I Got Stripes Johnny Cash

"I Got Stripes" by Johnny Cash, released in 1959, is a #Country song that reflects themes of imprisonment, regret, and resilience. The lyrics narrate the story of a man serving time who recounts his experiences and longing for freedom, symbolized by the "stripes" of his prison uniform. The song features Cash's signature deep voice and a simple, catchy melody, enhancing its emotional impact. Its cultural significance lies in its portrayal of the struggles of the incarcerated, resonating with audiences and influencing future works about justice and redemption.

[Verse 1]
On a Monday, I was arrested (Uh huh)
On a Tuesday, they locked me in the jail (Oh boy)
On a Wednesday, my trial was attested
On a Thursday, they said, "Guilty" and the judge's gavel fell

[Chorus]
I got stripes, stripes around my shoulders
I got chains, chains around my feet
I got stripes, stripes around my shoulders
And them chains, them chains they're about to drag me down

[Verse 2]
On a Monday, got my striped britches (Uh huh)
On a Tuesday, got my ball and chain (Oh boy)
On a Wednesday, I'm workin' diggin' ditches
On a Thursday, Lord, I begged 'em not to knock me down again

[Chorus]
I got stripes, stripes around my shoulders
I got chains, chains around my feet
I got stripes, stripes around my shoulders
And them chains, them chains they're about to drag me down

[Verse 3]
On a Monday, my momma come to see me (Uh huh)
On a Tuesday, they caught me with a file (Oh boy)
On a Wednesday, I'm down in solitary
On a Thursday, I start on bread and water for a while

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