Johnny Cash

I Shall Be Free

Johnny Cash


I don't wanna go to prison
I don't wanna be in jail
I don't want no badge and buckle
Bringin' me my meals and mail
I don't want to count the hours
When they ain't worth countin' for
I don't like to walk on a carpet
But I hate a concrete floor

So I'm trying to behave myself
I'm trying to act right
And I'm neighborly with my neighbor
And I say my prayers at night
But the thing that really matters is that you will care for me
And I just want you to know that if you do
I shall be free

I shall be free
I shall be free
I shall be free
I shall be free
If you ever do want me
I shall be free

I don't want to be a traveler
I don't want a suit and tie
I don't want to eat my supper seven miles up in the sky

I don't wanna be a chairman
I don't want a cellular phone
I don't want no gold in Switzerland
You are my precious stone

I'll be setting on dead ready at the slightest nod from you

Want no kind of obligation
But one thing I have to do
I will sleep out in your yard
So you will know where I will be
If you peek out your window and see me
I shall be free

I shall be free
I shall be free
I shall be free
I shall be free
If you ever do want me
I shall be free

I would give up my guitar
Give away my fancy clothes
I would cancel my engagements
I would cut out all the shows

I'd tear up my driver's license
I would burn up my roadmap
I would sit down by the phone
With your picture on my lap

I would sit out my by the mail box
Waitin' for the morning mail
I'd be like an anxious puppy
Who just sits and wags his tail

You won't ever catch me sleeping
Honey, that I guarantee
If you ever do want me
I shall be free

I shall be free
I shall be free
I shall be free
I shall be free
If you ever do want me
I shall be free

And just give me half a chance
And I will give the world to you
I would be and do most anything you want me to
I will love you and protect you and provide bountifully
I'll give you tomorrow if you give yourself to me
And whenever that may be
I shall be free

I shall be free
I shall be free
I shall be free
I shall be free
If you ever do want me
I shall be free