 Corinthians 15:55’ is an impressive finale for the Man in Black.

John R. Cash will have been 78 years old tomorrow, February 26. Don’t forget the Man in Black.