Back about eighteen and twenty-five
I left Tennessee very much alive
I never would-a made it through the Arkansas mud
If I hadn't been ridin' on a Tennessee stud
Had some trouble with my sweetheart's pa
One of her brothers was a bad outlaw
I wrote a letter to my Uncle Fudd
And I rode away on a Tennessee stud
The Tennessee stud was long and lean
The color of the sun and his eyes were green
He had the nerve and he had the blood
There never was a hoss like the Tennessee stud
Drifted on down into no-man's land
I crossed the river called the Rio Grande
Raced my hoss with a Spaniard's foal
'Til I got me a skin full o' silver and gold
Me and the gambler, we couldn't agree
We got in a fight over Tennessee
Pulled our guns and he fell with a thud
And I rode away on a Tennessee stud
The Tennessee stud was long and lean
The color of the sun and his eyes were green
He had the nerve and he had the blood
There never was a hoss like the Tennessee stud
I rode right back across'd Arkansas
I whupped her brother and I whupped her pa
I found that girl with the golden hair
And she was ridin' on a Tennessee mare
Purrty little baby on the cabin floor
Little hoss colt playin' 'round the door
I love the girl with the golden hair
And the Tennessee stud loves the Tennessee mare.
The Tennessee stud was long and lean
The color of the sun and his eyes were green
He had the nerve and he had the blood
There never was a hoss like the Tennessee stud
Tennessee Stud
Tennessee Stud Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Johnny Cash's rendition of "Tennessee Stud" is a classic narrative ballad that has become synonymous with the Man in Black's storytelling style. Though written by Eddy Arnold, Cash made this song his own, embedding it deeply into his legendary body of work and live performances. The song unfolds as a vivid tale of adventure, beginning in 1825 Tennessee with a protagonist forced to flee due to trouble involving his sweetheart's family. His escape and subsequent journey are made possible by his extraordinary horse, the Tennessee Stud.
The lyrics paint a clear picture of the horse's exceptional qualities – long, lean, sun-colored with green eyes, possessing great nerve and bloodline. This magnificent creature is not just a mode of transport but a loyal companion crucial to the protagonist's survival and success. The narrative takes the listener on a wild ride across the Arkansas mud, down to the Rio Grande, engaging in races for silver and gold. The bond between man and horse is paramount, highlighted in moments of conflict and triumph. The horse is the constant through the protagonist's trials, including a confrontation with a gambler that results in victory thanks to the Stud's aid in escape.
Beyond the immediate story of flight and adventure, the song's meaning delves into themes of loyalty, perseverance, and the journey towards finding peace and belonging. The protagonist's return to Tennessee, confronting the very troubles he initially fled, signifies courage and determination. The discovery that his sweetheart was waiting, riding a mare just as remarkable as his Stud, brings the story to a poignant and fulfilling conclusion. The final verses depict a domestic scene – a baby, a colt, and the two horses – representing the culmination of the protagonist's journey: finding love, family, and a place to call home, all of which were facilitated by his faithful steed. A video for Cash's recording of the song was released on November 9, 2018, introducing the classic tale to contemporary audiences through a visual medium.
The enduring appeal of "Tennessee Stud" lies in its simple yet powerful storytelling and the universal themes it explores. It speaks to the idea that loyalty, whether it's the steadfastness of a horse or the enduring love of a person, is a powerful force that can see one through difficult times and lead to a fulfilling life. The journey is fraught with peril, but with determination and a reliable companion, the protagonist overcomes obstacles, reclaims his honor, and builds a future. The song serves as an inspirational reminder of the rewards that come from perseverance and staying true to one's heart, finding one's way back to where one belongs.
