When people think of Johnny Cash, they often imagine the Man in Black standing stoically on stage, delivering raw, soul-stirring songs about love, loss, redemption, and rebellion. But there’s another side to this iconic artist—a mischievous, humorous, and surprisingly self-aware storyteller. That side is fully on display in the delightfully bizarre and often misunderstood novelty track “The Chicken in Black.”
Released in 1984, “The Chicken in Black” is one of the most peculiar entries in Cash’s vast catalog. At a time when his career was at a creative crossroads and commercial success was waning, Cash took a sharp left turn and leaned into parody. The song tells the story of how he supposedly had a brain transplant after suffering from severe writer’s block, only to discover his new brain belonged to a bank robber. Chaos ensues, and eventually his old brain is implanted into a chicken, which—of course—goes on to have a better performing career than he does.
What makes this song fascinating isn’t just the absurdity of the plot, but how Cash uses humor as a form of commentary. In a way, he’s poking fun at himself, the music industry, and perhaps the public’s expectations of who Johnny Cash is supposed to be. The production is lighthearted and quirky, filled with upbeat instrumentation and Cash’s signature deep vocals delivering lines that are both hilarious and deadpan.
Critics and fans have long debated whether “The Chicken in Black” was a mistake or a stroke of comedic genius. Even Cash himself later expressed regret, calling it “a strange period” in his career. But regardless of its reputation, the song reveals a rare moment of artistic experimentation and self-parody from a man known for his gravitas. It’s a reminder that even legends have their whimsical moments—and sometimes, they involve brain-swapping poultry.
For those who only know Cash as the brooding outlaw of country music, “The Chicken in Black” might come as a shock. But for those willing to dig deeper, it offers an unexpectedly rich insight into a complex and endlessly surprising artist.
For two long years my head hurt bad So the doctor checked me an he shook his head He said, “I’m sorry to tell you But your body’s outlived your brain” He said, “I know this doctor in New York, son And he’ll fix you right up with a brand new one” So the head doctor met me when I stepped down off of the train
He said, “We had this bank robber killed last night His body’s shot but his brain’s alright I’ll give you a transplant, boy, and you’ll be okay” I got my new brain in and I was feelin’ great I went right back to Nashville with no headache But something strange happened when I walked in the bank one day
I said, “Stick ’em up everybody, I’m robbin’ this place Drop all of your money in my guitar case Don’t nobody move and don’t nobody reach for that door” A lady said, “Why, you’re Johnny Cash” I said, “No ma’am, I’m the Manhattan Flash And I am the best bank robber in New York”
Now the other night, Roy Acuff called me He said, “John, I’d like for you to do the Opry So I went out on the stage, but I couldn’t sing” I got into a half a verse of “I Walk The Line” And something snapped in this head of mine I yelled, “Stick ’em up Give me your money, your watches and rings”
Well, I called New York and talked to that brain quack I said, “Doc, I’ve gotta have my old brain back” He said, “I’m sorry there, Mr. Cash, but I can’t do that” He said, “I put your brain in a chicken last Monday He’s singing your songs and makin’ lots of money And I got him signed to a ten-year recording contract”
Now, friends, if you see me walkin’ down the street Remember what you see ain’t necessarily me And if I try to hold you up, don’t pay me no mind But when you got ten bucks that you can blow You oughta catch that Johnny Chicken show He’s doin’ fairs and concert dates all up and down the line
I said, “Stick ’em up everybody, I’m robbin’ this place Drop all of your money in my guitar case Don’t nobody move and don’t nobody reach for that door” A lady said, “Why, you’re Johnny Cash” I said, “No ma’am, I’m the Manhattan Flash And I am the best bank robber in New York”
Well, I don’t pay any income tax You don’t pay tax on money you steal You oughta catch that Johnny Chicken show Chicken in black
