Johnny Cash – One Piece at a Time

Johnny Cash, the man in black, possessed a voice that could command silence in the most boisterous arenas. His music was a tapestry woven with threads of raw emotion, spiritual depth, and a gritty authenticity that resonated with millions. While often associated with solemn ballads and penitential hymns, Cash’s repertoire also embraced a surprising range of styles. “One Piece at a Time” is a prime example of his versatility, a departure from his typical fare that showcases his ability to craft a narrative with the same compelling force he brought to his more traditional songs.

Background

Released in 1976, “One Piece at a Time” was a comedic country novelty song that, against all odds, topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It was a testament to Cash’s enduring popularity and his uncanny ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels. The song, penned by Wayne Kemp, details the protagonist’s audacious scheme to build a Cadillac, piece by piece, through a series of industrial thefts. It’s a tale of blue-collar ingenuity, a touch of outlaw spirit, and a healthy dose of absurdity.  

Yet, beneath the humorous veneer, “One Piece at a Time” offers a glimpse into the American psyche. It taps into a deep-rooted fascination with the automobile, a symbol of freedom, prosperity, and the American Dream. The song’s protagonist, in his own eccentric way, is pursuing a version of this dream, albeit through questionable means. Cash’s delivery is impeccable, his voice imbued with a playful irony that underscores the absurdity of the situation.

The song’s success was a testament to Cash’s enduring star power and the song’s universal appeal. It demonstrated that even a seasoned artist, known for his serious and often somber material, could successfully venture into comedic territory. “One Piece at a Time” was more than just a novelty hit; it was a reminder of Cash’s artistic range and his ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes.

The song also serves as a counterpoint to Cash’s more well-known songs about redemption, loss, and spiritual yearning. It offers a brief respite from the weighty themes that often dominated his work. In a sense, it’s a wink to the audience, a playful acknowledgment of the complexities of the human experience.

While “One Piece at a Time” might seem like an outlier in Cash’s discography, it is, in fact, a testament to his artistry. It showcases his ability to inhabit a character, to tell a story with nuance and humor, and to connect with audiences on a visceral level. It’s a song that, like many of Cash’s works, transcends its genre and resonates with listeners across generations.

Video

Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the 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 around

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 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