The Rosanne Cash Tennessee Flat Top Box song was originally recorded and released as a single by country music icon Johnny Cash in 1961. The song saw immediate success, reaching #11 on the Billboard country singles charts and #84 on the pop charts. The song details the story of a young boy aspiring to be a country singer.
Rosanne Cash’s Hit Revival (1987)
In the mid-1980s, Rosanne Cash was at the peak of her career, producing a string of country hits. For her 1987 album King’s Record Shop, her then-husband and producer, Rodney Crowell, suggested that she record “Tennessee Flat Top Box”—unaware that Johnny Cash had written it. Rosanne Cash recorded a cover of the song and released it as a single.
Watch Rosanne’s live music video and see the original Johnny Cash version below.
Rosanne Cash Tennessee Flat Top Box Music Video
Rosanne’s cover was credited for mending her strained relationship with her famous father. Johnny once told his daughter that her success with the tune was one of his greatest joys. Watch Rosanne perform the song that was filmed live at the Johnny Cash Memorial Concert, The Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN November 10, 2003. With Randy Scruggs and John Leventhal.
Rosanne Cash Tennessee Flat Top Box Live Music Video
Johnny Cash’s Original Version (1961)
Johnny Cash wrote and recorded “Tennessee Flat Top Box” in 1961, releasing it as a single from his album Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash. The song tells the story of a mysterious young musician who plays his guitar in a small town, capturing the hearts of young women and ultimately disappearing into fame. With its infectious melody and folk-like storytelling, the song resonated with audiences, reaching
Watch the original music video of Johnny Cash performing “Tennessee Flat Top Box” and see the written lyrics below.
Johnny Cash Tennessee Flattop Box Video
This song was written by Johnny Cash.
“Tennessee Flat Top Box” Lyrics
In a little cabaret in a South Texas border town,
Sat a boy and his guitar, and the people came from all around.
And all the girls from there to Austin,
Were slippin’ away from home and puttin’ jewelery in hock.
To take the trip, to go and listen,
To the little dark-haired boy who played the Tennessee flat top box.
And he would play: [Instrumental]
Well, he couldn’t ride or wrangle, and he never cared to make a dime.
But give him his guitar, and he’d be happy all the time.
And all the girls from nine to ninety,
Were snapping fingers, tapping toes, and begging him: “Don’t stop.”
And hypnotized and fascinated,
By the little dark-haired boy who played the Tennessee flat top box.
And he would play: [Instrumental]
Then one day he was gone, and no one ever saw him ’round,
He’d vanished like the breeze, they forgot him in the little town.
But all the girls still dreamed about him.
And hung around the cabaret until the doors were locked.
And then one day on the Hit Parade,
Was a little dark-haired boy who played the Tennessee flat top box.
And he would play: [Instrumental]
Rosanne Cash’s version of “Tennessee Flat Top Box” remains one of her biggest hits and a fan favorite. It showcased her ability to blend traditional country storytelling with a contemporary sound, making the song relevant for a new generation of listeners.
Meanwhile, Johnny Cash’s original version has also regained appreciation among classic country fans. The song serves as a testament to Cash’s songwriting genius and the ability of great music to transcend generations.
Share this special father-daughter moment with other Rosanne Cash and Johnny Cash fans!
