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I WALK THE LINE

(John R. Cash)

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Covered by Dylan during Feb 18, 1969 Dylan-Cash Nashville sessions (duet with Johnny Cash), performed live with Paul Simon during their joint tour, Jun 1999.
JOHNNY CASH:
I wrote the song backstage one night in 1956 in Gladewater, Texas. I was newly married at the time, and I suppose I was laying out my pledge of devotion.

Telephone interview, Nov 6, 1973; reprinted in Dorothy Horstman, Sing Your Heart Out, Country Boy, New York, 1976, p. 144.

In the dressing room at Gladewater I was sitting with Carl Perkins, strumming on the guitar.... "This is an idea I got today," I want to write a song that has something to say. A song that will have a lot of meaning not only for me, but for everybody who hears it -- that says I'm going to be true not only to those who believe in me and depend on me, but to myself and to God -- a song that might give courage to others as well as myself."

Carl said, "That's a good idea. What will you call it?"

"I don't know," I said. "Something like 'I'm Still Being True' or 'I'm Walking the Line' or some such thing."

"I Walk the Line would be a good title," Carl said.

"Hmmmmmmmmm --" I began.

The song came easily. It was one of those rare times I felt a song was just "begging to be written." There was no wringing the mind or biting the pencil on I Walk the Line. The lyrics came as fast as I could write, and in twenty minutes I had it finished.

Johnny Cash, Man in Black, Grand Rapids, MI, 1975, pp. 87-88.

ORIGINAL LYRICS
© 1956 Hilo Music, Inc.
as reprinted in Dorothy Horstman, Sing Your Heart Out, Country Boy, New York, 1976,
p. 144-145.

I keep a close watch on this heart of mine,
I keep my eyes wide open all the time.
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds,
Because you're mine, I walk the line.

I find it very, very easy to be true.
I find myself alone when each day is through.
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you,
Because you're mine, I walk the line.

As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night.
And happiness I've known proves that it's right,
Because you're mine, I walk the line.

You've got a way to keep me on your side,
You give me cause for love that I can't hide.
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide,
Because you're mine, I walk the line.

I keep a close watch on this heart of mine,
I keep my eyes wide open all the time.
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds,
Because you're mine, I walk the line.

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