Clement actually wrote several of the tunes on that album, including the always popular "Dirty Old Egg Sucking Dog," but the biggest hit was that song about the folk-singers, "The One on the Right Is on the Left" (clip). It told the story of a promising singing group that faced difficulties because the members couldn't reconcile their differences.
Although the song is over forty years old, it carries a message that might still be valuable to some. It's pretty clearly spelled out in one of the verses:
'They were long on musical ability
Folks thought they would go far
But political incompatibility led to their downfall'
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Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Interesting idea Geez, but somehow I doubt that Johnny would've signed up with the Palin crowd. He was a rebel alright, but definitely of a different stripe than that bunch of loonies....
-Glen
2 - Glen Boyd
...besides he'd probably be kicked out anyway for covering a Sheryl Crow on his latest release.
-Glen
3 - Big Geez
Funny comments, Glen -- but if you really thought I was suggesting that Johnny would have joined the Tea Party, then I sure didn't make the point I was reaching for.
4 - Mark Saleski
Cash would have seen through the b.s., no doubt about that.
5 - roger nowosielski
Cash was a good kind rebel, like Merle Haggard.
He was no phony.
6 - Glen Boyd
I took your point Geez, but couldn't resist pointing out the obvious.
7 - jeannie danna
Big Geez,
Funny and enlightening! I liked the way you wrote about the, Teas, without shoving you own political convictions in the for-front of the article.
Johny Cash, was a rebel and that's what I loved about his songs; he also wrote a wonderful song about the way we treated the, Native Americans, in this country. This footage of Cash is raw and real.
Please remember, Wounded Knee, and all who died there.
8 - TonyH
Johnny Cash was a republican. Do some research and younwould find this out. Although, its very clear he towed the "independent" line.
9 - JamieB
Big Geez, I like how you made a point without raking folks over the coals. I would like to answer your underlying question of what the Tea Party is about in my opinion. I think they are simply saying, "smaller government and less spending". In my opinion, this is what makes it unique. Rather than harping on specific policies, which all people will never agree on, they're reiterating exactly what the original Tea Party was all about - quit taxing us without allowing us to have a say and quit telling us everything to do. It seems we've possibly forgotten the old saying that one's rights end when they infringe on someone elses. The original Tea Party was not just about taxation; it's just that was the straw that broke the camel's back. I think Cash would definitely roll this way...i.e., "stay out of my life big government and let me find my own way". It's ironic that I often find that both sides of the coin are rebels and if they'd stay away from the small stuff, they'd find they agree.
10 - Big Geez
That's about the clearest explanation I've seen to date, Jamie. Thanks for the input.
11 - jeannie danna
Big Geez,
The original Tea Party was held to oppose taxation without representation, hardly what we have today.
In addition, hearing that the State of Virginia is poised to reject the current health care bill suggests that we, in fact, do need a federal government.
The government can protect and bring consistency to the rights of the people, when the people remain involved with their government.
:)sorry, I just had to add my two cents.
12 - John Vance
Interesting article - interesting song. Just goes to show political strains have always been around.
Now for my shameless two cents on an earlier comment: "taxation without representation, hardly what we have today."
--If you think we are represented by those making and enacting the laws (which ultimately cause us to pay taxes), you must be a high paying lobbyist.
13 - jeannie danna
No, just a high paying taxpayer.