Johnny Cash

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
You wired me awake
And hit me with a hand of broken nails
You tied my lead and pulled my chain
To watch my blood begin to boil

[Chorus]
But I'm gonna break
I'm gonna break my
Gonna break my rusty cage and run
I'm gonna break
I'm gonna break my
Gonna break my rusty cage and run

[Verse 2]
Too cold to start a fire
I'm burning diesel, burning dinosaur bones
I'll take the river down to Stillwater
And ride a pack of dogs

[Chorus]
I'm gonna break
I'm gonna break my
Gonna break my rusty cage and run
I'm gonna break
I'm gonna break my
Gonna break my rusty cage and run
[Verse 3]
When the forest burns along the road
Like God's eyes in my headlights
When the dogs are looking for their bones
And it's raining ice picks on your steel shore

[Chorus]
I'm gonna break
I'm gonna break my
I'm gonna break my rusty cage and run
I'm gonna break
I'm gonna break my
Gonna break my rusty cage and run
I'm gonna break
I'm gonna break my
Gonna break my rusty cage and run
I'm gonna break
I'm gonna break my
Gonna break my rusty cage and run

Johnny Cash was one of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century who left an indelible mark on the music industry. An influential figure who reinvented himself in his later years, Cash covered the songs of rock icons like Soundgarden and Nine Inch Nails, giving them a new lease of life and a different perspective with his own inimitable style.

About Rusty Cage

One such song that Cash covered was "Rusty Cage," originally written and recorded by Soundgarden. The song was featured on Cash's "Unchained" album, released in 1996, which won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album.

What makes Cash's version of "Rusty Cage" so unique is how he infused his own personal experiences and story into the song. With his deep, gravelly voice, Cash added a haunting quality to the song, making it his own.

"Rusty Cage" speaks of confinement and escapism, with lyrics that describe feeling trapped and seeking a way out. Cash's cover takes on a more somber tone than the original, with the repeated phrase "I'm gonna break my rusty cage and run" sounding almost like a mantra or plea for freedom.

The song also gained popularity in popular culture when it was featured in the video game "Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Zombies" in the "Mob of the Dead" map. The gritty and intense gameplay of the game is a perfect fit for the song's lyrics and themes, making it a fan favorite.

Some listeners might also recognize elements of the song that are distinctly Johnny Cash. For instance, the off-beat clapping in the background is reminiscent of similar sounds in his hit song "Ring of Fire."

It is hard to classify "Rusty Cage" into any one specific genre as it transcends all boundaries. From country to rock, grunge, and even heavy metal, the song's appeal is universal. Cash's cover is a testament to his ability to take someone else's song and make it his own, imbuing it with a sense of his personal style and experience.

If you're a fan of haunting melodies, introspective lyrics, and Johnny Cash himself, then "Rusty Cage" is a must-listen.

• Release Date: November 5, 1996
• Artist: Johnny Cash