About the song
“Ring of Fire” is one of Johnny Cash’s most iconic songs, first popularized in 1963. It appeared on the compilation album *Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash*, and quickly became one of the biggest hits of Cash’s career. The song was written by June Carter Cash, who was to become Cash’s second wife, and songwriter Merle Kilgore. Interestingly, the song was originally recorded by June’s sister, Anita Carter, in 1962, under the title “(Love’s) Ring of Fire” on her album *Folk Songs Old and New*.
Johnny Cash’s version of “Ring of Fire” achieved remarkable success, topping the country charts for seven weeks and becoming a definitive hit. The song was certified gold by the RIAA in January 2010 and has sold over 1.2 million digital downloads. It is widely celebrated, being named the fourth greatest country song of all time by Country Music Television and the number one greatest country song by Rolling Stone, which also listed it as the 87th greatest song of all time.
The song’s lyrics are a vivid metaphor for the intense and consuming nature of love, likening it to a “ring of fire.” It describes the burning sensation of falling deeply in love, with the flames of passion rising higher and higher. The chorus emphasizes this imagery, with phrases like “burn, burn, burn,” reflecting the fiery emotions involved.
The background of “Ring of Fire” adds an interesting layer to its history. The song’s imagery was inspired by a phrase seen in an Elizabethan poetry book owned by June Carter Cash’s uncle. After hearing Anita Carter’s version, Johnny Cash envisioned the song with a mariachi horn arrangement, a sound influenced by the popularity of Mexican-style music at the time. This vision became a reality in his recording, adding a distinctive and memorable sound to the track.
Despite the initial version by Anita Carter not achieving major success, Cash’s rendition with its mariachi flair became a defining moment in his career. The song’s unique blend of country and mariachi styles helped it stand out, making it a classic that continues to resonate with audiences.
“Ring of Fire” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Eric Burdon & the Animals and Social Distortion, each bringing their own style to the song. It remains a staple in Cash’s legacy, celebrated for its powerful expression of love and its innovative musical arrangement.
Video
Lyrics
Love is a burning thing
And it makes a fiery ring
Bound by wild desire
I fell into a ring of fireI fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire, the ring of fireI fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire, the ring of fireThe taste of love is sweet
When hearts like ours meet
I fell for you like a child
Oh, but the fire went wildI fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire, the ring of fireI fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire, the ring of fireAnd it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire, the ring of fire
The ring of fire, the ring of fire…