4 of Johnny Cash’s Most Underrated Songs

To many, he’s the reigning King of Country. To others, he was at the very least one of the most iconic figures in outlaw country music. Either way, Johnny Cash is a legend. And even with that status, he does have a few underrated songs in his very large discography. Let’s look at just a few of Cash’s lesser-known hits worth revisiting!

1. “The One On The Right Is On The Left”

This tune was originally written by Jack Clement, but Johnny absolutely made it his own. “The One On The Right Is On The Left” was initially released on the 1966 album Everbody Loves A Nut. It wasn’t intended to be the biggest song on the album, but it definitely was. The track made it to no. 2 on the Billboard Country Singles charts. 

We get why. The song is very deep in a lot of ways, as it explores how differences in politics can negatively affect the communal and healing nature of music. With the right level of humor in its lyrics and Cash’s delivery, “The One On The Right Is On The Left” is definitely worth revisiting.

2. “Hey Porter”

This classic railroad tune is definitely one of Johnny Cash’s most underrated songs. In “Hey Porter”, Cash tells the tale of a train passenger who is quite excited to get home and repeatedly asks the porter (a.k.a. the railroad luggage carrier) for updates on their destination.

This track was released back in 1955 and was the very first recording Cash released with the Tennessee Two. It’s been re-recorded quite a bit through the years.

3. “Understand Your Man”

“Understand Your Man” was the first single to come out of I Walk The Line in 1964. However, it doesn’t get as much love as other major hits on that album.

This track was very clearly inspired by Bob Dylan’s hit “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”, but Cash’s tune is far from a cheap imitation. The lyrics are beautifully written and the melody is extremely catchy. Dylan and Cash even performed a duet of the song back in 1969.

4. “Get Rhythm”

Johnny Cash’s most underrated songs range from dark and brooding to bright and upbeat. “Get Rhythm” definitely falls into the latter category. This song was the B-side of “I Walk The Line” back in 1956, but the song’s re-release in 1969 was the version that made the song particularly famous. 

The message is clear: When you’re stuck working the dirtiest and most unfulfilling job ever, get some rhythm to cope.

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