Waylon Jennings And Johnny Cash – There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang: The Story Behind the Song

If you’re a fan of country music, you’ve probably heard Waylon Jennings And Johnny Cash’s hit song “There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang.” This iconic song was released in 1978 as part of Cash’ album “I Would Like to See You Again,” and quickly climbed the charts, reaching #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the story behind the song and what makes it so special.

The Songwriters and Producers

“There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang” was written by Hal Bynum and Dave Kirby, two Nashville-based songwriters who were known for their ability to craft emotional and introspective country songs. The song was produced by Larry Butler.

The Story Behind the Song

The lyrics of “There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang” tell the story of a man who is serving time in prison and working on a chain gang. The song captures the despair and hopelessness of life behind bars, as the prisoner longs for freedom and a chance to start anew. The chorus of the song features a powerful duet between Jennings and Cash, as they sing about the futility of trying to escape the chain gang:

“There ain’t no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain’t cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don’t go writin’ hot checks down in Mississippi
And there ain’t no good chain gang”

The Legacy of the Song

“There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang” has become one of the most beloved and iconic country songs of all time, thanks in large part to the incredible vocal performances of Jennings and Cash. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, and its message of hope in the face of despair continues to resonate with listeners today.

In Conclusion

If you’re a fan of country music, there’s no doubt that “There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang” is a song that you’ll want to add to your playlist. Its powerful lyrics and moving melody make it a true classic of the genre, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of great country music.

So there you have it, the story behind Waylon Jennings And Johnny Cash’s hit song “There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang.” We hope this article has helped you gain a deeper appreciation for this classic country tune, and that you’ll continue to enjoy it for years to come. Don’t forget to add it to your playlist and share it with your friends and family who love country music too!

COUNTRYPEDIA

Waylon Jennings And Johnny Cash – There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang Lyrics

[Verse 1: Waylon Jennings]
I’ll bet it ain’t a-rainin’ back homei bet your sister’s still on the phone
I bet mama’s in the kitchen, cooking fried chicken
Wishing that I hadn’t done wrong

[Verse 2: Johnny Cash]
Don’t you worry about us none now, mama
Everything’s gonna be all right, mama
They’re teaching us a lot of new things in here, mama
Things like

[Chorus: Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings]
There ain’t no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain’t cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don’t go writin’ hot cheques, down in Mississippi
And there ain’t no good chain gang

[Verse 3: Waylon Jennings]
Papa’s readin’ yesterday’s mail
Wishin’ that the hay was all bailed
I’ll bet he’s a-wishin’ he could go fishin’
And here I am a-laying in jail

[Verse 4: Johnny Cash]
Don’t you worry about us now, Papa
They’re teaching us a lesson a day, we’re learning pretty well, too
We’ve already learned a whole lot of stuff already
Things like

[Chorus: Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings]
There ain’t no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain’t cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don’t go writin’ hot cheques, down in Mississippi
And there ain’t no good chain gang
There ain’t no good in an evil-hearted woman
And I ain’t cut out to be no Jesse James
And you don’t go writin’ hot cheques, down in Mississippi
And there ain’t no good chain gang

GENIUS