About The Song
In the heart of the American songbook lies a treasure trove of poignant and evocative ballads. Among these, Johnny Cash’s “Give My Love to Rose” stands as a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Released in 1957, this haunting song delves into themes of love, loss, redemption, and the enduring power of human connection.
The song begins with a stark and evocative image: a dying man by the railroad tracks. In his final moments, he implores a passerby to deliver a message to his beloved Rose. Cash’s deep, resonant voice paints a vivid picture of a life marked by hardship and longing. The lyrics are simple yet profound, conveying the narrator’s deep affection for his family and his regret for the time he has lost.
One of the most striking aspects of “Give My Love to Rose” is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. The listener is invited to empathize with the dying man’s plight, to feel the weight of his regrets, and to share in his hope for a better future for his loved ones. The song’s melancholic tone is further enhanced by Cash’s understated delivery and the sparse instrumentation, which creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
The song’s exploration of themes of redemption is particularly compelling. The narrator, a former convict, expresses remorse for the time he has spent away from his family. He acknowledges the pain he has caused and seeks forgiveness from those he has hurt. This element of the song adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, inviting listeners to consider the nature of redemption and the possibility of second chances.
Moreover, “Give My Love to Rose” is a testament to Cash’s ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. His authentic and heartfelt performances have earned him a reputation as one of the greatest country music singers of all time. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of his music to transcend time and cultural barriers.
Johnny Cash’s “Give My Love to Rose” is a poignant and evocative ballad that continues to resonate with listeners today. Its exploration of themes of love, loss, redemption, and the enduring power of human connection makes it a timeless masterpiece. Cash’s deep, resonant voice and the song’s sparse instrumentation create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that draws listeners in and invites them to reflect on their own lives. Whether you are a longtime fan of Johnny Cash or simply appreciate great songwriting, “Give My Love to Rose” is a song that is well worth listening to.
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Lyric
I found him by the railroad track this morningI could see that he was nearly deadI knelt down beside him and I listenedJust to hear the words of dying fellow saidHe said, “They let me out of prison out in FriscoFor ten long years, I’ve paid for what I’ve doneI was trying to get back to LouisianaTo see my Rose and get to know my sonGive my love to Rose, please, won’t you mister?Take her all my money, tell her to buy some pretty clothesTell my boy that daddy’s so proud of himAnd don’t forget to give my love to Rose”Won’t you tell them, I said, thanks for waiting for meTell my boy to help his mom at homeTell my Rose to try to find another‘Cause it ain’t right that she should live aloneMister, here’s a bag with all my moneyIt won’t last them long the way it goesGod bless you for finding me this morningNow don’t forget to give my love to RoseGive my love to Rose, please, won’t you Mister?Take her all my money, tell her to buy some pretty clothesTell my boy that daddy’s so proud of himAnd don’t forget to give my love to Rose