The Chicken In Black

For two long years my head hurt bad

So a doctor checked me and he shook his head

He said "I'm sorry to tell you, but your body's outlived your brain"

He said "I know this doctor in New York, son

And he'll fix you right up with a brand new one"

So the head doctor met me when I stepped down off of the train.


He said "we had this bank robber killed last night

His body's shot but his brain's alright

I'll give you a transplant, boy, and you'll be OK"

I got my new brain in and I was feelin' great

I went right back to Nashville with no headache

But something strange happened when I walked in the bank one day.


[CHORUS]

I said "stick 'em up everybody; I'm robbin' this place

Drop all of your money in my guitar case

Don't nobody move and don't nobody reach for that door"

A lady said, "why, you're Johnny Cash"

I said "no ma'am, I'm the Manhattan Flash

And I am the best bank robber in New York."


Now the other night Roy Acuff called me

He said "John, I'd like for you to do the Opry"

So I went out on the stage, but I couldn't sing

I got into a half a verse of "I Walk The Line"

And something snapped in this head of mine

I yelled "Stick 'em up! Give me your money, your watches and rings!"


Well, I called New York and talked to that brain quack

And said "Doc, I gotta have my old brain back"

He said "I'm sorry there, Mr. Cash, but I can't do that"

He said "I put your brain in a chicken last Monday

He's singing your songs and makin' lots of money

And I got him signed to a ten-year recording contract."


Now friends if you see me walkin' down the street

Remember what you see ain't necessarily me

And if I try to hold you up, don't pay me no mind

But when you got ten bucks that you can blow

You oughta catch that Johnny Chicken show

He's doin' fairs and concert dates all up and down the line.


[CHORUS]


Well, I don't pay any income tax.

You don't pay tax on money you steal.

You oughta catch that Johnny Chicken show...

Chicken In Black!

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm...