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Johnny Cash — Ring of Fire
Album: The Essential Johnny Cash
Avg rating:
8.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2977









Released: 1963
Length: 2:41
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Love is a burnin' thing,
And it makes a fiery ring
Bound by wild desire
I fell into a ring of fire.

I fell into a burnin' ring of fire
I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher,
And it burns, burn, burns,
The ring of fire, the ring of fire.

The taste of love is sweet
When hearts like ours meet.
I fell for you like a child
Oh, but the fire ran wild.

I fell into a burnin' ring of fire
I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher,
And it burns, burn, burns,
The ring of fire, the ring of fire.

I fell into a burnin' ring of fire
I went down, down, down,
And the flames went higher,
And it burns, burn, burns,
The ring of fire, the ring of fire.

The ring of fire
Comments (335)add comment
One of my favorite artists!
Posted 8 months ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:

love those trumpets



For me, I don't really think I do. I always find myself having to "solve" for how it fits the song and wanting to like it (but never really do).  And I still love the song. I would be fascinated to hear it w/o the horns actually.
Posted 8 months ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
love those trumpets
Posted 9 months ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
GREAT TUNE!!  I was 8yrs old when this was released in 1963.  The NYC top 10 & top 40,  AM radio stations used to play it a lot. I had NO idea that this was Country Music.  LOL!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 xray38 wrote:

This was our outhouse song. Usually after spicy foods.

... along with 'Keep on running' by the Spencer Davis Group

Posted 2 years ago by kbs    [ Reply ]
Great Tune! I was 9yrs old when this came out. They played it on the NYC AM radio rock stations & I had no idea that this was "Country Music"!  LOL!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
Thanks RP.
Posted 3 years ago by jesseoxwell    [ Reply ]
Saw my man Johnny perform this live..."wow" is the best word I could come up with... 
Posted 3 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by Sofa_King    [ Reply ]
 Skydog wrote:

when June wrote this she was married to another man and Johnny was also married and she was falling in love with Johnny and she knew it wasn't right
 
I've also heard that the "ring of fire" is a wedding ring worn for someone who is no longer the focus of your love.  It burns, burns, burns.
Posted 3 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
This was our outhouse song. Usually after spicy foods.
Posted 5 years ago by xray38    [ Reply ]
 tichy wrote:

Their part certainly is, but the instrumentation doesn't fit in my ears. No need to pretend everything is perfect or unchangeable just because it's a classic.
 
Interesting critic. A fresh way to think about music, even if I don't agree. Thanks!
Posted 6 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
 jambo wrote:

they are. an essential. part. of the. song.

 
Their part certainly is, but the instrumentation doesn't fit in my ears. No need to pretend everything is perfect or unchangeable just because it's a classic.
Posted 6 years ago by tichy    [ Reply ]
 jbuhl wrote:
Great song but the Mariachi trumpets just dont fit for me.  like bolted on from the music parts bin.
 
they are. an essential. part. of the. song.
Posted 6 years ago by jambo    [ Reply ]
The "man in black" as he was called stood for social justice for the poor and underrepresented.  And for this he will always be my hero and one of my favorite musicians.  His musical talent speaks for itself.  In his own words:

“I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down, livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town, I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime, but is there because he's a victim of the times."
Posted 6 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
Great song but the Mariachi trumpets just dont fit for me.  like bolted on from the music parts bin.
Posted 6 years ago by jbuhl    [ Reply ]
I hate it when those "Essential" albums come out and they do not denote if a song is live or not. I love the song but when I buy a greatest hits, like this one, I want the studio version.
Posted 6 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
This is the first "rock" song I became aware of and fell in love with as a kid (12 years old). So it still holds a special place. 
Posted 6 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
Ring of Fire is our favorite song. we are 36 years married. 
{#Heartkiss} and we love each other like the first day.
{#Kiss} Thanks Johnny, thanks Bill, thanks Rebecca
{#Wave}
Best regards from Leipzig, Germany
Posted 7 years ago by Waldi11    [ Reply ]
{#Devil_pimp}
Posted 7 years ago by sunflowerbee    [ Reply ]
Love me some Johnny
Posted 7 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
A timeless classic.

 
Posted 7 years ago by grahamdillabough    [ Reply ]
This is the 1987 version he did for the album 
Classic Cash: Hall of Fame Series

Overall it has the same arrangement as the original, with better recording, etc., but I think I like the vocal on the original a little more.  Either way, Johnny was great.
Posted 7 years ago by squibby    [ Reply ]
I Demand Justice:

I bought a Mac Mini - thereby paying The Apple Tax - and its video doesn't work.

I have an appointment to bring it back to the Apple Store but I want to play with my new toy NOW.
Posted 7 years ago by Mike_Crawford    [ Reply ]
https://californiatortilla.com/caltort/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/AssInTheTub.jpg
Posted 7 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Ha ha, I heard this for the first time when I was playing at my friend's house when I was five.  Her dad had ole' Johnny spinning on the turntable and I thought this song was the most bizarre thing I had ever heard.  I still love it.  Makes me laugh every time I hear it.  Yeah, I know it's a serious song, but I couldn't master that then, and have never had a moment of seriousness when I hear this song.  Ever.
Posted 8 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
thanks... one of the best i've heard on radio paradise
Posted 8 years ago by Nima13    [ Reply ]

Ahhh...  OK, I guess it makes at least a little more sense in that context.  Thanks!
  

Skydog wrote:

when June wrote this she was married to another man and Johnny was also married and she was falling in love with Johnny and she knew it wasn't right
 

 
Posted 8 years ago by crogers    [ Reply ]
 Sloggydog wrote:
This song is about Garlic Chili Chicken Massala isn't it?

 
where's the tissue box, need to clean the spewed coffee off my keyboard, thank you Sloggy
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 crogers wrote:
I'll claim ignorance to most things Johnny Cash, but seriously... I find this a very odd song.  Is June describing a love affair with Johnny or a witch immolation ceremony?  If I told my loving wife that she made me feel like I was burning in a ring of fire, I'm sure the last thing she'd want to do is start singing about it.  She'd probably cry, and I wouldn't blame her.  It's a horrible thing to say — especially considering how many nicer ways there are to express one's love or even passion, for another.

Is there some off-center-southern-U.S.-secret-society-metaphorical-mumbo-jumbo woven through these lyrics that I've not been privy to all these years?  Am I just being dense?  What am I missing here?  Enquiring minds want to know...

 
when June wrote this she was married to another man and Johnny was also married and she was falling in love with Johnny and she knew it wasn't right
 
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Nice segue from Cake's Mexico.  Well played, sir. 
Posted 8 years ago by AbileneTexas    [ Reply ]
After hearing this by JC - I had to look up the Adam Lambert version as per gatorade....wow...an amazing arrangement and rendition...what a great voice he has.

 
gatorade wrote:
{#Dancingbanana_2} Fabulous song. Really loved Adam Lambert's cover too.

 


Posted 9 years ago by Highspirits    [ Reply ]
I'll claim ignorance to most things Johnny Cash, but seriously... I find this a very odd song.  Is June describing a love affair with Johnny or a witch immolation ceremony?  If I told my loving wife that she made me feel like I was burning in a ring of fire, I'm sure the last thing she'd want to do is start singing about it.  She'd probably cry, and I wouldn't blame her.  It's a horrible thing to say — especially considering how many nicer ways there are to express one's love or even passion, for another.

Is there some off-center-southern-U.S.-secret-society-metaphorical-mumbo-jumbo woven through these lyrics that I've not been privy to all these years?  Am I just being dense?  What am I missing here?  Enquiring minds want to know...


Posted 9 years ago by crogers    [ Reply ]
I once heard the great DJ Dan Ingram outro this song by saying..."Ring of Fire...when man makes love to a tube of Ben-Gay." 
Posted 9 years ago by Ropes    [ Reply ]
Awesome classic, of course. But wait! Jesus! Who's that drummer? The first-ever drum machine or the Energizer Bunny?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiFQsxGUQOI
 
Posted 9 years ago by pankman    [ Reply ]
Dewey Cox Guilty As Charged
Posted 9 years ago by linden    [ Reply ]

That is just one of those songs ... there is never a wrong time for it.

 
Posted 10 years ago by hallogallo    [ Reply ]
 gatorade wrote:
{#Dancingbanana_2} Fabulous song. Really loved Adam Lambert's cover too.

 
Who?
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]

Love this song...  love rocking and rolling...

Man develops powerful love of Johnny Cash following deep brain stimulation

Brain implants have had the unexpected and intriguing side effect of causing a 60-year-old Dutch man to develop a sudden and powerful love for the music of Johnny Cash, a new paper reveals...

His favourite songs are Fulsom Prison Blues, Ring of Fire and Sunday Morning Coming Down...


Posted 10 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
{#Fire}   "O U T S T A N D I N G"  {#Fire}
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
Voice of an Angel
Posted 10 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 Derecho wrote:
This version sounds like something The Rock-afire Explosion would play.

Not nearly the best Cash recording of this song.

 
With a mariachi band filling in for the horns on short notice. 

I swear, Johnny looks like he's sweating out a few greenies in that picture. No coffee for you, Mr. Cash!  
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
In '64 I would play the single loudly, just to let everyone else in the apartment house know how cool I was.
Posted 11 years ago by old_shep    [ Reply ]
One of the greatest songs ever, especially considering the time and the context of an INTENSE real life love affair with. My whole family still screams this out when it comes on
Posted 11 years ago by Sweet_Virginia    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana_2} Fabulous song. Really loved Adam Lambert's cover too.
Posted 11 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]

Posted 11 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]

This song is soooo awesome...

brilliant metaphorical conceit, plus great arrangement, plus the incredible voice of Johnny Cash...

love this song tremendously...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Easy 9 ... the perfect Cash song. And as Bill sez, written by June Carter Cash for Johnny. 
Posted 11 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
First heard this as a child, and its simplicity made it easy to sing -- every word over and over until Mom made me shut up.  Took 45 years to really understand the emotion.
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
{#Roflol}
 
Sloggydog wrote:
This song is about Garlic Chili Chicken Massala isn't it?

 


Posted 11 years ago by woodchuk    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my church loves this song!!!!
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
This version sounds like something The Rock-afire Explosion would play.

Not nearly the best Cash recording of this song.
Posted 11 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:

I prefer Social Distortion's version.

 
I really like Social Distortion's version, for sure, but....man, this is a classic.
Posted 11 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
 katzendogs wrote:
one of the first tunes that grabbed me and stuck, word for word lyrics.
 
Amen! {#Yes}  One of the core folk songs we learned in 7th grade music, which led to my user name.  Thanks, Mr. Lindvahl!
Posted 11 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
Makes me want to go back to the Carter Fold.
Posted 11 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
one of the first tunes that grabbed me and stuck, word for word lyrics.
Posted 11 years ago by katzendogs    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:

I prefer Social Distortion's version.

 
Stan Ridgway (Wall of Voodoo) has an interesting take on it as well.
Posted 11 years ago by ubuntourist    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:
Serious lyrics, man.  Very serious.  I mean it.
 
Does not look like you agree with Zappa.


Posted 11 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
Classic song made even better by a vocal icon. Wow!
Posted 12 years ago by ajlept    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 12 years ago by Michallik    [ Reply ]
I heard that there was a company that wanted to use parts of this tune for a hemorrhoid commercial...
Posted 12 years ago by ubuntourist    [ Reply ]
Nothing I could say is as good as this:


Posted 12 years ago by Lazy8    [ Reply ]
The Master.
Posted 12 years ago by SinisterDexter    [ Reply ]
One great song.
Posted 12 years ago by 2cats    [ Reply ]
This song is about Garlic Chili Chicken Massala isn't it?
Posted 12 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
A truly great song. I'm probably going to catch some flack for this comment and, if it had some deeper meaning for me i probably wouldn't say this but let's be honest here, it's become something of a novelty over the years, considering that in it's day it was a modest hit peaking at 17 on the pop charts (1 on the country). I think of it as one of those songs that people love to love. It's sort of dark and silly at the same time. The Russians have an expression for this; I can't pronounce it because the words sound like pigs having sex but the loose translation is, "guilty pleasure."



Posted 12 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
June's love letter to John.  Masterpiece.
Posted 12 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
Social Distortion's version is the best one out there, IMHO, but I think Frank Zappa's rendition is pretty damn good too{#Laughing} 
Posted 12 years ago by Coppertop    [ Reply ]
Serious lyrics, man.  Very serious.  I mean it.
Posted 12 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 kurtster wrote:
The best version of one of the best songs ever.
 
I prefer Social Distortion's version.

Posted 12 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
This is Phoenix singing - isn't he?

Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 kurtster wrote:
The best version of one of the best songs ever.
 
{#High-five} Must agree, this song goes down, down, down, very well.

Posted 12 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
The best version of one of the best songs ever.
Posted 12 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
overplayed RP .. Is he singing, or just talking in rhythm?
Posted 12 years ago by srose96    [ Reply ]
Driven so many miles listening to Johnny - R.I.P Mr Cash

Posted 12 years ago by drivingunit103    [ Reply ]
 d-don wrote:
Johnny looks like he'd totally kick your ass in that picture. 10
 
...just to watch you die.
Posted 12 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
 d-don wrote:
Johnny looks like he'd totally kick your ass in that picture. 10
 

probably fixin' to...
RUN.
Posted 12 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
 seven7 wrote:
so many memories.........love it

would love to hear Calexico cover this 
 
Same here!

Posted 12 years ago by salzburg4321    [ Reply ]
Johnny looks like he'd totally kick your ass in that picture. 10
Posted 13 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
so many memories.........love it

would love to hear Calexico cover this 
Posted 13 years ago by seven7    [ Reply ]
I had to change the 9 to 6.  Still classic, tho.
Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]

Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson - Ring of Fire, Live


Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 More_Cowbell wrote:

Unfortunately yes you were...

 

Thank you so much for your luv & support!! Back to counseling. {#Cry}
Posted 13 years ago by olesonb    [ Reply ]
Good song, but this arrangement sounds a little Las Vegasy. Isn't there a "grittier" version? I am sure I have heard another version as the "original." 
Posted 13 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
 oilydwarf wrote:
love JC but prefer the Social Distortion cover of this song!
 
My band segues from Folsom County Prison Blues(JC version)to Ring of Fire(Social Distortion version).....gets them every time!

Posted 13 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
 oilydwarf wrote:
love JC but prefer the Social Distortion cover of this song!
  SD really did tear into this one: as covers go it is one of the best. Johnny's version has much more of June's influence.


Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Ah Johnny, nobody could do it like you did!  Great way to sing a love song.
Posted 13 years ago by laskaguy    [ Reply ]
 olesonb wrote:
Yikes! I remember putting this 45 in my little 45 carrying case that had dividers in it so I could sort alphabetically. Please tell me I wasn't the only anal kid in the 60's

 
Unfortunately yes you were...

Posted 13 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
Yikes! I remember putting this 45 in my little 45 carrying case that had dividers in it so I could sort alphabetically. Please tell me I wasn't the only anal kid in the 60's

Posted 13 years ago by olesonb    [ Reply ]
Love! I heart you, Johnny....
Posted 13 years ago by Kristi    [ Reply ]

tumblr_l5yiomF00U1qbweg8o1_1280 by Nuclear Ukeleles
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nuclearukeleles/

John R. "Johnny" Cash

Copyright All rights reserved
.
Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Really like this!!
Posted 13 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Which reminds me - I'm doing a hot curry tonight, so that'll be a ring of fire the morrow {#Fire}

When I was a lad, 'johnny cash' was a Durex vending machine...{#Smile}

I'll get me coat.


Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I sure hope Johnny found that loving God he put his faith in.
Posted 14 years ago by Lrobby99    [ Reply ]
love JC but prefer the Social Distortion cover of this song!
Posted 14 years ago by oilydwarf    [ Reply ]
It's a good song but I don't think it's as good as an 8.6 average.
Posted 14 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
 drews wrote:
Great stuff, even if it reminds me of german bierkeller muzik
 
Nonsense. 

Posted 14 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
Great stuff, even if it reminds me of german bierkeller muzik
Posted 14 years ago by drews    [ Reply ]

John Prine - Up on Bear Creek, Live
"Another John Prine Clip from the 2004 Philadelphia Folk Festival, with Jason Wilbur in guitar"
Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]

Johnny Cash by ~lucidity69
Frances   ©2008-2010 ~lucidity69

Took about 2 hours to do. I have wanted to do one of him for awhile so finally did. I hope I did him justice.





Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
As many times as I've heard this song - I've never really paid any attention to the piano in the background. Very cool.
Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
 katherinenz wrote:
Reminds me of my geological oceanography course in college... the old nutty professor would have this as a sound bite every time the pacific tectonic plate was mentioned in any of his powerpoints, classic. 
 
Reminds me of way too much mexican food.

Posted 14 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
I've never been much of a country music fan, but Johnny Cash has/had such a vivid and panoramic life that I can listen to pretty much anything of his without cringing.  "Ring of Fire" is one of his signature pieces, and he sings it with such dignity and solemnity that it cannot help but be good.  RIP, Mr. Cash. You left a hell of a pair of boots to fill.
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 mfair1 wrote:
Always a favorite!  What is it about his voice?!?
 
maybe it's because it's bad and he doesn't care? Don't get me wrong, I love his voice, but it's not pretty. But boy, could he sing.

Posted 14 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of my geological oceanography course in college... the old nutty professor would have this as a sound bite every time the pacific tectonic plate was mentioned in any of his powerpoints, classic. 
Posted 14 years ago by katherinenz    [ Reply ]
 Otomi wrote:
Las trompetas le dan a esta canción justamente el toque sonoro que necesitaba.
 
They're also a little surreal...Of course the whole song is strangely upbeat given its subject matter: going to hell for having an extramarital affair (with June, who wrote this).

Posted 14 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
The Man.
Posted 14 years ago by derekd    [ Reply ]
This song always makes me think of that hilarious part in the horror film "Silent Hill" when it plays in such an incongruous context. Hmmm, well maybe then again it's not such a stretch to take the lyrics literally and imagine the persona is talking about Hell instead of a bad love affair. ;)

Posted 14 years ago by rpfan101    [ Reply ]
I can't get Frank Zappas version out of my head
(from Best Band You Never Heard)
Posted 14 years ago by SuzG    [ Reply ]
I have a love / hate relationship with this song
Posted 14 years ago by peacockangel    [ Reply ]
 DigitalJer wrote:

Somehow Johnny transcended genres - he made music his own.

 
Ain't that the truth!

Posted 14 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
I always thought this song was about hemorrhoids.. 
 

AP Worldstream
02-19-2004
Dateline: NEW YORK
Advertising writers in Florida were planning to pitch hemorrhoid-relief products with a commercial featuring Johnny Cash's classic song "Ring of Fire," but his family says there's no way they'll let it happen.

"We would never allow the song to be demeaned like that," Cash's daughter, singer Rosanne Cash, told The Tennessean in Sunday's editions.

"Ring of Fire" was written by Cash's wife, June Carter Cash, and Merle Kilgore, who is now Hank Williams Jr.'s manager. Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash died last year.

Posted 14 years ago by PFM    [ Reply ]
Hells yeah!
Posted 14 years ago by rtb    [ Reply ]
Las trompetas le dan a esta canción justamente el toque sonoro que necesitaba.
Posted 15 years ago by Otomi    [ Reply ]

Johnny Cash & June Carter- "Help Me Make It Through The Night" Live

Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 CyberCoyote wrote:
Johnney was cool.. but this is way cool too..:
Wall of Voodoo

 
too cool. . . I love Stan Ridgeway. . .


Posted 15 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
 mfair1 wrote:
Always a favorite!  What is it about his voice?!?
 
I call it "authenticity."
Posted 15 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Love JC, like this song - horns make my ears bleed, tho.
Posted 15 years ago by beccab    [ Reply ]