Johnny Cash - I Hung My Head Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who originally wrote the song 'I Hung My Head'?

   'I Hung My Head' was originally written by Sting and released on his 1996 album 'Mercury Falling'.

2. What changes did Johnny Cash make to the lyrics in his cover of 'I Hung My Head'?

   In Johnny Cash's version, he sings 'My brother's rifle went into the sheen' instead of 'stream' and changes 'salt lands' to 'south lands'. These alterations are believed to have resulted from a misprint in the lyrics Cash was using.

3. What time signature is used in Sting's original version of 'I Hung My Head'?

   Sting's original version of 'I Hung My Head' is written in a 9/8 time signature, subdivided into 2 + 3 + 2 + 2. This complex rhythm contrasts with Johnny Cash's cover, which simplifies it to a standard 4/4 time.

4. How does the instrumentation differ between Sting’s and Johnny Cash’s versions?

   Sting’s original features a guitar part played with a capo on the 1st fret and uses a unique rhythm. In contrast, Johnny Cash’s version has a more straightforward country/bluegrass sound and simplifies the time signature to 4/4.

5. Was Johnny Cash's cover of 'I Hung My Head' featured in any TV shows or movies?

   'I Hung My Head,' covered by Johnny Cash, was prominently featured in the sixth season premiere of the TV show 'The Shield'. It also appeared in the 2011 movie 'The Green Hornet'.

6. Why did Sting write ‘I Hung My Head’ in an unusual time signature?

   "The guitar riff just occurred to me that way," Sting noted. The unusual rhythm reminded him of "the gait of a galloping horse dragging a corpse," which complements the haunting narrative of guilt and redemption.