"Wanted Man" is a song by Johnny Cash, written by Bob Dylan.[1]
Cash first released it on his 1969 live album At San Quentin, recorded at San Quentin State Prison. This performance occurred only a week after he learned the song from Dylan. [1] A studio recording of the song was released in 1970 on Cash's album Little Fauss and Big Halsy, which was the soundtrack to the film of the same name.
The song has been covered by many artists, including George Thorogood & The Destroyers (1982) and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (1985).[1][2][3]
In 2019, a demo version of this song, sung in a duet by Dylan and Cash, was released on Dylan's The Bootleg Series Vol. 15: Travelin' Thru, 1967–1969. This version featured Carl Perkins on guitar.[1]
Content
editThe song is about a fugitive who requests listeners not to blow the whistle on him, should he be spotted. The fugitive mentions several cities and states where he is wanted, as well as other unmentioned locations and several women from his past who seek to turn him in.
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Hear Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash's Original Demo for 'Wanted Man'". Rolling Stone. 2019-10-21. Retrieved 2022-05-05.
- ^ "Nick Cave covers Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash's 'Wanted Man'". Far Out. 2020-05-04. Retrieved 2022-05-05.
- ^ "Cover versions of Wanted Man by Johnny Cash". SecondHandSongs. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ "Wanted Man". Genius. Retrieved 20 July 2023.