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Johnny Cash — I'm Leaving Now
Album: American III
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 910









Released: 2000
Length: 3:03
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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(feat. Merle Haggard)

Hold on honey I'd like to say
I'm busting out and breaking away
I'm letting you go like a hot horse shoe
I can't take another heart ache from you

Think about how it's gonna be
When you start back to needing me
When your dancing shoes have lost their shine
I'm gonna be gone in mine

I'm leaving now
I'm leaving now
Get out of my face
Get out of my place
I'm leaving now, adios
I'm leaving now

And the time it comes when you trim the fat
Feed the kitchen scraps to the front seat cat
Bye bye baby when the bills come due
You might have to sell a jewel or two

Eat your heart out anyway
It's hard as your head and it's cold as clay
It's all over now you won't have me
Your sugar daddy or your money tree

I'm leaving now yeah
I'm leaving now
Get out of my space
Get out of my face
I'm leaving now, hey hey
I'm leaving now

Pull up the collar on my traveling coat
Sell that miserable pleasure boat
I wouldn't give another nickel for another buck
I'm living on muscle, guts, and luck

If anybody asks where did I go
Tell 'em I went where the wild goose goes
I wouldn't have me an area code
Don't have a number, don't need a row

I'm leaving now, me to
I'm leaving now
Get out of my face
Get out of my space
I'm leaving now, adios
I'm leaving now

I'm leaving now
I'm leaving now
Get out of my space
Get out of my face
I'm leaving now, adios
I'm leaving now
Comments (117)add comment
Not a country music fan
But these guys are the real deal
Artists that transcend genre
Thanks
Posted 1 year ago by michael_crf    [ Reply ]
This is wonderful!! You can't go wrong when two Music Legends get together. It sounds like they have fun recording this, too.
Posted 1 year ago by skf1062    [ Reply ]
 hayduke2 wrote:

this song's a blast, love it (sounds like Merle to me : )



it's both.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
this song's a blast, love it (sounds like Merle to me : )
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Cash is King!
Posted 9 years ago by j1sey    [ Reply ]
 Pyro wrote:
Who is the second vocal here?  Merle or Will Oldham?

 


Posted 9 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
i'm as grindo as they get but i'd never say Adios with a long A.  Is it just me or does Cash sound like he's just reading off a lyric sheet he's never seen before.
Posted 10 years ago by justin_cook    [ Reply ]
Who is the second vocal here?  Merle or Will Oldham?
Posted 10 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
I think he left..alas
Posted 10 years ago by Montyontherun    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:
forever........{#Sunny}

 
{#Notworthy} ..........oh my god yes
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
perfect on a dark dreary overcast winter day
Posted 10 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
forever........{#Sunny}
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
Thanks for the list of collaborators, bolly328.  It's pretty impressive, eh?
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Always love to hear Johnny.  One of a kind.
Posted 11 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
Unfortunately, there is more than one woman in my life that I should have sung this song to...{#Naughty}
Posted 12 years ago by mfcrowe    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:
The message I'm getting from this song, is that he's leaving. Now.
 
he is leaving. now.
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
I'm sitting here, trying to give good tax advice to a guy who lives in another state and whose divorce isn't yet final. And this song comes on, and I can't even focus on what I'm trying to impart to my friend. Darn you, Johnny Cash. I love you to death... (And why'd you leave us so soon? Maybe you felt that your work on earth was done, but I feel like the world could still use your perception and your history...)
 
best part of Radio Paradise is the access to sweet words and humbling tunes
love to you all 
Posted 12 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Personnel on this album is
  • Johnny Cash – Vocals, Guitar
  • Martyn Atkins – Photography
  • Norman Blake – Guitar
  • Billy Bowers – Digital Editing
  • Mike Campbell – Guitar
  • John Carter Cash – Associate Producer
  • June Carter Cash – Vocals (9)
  • Laura Cash – Fiddle
  • Lindsay Chase – Production Coordinator
  • Danny Clinch – Photography
  • David Coleman – Art Direction
  • Sheryl Crow – Vocals (9), Accordion (12,14)
  • Richard Dodd – Additional Engineering
  • David Ferguson – Engineer, Mixing
  • Merle Haggard – Guitar, Vocals & Guitar (13)
  • Will Oldham – Vocals (6)
  • Larry Perkins – Guitar
  • Tom Petty – Vocals & Organ (1), Vocals (2)
  • Lou Robin – Management
  • Rick Rubin – Producer
  • D. Sardy – Additional Engineering
  • David Schiffman – Additional Engineering, Mixing (9)
  • Eddie Schreyer – Mastering
  • Randy Scruggs – Guitar
  • Marty Stuart – Guitar
  • Benmont Tench – Piano, Organ, Harmonium
  • Chuck Turner – Digital Editing

Posted 12 years ago by bolly328    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:
The message I'm getting from this song, is that he's leaving. Now.
 
yes, same here. i think he's leaving. now.
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 ick wrote:

"Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God."

"She was a fool, and so am I, and so is anyone who thinks he sees what God is doing."

"There are plenty of good reasons for fighting, but no good reason ever to hate without reservation, to imagine that God Almighty Himself hates with you, too."

"Take Care of the People, and God Almighty Will Take Care of Himself."

"We Bokonists believe that humanity is organized into teams, teams that do God's Will without ever discovering what they are doing."

"Maybe God has let everybody who ever lived be reborn — so he or she can see how it ends."

These are all attributable to Mr. Vonnegut one way or another... I reckon his thoughts on God are quite interesting.

 
I stared reading Mr. Vonnegut at a young age (too young, according to my Mom). I got the impression that he lost any faith he might have had in God he had during WW 2.

But faith is a tricky thing to judge.

So I try not to. Good post, BTW. {#Cheers}
Posted 12 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:
The message I'm getting from this song, is that he's leaving. Now.
 
That was my impression as well.  Of course, I could be wrong that he's leaving.  Now.

Posted 12 years ago by garyalex    [ Reply ]
The message I'm getting from this song, is that he's leaving. Now.
Posted 13 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
 Michellegoguen wrote:
Does anyone know who the other musicians are playing this one with Johnny? Besides Merle Haggard, of course.
 Looks like Laura Cash on strings and either Norman Blake or Mike Campbell on guitar.

Posted 13 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
Does anyone know who the other musicians are playing this one with Johnny? Besides Merle Haggard, of course.
Posted 13 years ago by Michellegoguen    [ Reply ]
I'm sitting here, trying to give good tax advice to a guy who lives in another state and whose divorce isn't yet final. And this song comes on, and I can't even focus on what I'm trying to impart to my friend. Darn you, Johnny Cash. I love you to death... (And why'd you leave us so soon? Maybe you felt that your work on earth was done, but I feel like the world could still use your perception and your history...)
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 radioparadisehead wrote:
I'd love to hear Kurt Vonnegut's thoughts on God... actually I'd love to hear him define the word "god."
 
"Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God."

"She was a fool, and so am I, and so is anyone who thinks he sees what God is doing."

"There are plenty of good reasons for fighting, but no good reason ever to hate without reservation, to imagine that God Almighty Himself hates with you, too."

"Take Care of the People, and God Almighty Will Take Care of Himself."

"We Bokonists believe that humanity is organized into teams, teams that do God's Will without ever discovering what they are doing."

"Maybe God has let everybody who ever lived be reborn — so he or she can see how it ends."

These are all attributable to Mr. Vonnegut one way or another... I reckon his thoughts on God are quite interesting.

Posted 13 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]


Posted 13 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
Excellent JC! {#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
They should play this one more often!{#Clap}
 
YES!!!! BRILLIANT!!! {#Sunny}
Posted 14 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
JC was so authentic, he could sing anything, was compassionate & had a big heart...which always came through in his music.  Seemed he could sing effortlessly and his love for his profession showed.  Watched an excellent PBS special on the entire Carter clan from their roots to when June married Johnny.  Told so much about the history of our blue grass and lost music.
Posted 14 years ago by KikaKitty    [ Reply ]
 rjewyo wrote:
I remember when Johnny was sitting in our family room with my Dad...their cars were getting new tires and Dad invited JC up to the house...Dad offered him coffee...but, he had a pint in his coat!{#Cheers} 
BTW...he lived in Ojai CA in those days and my Dad loved his music)
 

Wow! Lucky you ... thank you for sharing! {#Cheers}
Posted 14 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
I remember when Johnny was sitting in our family room with my Dad...their cars were getting new tires and Dad invited JC up to the house...Dad offered him coffee...but, he had a pint in his coat!{#Cheers} 
BTW...he lived in Ojai CA in those days and my Dad loved his music)
Posted 14 years ago by rjewyo    [ Reply ]
I daydream about living like Dick Proenneke did, especially when I hear lyrics like this

If anybody asks where did I go
Tell 'em I went where the wild goose goes
I wouldn't have me an area code
Don't have a number, don't need a row



Posted 14 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
They should play this one more often!{#Clap}
 
Picked up American IV yesterday. That's going in the CD player this afternoon. This one is going on the list next.

Posted 14 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
pannaramma wrote:
...livin on muscle, guts and luck. I like that part. The dudes were cool badasses.
Who hasn't been there (and wouldn't ever want to go back)! They're hitting the nail of your life on the head, and it hurts like a bitch.

Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
Pull up the collar on my traveling coat
Sell that miserable pleasure boat
I wouldn't give another nickel for another buck
I'm living on muscle, guts, and luck

love that last line
Posted 14 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
They should play this one more often!{#Clap}
 
Dito.

Posted 15 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
They should play this one more often!{#Clap}
Posted 15 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 emsbob wrote:
I too grew up with my uncles playing Johnny Cash all the time. I have loved his style for years and wish he would still be here to sing at my funeral.  {#Skull}{#Clap}
 
worry not - he will  {#Cowboy}
Posted 15 years ago by k_trout    [ Reply ]
Happy New Year!
Posted 15 years ago by godspeed    [ Reply ]
 emsbob wrote:
I too grew up with my uncles playing Johnny Cash all the time. I have loved his style for years and wish he would still be here to sing at my funeral.  {#Skull}{#Clap}
 


Posted 15 years ago by godspeed    [ Reply ]
I too grew up with my uncles playing Johnny Cash all the time. I have loved his style for years and wish he would still be here to sing at my funeral.  {#Skull}{#Clap}
Posted 15 years ago by emsbob    [ Reply ]
me too :(
Posted 15 years ago by oscar_driver    [ Reply ]
 Kokoloco53 wrote:
Grew up as a youngster listening to my oldest brothers copy of Folsum Prison Live, heard more Johnny Cash in my life to last a while, but this song is awesome, great message for heartbrake from worthless, ungrateful women who treat their men like caca. But who is that singing with him?
 
Several posts below agree: it's Merle Haggard.

Posted 16 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 laramieu wrote:

Sounds like Merle
 

According to azlyrics.com it is Merle.
Posted 16 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
Grew up as a youngster listening to my oldest brothers copy of Folsum Prison Live, heard more Johnny Cash in my life to last a while, but this song is awesome, great message for heartbrake from worthless, ungrateful women who treat their men like caca. But who is that singing with him?
Posted 16 years ago by Kokoloco53    [ Reply ]
 stevo_b wrote:
Agreed. Bitter and depressing.

 
All you need to do is buy his 3 CD set Love, God, Murder and you'll find out it's just the opposite.  Two CDs of uplifting music and one that exposes the dark side of the human animal.

Posted 16 years ago by ChicoCyclist    [ Reply ]
It doesn't matter what he sings, just the tone of his voice is enough for me... His tone is awesome...
Posted 16 years ago by bartverheijen    [ Reply ]
laramieu wrote:
Sounds like Merle
Didn't Cash live with Merle for a while? In the movie he was staying with someone?
Posted 16 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]
stevo_b wrote:
Agreed. Bitter and depressing.
That's funny, I come away with, "honest and heart-felt, to the point it is healing".
Posted 16 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
stevo_b wrote:
Agreed. Bitter and depressing.
Early Emo!
Posted 16 years ago by the_bink    [ Reply ]
stevo_b wrote:
Agreed. Bitter and depressing.
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
The more I listen to JC, the less I like him.
Agreed. Bitter and depressing.
Posted 16 years ago by stevo_b    [ Reply ]
+1 to a 9 now. Sometimes JC and the boys are just a perfect fit for a mood. Monday morning - get out of space, get out of my face.
Posted 16 years ago by islander    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
The more I listen to JC, the less I like him.
That's too bad, D. I think he's amazing, personally, and always have. Icing on the Johnny Cash cake, for me, is that he was a man of such strong personal integrity.
Posted 16 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
huebdoo wrote:
who is this singing with Johny? Im sorry to the Country and Western Fans ... Im not up on who is who... all the same this is great stuff... what a great camp fire song
Sounds like Merle
Posted 16 years ago by laramieu    [ Reply ]
oldviolin wrote:
You're mean, and I must shun you.
get out of my space, get out of my face
Posted 16 years ago by rachlan    [ Reply ]
Well, this is just great, what a treat!
Posted 16 years ago by PurplePrincess    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
The more I listen to JC, the less I like him.
You're mean, and I must shun you.
Posted 16 years ago by oldviolin    [ Reply ]
Look below...
Posted 16 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
who is this singing with Johny? Im sorry to the Country and Western Fans ... Im not up on who is who... all the same this is great stuff... what a great camp fire song
Posted 16 years ago by huebdoo    [ Reply ]
This must have been from when he was really messed up on all those pills.
Posted 16 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]
kcar wrote:
His covers are often better than the originals.
indeed.
Posted 16 years ago by kalkin84    [ Reply ]
Finally Merle Haggard on RP-first time I've heard the great Hag here. He's one of the last of the old school still alive.
Posted 16 years ago by MCKY    [ Reply ]
The king, always and forever.
Posted 16 years ago by kingfish2004    [ Reply ]
The older I get the more I like his songs. Pity he is not still around to share his music with us,
Posted 16 years ago by westsound    [ Reply ]
sad but true. he left.
Posted 16 years ago by arthur_d    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
The more I listen to JC, the less I like him.
Happily, I'm moving in the opposite direction. Every time I hear Johnny Cash sing "The Mercy Seat", I have to stop and listen. His covers are often better than the originals.
Posted 16 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
I rejoice that I don't live in a society where the airwaves are full of stuff like this. it doesn't get much better than that
I'm not sure what society you're speaking of, but around here the airwaves are not full of stuff like this. This is the first time I've heard this song.
Posted 16 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
The more I listen to JC, the less I like him.
Me just the other way round.
Posted 16 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
The more I listen to JC, the less I like him.
Funny, I have the opposite reaction.
Posted 16 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
He was one I heard a lot at home when I was a little kid. I liked him pretty well then and more now.
Posted 16 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
The more I listen to JC, the less I like him.
Posted 16 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
What music! Lots of folks aren't aware that Merle Haggard was given Bob Wills fiddle after he died since Wills thought that only Haggard could continue the tradition. And Cash of course........what else is there to say about that! As they used to say about the Dallas Cowboys in the day......THAT'S AMERICAN!
Posted 16 years ago by lwilkinson    [ Reply ]
Top Drawer selection..... outstanding! Songs like this are why I RP!
Posted 17 years ago by Eclectricity    [ Reply ]
takin' a turn for the better! excellent job Bill
Posted 17 years ago by tlbritton    [ Reply ]
wild_mercury wrote:
It doesn't get much better than this, folks.
I rejoice that I don't live in a society where the airwaves are full of stuff like this. it doesn't get much better than that
Posted 17 years ago by Paul_in_Australia    [ Reply ]
Not a big country man myself - but big JC, very special
Posted 17 years ago by mgkiwi    [ Reply ]
Y'know, I'm not a big fan of country music, but who can resist this gem?
Posted 17 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
I remeber as a kid he had a tv show and had on such artist as bob dylan and kris krisopherson. He did as much as anyone to promoted the crossover of these artists. His own work is pretty impressive if you know anything about music. RP is the kind of station that realizes this and thats why we listen.
Posted 17 years ago by YA_MAN    [ Reply ]
that old style country voice (Haggard) brings back so many memories of my childhood in Texas...
Posted 17 years ago by squidish    [ Reply ]
andesitic wrote:
I think fundamentalists in any form would have trouble with this...
in a ring of fire What? I'm just going with the motif!
Posted 17 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
Stefen wrote:
Forward this comment to Islamic fundamentalists.
I think fundamentalists in any form would have trouble with this...
Posted 17 years ago by andesitic    [ Reply ]
A-dios, good friend.
Posted 17 years ago by andesitic    [ Reply ]
jugo wrote:
Who is that accompanying Cash on this song? Sounds like Merle Haggard.
Gotta love the Hag!
Posted 17 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
I agree, this would be a very good idea if such tunes would leave RP! The sooner, the better...
Posted 17 years ago by Nabla    [ Reply ]
I'd love to hear Kurt Vonnegut's thoughts on God... actually I'd love to hear him define the word "god."
Posted 17 years ago by radioparadisehead    [ Reply ]
Stefen wrote:
Forward this comment to Islamic fundamentalists.
In a ring of fire
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
cc_rider wrote:
Kurt Vonnegut says only one thing is proof of the existence of God: Music.
Forward this comment to Islamic fundamentalists.
Posted 17 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
in a ring of fire oppositelock wrote:
The old home of Johnny Cash burned down today.
Posted 17 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
The old home of Johnny Cash burned down today.
Posted 17 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
Kurt Vonnegut says only one thing is proof of the existence of God: Music. These guys prove him right. Rock On, J.R. Cash!
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Usually Cash is gritty, fuzzy sounding, which is fine cause it really puts you in the mood of the song... But this sounds so clean/crisp, and I don't mind.
Posted 17 years ago by Ando    [ Reply ]
Darkmatter wrote:
Yup, it sure is Merle Haggard, confirmed by the sleeve notes. :)
Thanks, I would have bet it was Doc Watson! Toof
Posted 17 years ago by TooFew    [ Reply ]
...livin on muscle, guts and luck. I like that part. The dudes were cool badasses.
Posted 17 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
I can remember when the guys made fun of me for liking Johnny Cash back in the late 60's...(stupid gits)
Posted 17 years ago by kaviksdad    [ Reply ]
It doesn't get much better than this, folks.
Posted 17 years ago by wild_mercury    [ Reply ]
chfLarry wrote:
i miss john cash
Me too.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
Oh yeah! Go see the documentary about him. Highly recommended.
Posted 17 years ago by pherthyl    [ Reply ]
i used to be way too cool for country... now - geez - i hear the soundtrack of my life when anything like this comes along.
Posted 17 years ago by PrincessRue    [ Reply ]
can't do much better than this, except for other songs from the same album. I See The Darkness is especially good.
Posted 17 years ago by jeofredo    [ Reply ]
i miss john cash
Posted 18 years ago by chfLarry    [ Reply ]
One of the best cuts from the whole "American" series. Gotta love it!
Posted 18 years ago by Old_Pat    [ Reply ]
Shesdifferent wrote:
Funny....I know someone who could really relate to this!
Hi Scarlett!
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Funny....I know someone who could really relate to this!
Posted 18 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
Damn that's a song.
Posted 18 years ago by japanmoran    [ Reply ]
Ya know, I've never liked country. But I DO know a GEM when I hear one, and this is it! RIP, Mr. Cash...and I'll fix yer flat tire, Merle!
Posted 18 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
A gem . . . No, on second thought, I think it's closer to a nugget.
Posted 18 years ago by lester    [ Reply ]
this is great! REAL country and western music.
Posted 18 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
It's been a while since I heard Cash. His music is so full of emotion. Purelly amazing.
Posted 20 years ago by vvaffle    [ Reply ]
Mr. Cash was a bona fide badass.
Posted 20 years ago by mynameisdanno    [ Reply ]
Yay!! This is the first time I've heard a song played that I uploaded. Yee-haw!! :-({|=
Posted 20 years ago by grahamophone    [ Reply ]
Nobody cooler ever took a breath.
Posted 20 years ago by GolfRomeo    [ Reply ]
Yup, it sure is Merle Haggard, confirmed by the sleeve notes. :)
Posted 20 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
jugo wrote:
Who is that accompanying Cash on this song? Sounds like Merle Haggard.
Well AMG shows Merle Haggard, Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, and June Carter Cash on vocals on this album and I am pretty sure it is not Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, or June Carter Cash on this song :)
Posted 20 years ago by Enrique    [ Reply ]
Who is that accompanying Cash on this song? Sounds like Merle Haggard.
Posted 20 years ago by jugo    [ Reply ]