The Good Earth
Life's Journey Through Good Earth: A Johnny Cash Reflection
Lyrics
The good earth swallows up the seed and swallows life as well
The fertile soil of the earth accepts and nurtures both seeds and life.
From long before the day you're born till heaven comes or hell
Life's journey spans from birth to the afterlife, encompassing both heaven and hell.
It binds your hands with chains of clay that are so hard to break
Life is constrained by difficulties symbolized as chains of unyielding clay.
But when I left good earth behind I made a big mistake
Leaving the nurturing earth is described as a significant mistake.
I've traveled far and traveled wide
The narrator has experienced extensive travel and witnessed various things.
I've seen a lot of things
Reflection on the years gone by yields uncertainty about their meaning.
But looking back on all the years
The past is pondered with confusion and lack of understanding.
I don't know what they mean
Comparing oneself to steel suggests increased strength through life's trials.
Like steel I'm probably stronger
Adversity has forged inner strength, akin to steel in the fire.
From going through the fire
Perseverance involves continuous effort to reach higher levels.
I kept on climbin' lower
The narrator reflects on a turning point during sunset, possibly a moment of realization.
Diggin' deeper to get higher
A preacher shares a biblical message about returning to the good earth.
I turned around one evening when the sun was going down
The earth is likened to a nurturing parent, emphasizing its importance.
I heard the Bible told a preacher who just pulled into town
Working the soil is a way of repaying debts and honoring familial roots.
At last I'm back on good earth where I should have always been
Contemplating mortality and the inevitability of returning to the earth.
Lord forgive me if I ever try to leave good earth again
Expressing a desire for forgiveness if tempted to leave the earth again.
Well the good earth was my mama and my daddy too
The good earth is cherished as both a mother and father figure.
Now I'm working my hands in soil tryin' to pay my due
Laboring in the soil is a lifelong commitment, tied to one's final moments.
And when I'll breathe my last breath which may not be too long
Anticipating death and the hope for a peaceful resting place.
Just shovel a little good earth over my head
Symbolic request to cover the narrator's grave with earth and celebrate joyously.
'Til everybody open up the hymn book and sing a happy song
A hymn is invoked, suggesting a religious context and a positive afterlife.
Shall we gather at the river in the sweet by and by
Referencing hymns and spiritual gatherings near a river, invoking themes of spirituality.
Just as I am Jesus loves me one of these days I'll fly
Expressing faith in Jesus' love and the eventual transcendence of earthly life.
I'm standing on the promises Lord build the place for me
Standing on promises, seeking divine construction of a place in the afterlife.
In the good earth over Jordan by the Sea of Galilee mhm
Envisioning a positive afterlife connected to the good earth, biblical locations mentioned.
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