– Rosanne Cash: “I had never seen my father cry after singing… until that day.”
An old tape. Dusty. Unlabeled. A song never released. And a memory forever engraved in a daughter’s heart.
A father remembering his own father
I found the tape while going through Dad’s old desk drawers after he passed away. No label, no title—just a trembling line of ink: “Dad, for you.” I placed it in the player. Then came the voice—raw, intimate, and filled with something I couldn’t quite name. It was my father, Johnny Cash, singing for his father, Ray—stern, distant, yet ever-present in his life.
The only time I saw him cry after singing
My dad was strong—even when singing about death, regret, or heartbreak. But at the end of this song, his voice broke. No more guitar, no more words—just a soft exhale, like a sigh too heavy to hold. I stood there, still, and I knew… he had cried. Not for himself, but for the man he never really embraced.
A farewell never spoken aloud
I believe this was Dad’s way of saying sorry. And goodbye. This recording, never meant for the world, is something I now share—not for fame, but to show that even the strongest men carry the gentlest fractures. Behind the black clothes and deep voice… was a son longing for connection.
🎵 Suggested listening: “That’s Enough” – a rare, unreleased personal version by Johnny Cash.
Lyrics
Well now I heard that you been thinking bout me really I don’t mindI know you try to block my progress a lot of the timeWell the mean things you said don’t make me feel badCause I can’t miss a friend that I never had(I’ve got) I’ve got Jesus and that’s enough (that’s enough) that’s enoughWhen I’m sick (he’s there) and troubled (he’s there)When I call him he will answer my prayers (answer my prayers)When I’m burdened (he’s there) with a load (he’s there)That’s when Jesus is a comforter (to my soul)Well you may scorn me turn your back on meGod’s got his arms wrapped all around me(I’ve got) I’ve got Jesus and that’s enough (that’s enough) that’s enoughYou know there’s been a lotta times that I didn’t have a dimeAnd I didn’t cry to nobody but my LordHe heard my plea and came to see about me cause he’s one thing I can affordSo if you push me down he’ll pick me upAnd he’ll stick by me when the goin’ gets tough(I’ve got) I’ve got Jesus and that’s enough (that’s enough) that’s enoughWell he’s the great emancipator and my heart regulator (Jesus is) yes he isHe’ll make my way brighter and my burdens lighter yes he will (Jesus will)Well you may scorn me turn your back on meGod’s got his arms wrapped all around meAnd he fights down the devil till he makes him give upAnd that’s enough (that’s enough) that’s enoughWhen I’m sick (he’s there) and troubled (he’s there)When I call him he will answer my prayers (answer my prayers)When I’m burdened (he’s there) with a load (he’s there)That’s when Jesus is a comforter (to my soul)Well you may scorn me turn your back on meGod’s got his arms wrapped all around me(I’ve got) I’ve got Jesus and that’s enough (that’s enough) that’s enough