“Jackson” – When Johnny Cash and June Carter Let It All Out
Among the most iconic duets in country music history, “Jackson” stands out like a firecracker. Released in 1967, Johnny Cash and June Carter brought this upbeat, fiery song to life — portraying a couple so fed up with each other, they want to run off to Jackson to live it up separately. On the surface, it’s playful. But underneath lies a fascinating glimpse into the couple’s own turbulent chemistry.
Originally written by Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Leiber, “Jackson” was performed by Johnny and June before they were married. At that time, Johnny was a wild, drug-addicted outlaw; June was a sharp, talented performer from the respected Carter Family. Yet when they sang “Jackson,” sparks flew. Their banter, their grins, the way they locked eyes — it was more than music, it was raw connection.
Their dynamic performances helped melt the walls between them. By 1968, Johnny famously proposed to June on stage, and she said yes.
“Jackson” isn’t just a duet — it’s a declaration of fiery love, playful resentment, and undeniable attraction between two of country music’s greatest legends.
Video
Lyrics
We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout,
We’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson, ever since the fire went out.
I’m goin’ to Jackson, I’m gonna mess around,
Yeah, I’m goin’ to Jackson,
Look out Jackson town.
Well, go on down to Jackson; go ahead and wreck your health.
Go play your hand you big-talkin’ man, make a big fool of yourself,
You’re goin’ to Jackson; go comb your hair!
Honey, I’m gonna snowball Jackson.
See if I care.
When I breeze into that city, people gonna stoop and bow. (Hah!)
All them women gonna make me, teach ’em what they don’t know how,
I’m goin’ to Jackson, you turn-a loose-a my coat.
‘Cos I’m goin’ to Jackson.
“Goodbye,” that’s all she wrote.
But they’ll laugh at you in Jackson, and I’ll be dancin’ on a Pony Keg.
They’ll lead you ’round town like a scalded hound,
With your tail tucked between your legs,
You’re goin’ to Jackson, you big-talkin’ man.
And I’ll be waitin’ in Jackson, behind my Jaypan Fan,
Well now, we got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper Sprout,
We’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson, ever since the fire went out.
I’m goin’ to Jackson, and that’s a fact.
Yeah, we’re goin’ to Jackson, ain’t never comin’ back.
Well, we got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout’
And we’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson, ever since the fire went…
[To Fade]