“Being A Christian Isn’t For Sissies” – Johnny Cash Was Never Afraid To Let His Faith Be Known Throughout His Career

If there’s one artist in country music who hardly needs an introduction, it’s Johnny Cash. The Man in Black is arguably the most popular figure in the genre’s history. From his sprawling discography that includes over 100 albums and his 14 #1 hits, which include iconic tracks such as “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Ring of Fire” and “Folsom Prison Blues” to his legendary shows at Folsom Prison and San Quentin, Cash’s legacy is one that simply cannot be replicated.

Oftentimes appearing as larger than life — almost like a myth — Cash’s story is one filled with a plethora of different layers. From his struggle with addiction, history of arrests and unwavering faith to his advocacy for the less fortunate, as well as Native Americans and his relationship with June Carter, Cash’s life can be described equally as complicated as it is captivating.

Despite his struggles with addiction and arrests throughout his life, there was one thing that could not be disputed about the “Hurt” singer: his Christian faith.

Growing up in the Baptist church in his hometown of Kingsland, Arkansas, Cash was raised a devout Christian. Steeped in the Christian tradition, he grew up singing gospel music in the church. His faith would be showcased early in his career with the release of his third studio album, Hymns by Johnny Cash, in March of 1959. The record contained classic Gospel songs such as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “The Old Account” as well as the Cash originals, “It Was Jesus” and “He’ll Be a Friend.”

Famously, Cash cited the main reason for his departure from his original record label, Sun Records, to Columbia was due to the fact that they would not allow him to release Gospel albums.

Under Columbia, Cash would later release multiple other Gospel albums, including The Holy Land (1969) and The Gospel Road (1973), as well as the posthumous releases, My Mother’s Hymn Book (2004), Cash – Ultimate Gospel (2007) and The Gospel Music of Johnny Cash (2008).

With all that being said, Cash has a long history of thought-provoking songs and quotes about his faith, “God’s Gonna Cut You Down,” “Man In Black” and “Ain’t No Grave” being some of his most popular tracks. However, there’s one quote that has consistently been referenced in regards to his faith. That quote is none other than:

“Being a Christian isn’t for sissies. It takes a real man to live for God — a lot more man than to live for the devil, you know? If you really want to live right these days, you gotta be tough.”

Though there’s not a definitive origin to Cash’s quote, it’s undoubtedly one of his most profound and relevant ones even til today. Clearly taking inspiration from verses such as Matthew 7:13-14, which states:

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Cash gives the timely reminder that it isn’t easy walking the straight path, especially with the temptations life throws your way.

While you’re here, check out some of Cash’s best Gospel work.

“The Old Rugged Cross”

“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”

“Jesus Was A Carpenter”

“I Talk to Jesus Every Day”

The post “Being A Christian Isn’t For Sissies” – Johnny Cash Was Never Afraid To Let His Faith Be Known Throughout His Career first appeared on Whiskey Riff.