Did you know that Johnny Cash used "I Walk The Line" was a way to get a gospel song past Sun Records owner Sam Phillips? Phillips wasn't interested in gospel songs on his label. Johnny told him the song was about staying faithful while on the road touring. While partially true, Johnny also meant the song as an oath to God.
"A Boy Named Sue" was actually written by author Shel Siverstein ("The Giving Tree"). Johnny threw a party as his house one night. It was attended by many famous musicians. Each of the artists debuted a new song at the party. Shel rolled out "A Boy Named Sue". Johnny took it with him the next day to his famous performance at San Quentin. The rest is history.
Johnny even wrote the worst song he possibly could in order to get out of his record contract. It's about a chicken.
Check out the stories behind 10 famous Johnny Cash songs here: