Released in 1968 as part of Johnny Cash’s album “The Heart of Cash,” the song “The One on the Right Is on the Left” is a delightfully witty country tune written by Jack Clement. This track has become one of the most distinctive and captivating offerings in Cash’s expansive discography.
Featuring Cash’s signature bass-baritone vocals and storytelling prowess, “The One on the Right Is on the Left” regales listeners with a comical tale of mistaken identities and misaligned perspectives. The playful lyrics and lighthearted melody create an engaging listening experience that showcases Cash’s ability to balance serious themes with a dose of humor.
What makes this song so remarkable is its ability to entertain while also subtly commenting on the human condition. The narrative’s central premise – a case of someone’s perception being at odds with reality – taps into universal experiences and sparks reflection on the importance of maintaining an open mind.
Through “The One on the Right Is on the Left,” Johnny Cash not only solidified his status as a master of the country genre but also demonstrated his versatility as an artist. This track stands as a testament to Cash’s enduring legacy and his knack for crafting memorable, multifaceted compositions that continue to captivate audiences to this day.
Lyrics “The One on the Right Is on the Left”
There once was a musical troupe A pickin’ singin’ folk group They sang the mountain ballads And the folk songs of our land
They were long on musical ability Folks thought they would go far But political incompatibility Led to their downfall
Well, the one on the right was on the left And the one in the middle was on the right And the one on the left was in the middle And the guy in the rear was a Methodist
This musical aggregation Toured the entire nation Singing the traditional ballads And the folk songs of our land (land)
They performed with great virtuosity And soon they were the rage But political animosity Prevailed upon the stage
Well, the one on the right was on the left And the one in the middle was on the right And the one on the left was in the middle And the guy in the rear burned his driver’s license
Well the curtain had ascended A hush fell on the crowd As thousands there were gathered To hear the folk songs of our land
But they took their politics seriously And that night at the concert hall As the audience watched deliriously They had a free-for-all
Well, the one on the right was on the bottom And the one in the middle was on the top And the one on the left got a broken arm And the guy in the rear said, “Oh dear”
Now this should be a lesson If you plan to start a folk group Don’t go mixin’ politics With the folk songs of our land
Just work on harmony and diction Play your banjo well And if you have political convictions Keep ’em to yourself
Now, the one on the left works in a bank And the one in the middle drives a truck The one on the right’s an all-night deejay And the guy in the rear got drafted
