There Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down
Johnny Cash recorded American VI, which included this song, at the end of his 71 year old life. It was released posthumously to mixed reviews. This video is noteworthy because it provides exquisite crowd sourced, collaborative images as a visual accompaniment to Cash’s spare and deeply moving rendition.
I came across this video today on HuffPo. It came to me at the right time. A few weeks ago I was in rural western Pennsylvania to be with my dying 71 year old brother, who was receiving hospice care at home. It was clear that Jackie was actively dying and his wife called his children home to say goodbye. I suggested that we play his favorite Johnny Cash CD while we held his hand and waited.
I would like to believe that my brother heard the voice of that odd angel, dressed in black, who poured out his heart to sing truth about the sinners, the outcasts, and the forgotten.
ED: The video is no longer available on YouTube.
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Powerful song, very cool video. Thanks Anna.
Love the American recordings. Rick Rubin really brought out the heart and soul of Johnny Cash. Thanks for sharing this cool video and your story Anna. I think I’ll have my coffee black this morning.
I love his songs.
Sorry for your loss. This is a great song and a great group of albums. You can really hear the experience, and depth of life in his dying voice.
Thank you Ian for your kind words. I appreciate them. The lasting power and beauty of Johnny Cash’s music are yet more reasons for “Aint no grave…” Ars longa, vita brevis.