About The Song
Johnny Cash’s “Five Feet High and Rising” is a timeless classic that combines storytelling, empathy, and a touch of the country sound Cash became known for. Released in 1959 as part of his Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West album, this song tells the story of a flood and its devastating impact on a family, all while conveying a sense of resilience and hope. It’s a stark yet uplifting narrative about survival, community, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of disaster.
At its heart, “Five Feet High and Rising” is a song about the destructive power of nature and the way it forces people to confront their vulnerability. The protagonist describes the floodwaters rising, engulfing homes and land, and threatening everything the family has. But while the song paints a vivid picture of loss and devastation, it also highlights the unbreakable spirit of the people affected. The repetitive, almost chant-like chorus of “How high’s the water, mama? Five feet high and rising,” becomes a rhythmic symbol of both the crisis and the persistence to overcome it, imbuing the song with a sense of strength amid hardship.
The songwriting in “Five Feet High and Rising” is both simple and deeply effective. The lyrics evoke powerful imagery, with Cash masterfully describing the flood and its effects on the family’s life in a way that feels immediate and visceral. The structure of the song—repeating the line “How high’s the water, mama?”—adds to its almost folkloric quality, making it feel like a story passed down through generations. The repetition also builds a sense of urgency and rising tension, as if the floodwaters themselves are inescapable and inevitable.
Musically, “Five Feet High and Rising” is marked by its lively, upbeat tempo and the use of rhythmic instrumentation that mimics the rise and fall of the water. Cash’s deep, resonant voice, coupled with the steady beat of the guitar and percussion, creates a sense of motion and progress, even in the midst of tragedy. The folksy, simple arrangement adds to the song’s charm, underscoring its roots in traditional country music while also giving it a universal appeal. The playful, almost jaunty nature of the song contrasts with the serious subject matter, making the song both memorable and thought-provoking.
What makes “Five Feet High and Rising” so remarkable is how it captures the juxtaposition of fear and hope. Cash doesn’t shy away from describing the devastation of the flood, but he also highlights the tenacity of the people facing it. Through his portrayal of a family navigating their troubles, the song offers a comforting message of perseverance, reminding listeners that even in the face of nature’s destructive forces, human strength and resilience can rise above.
For fans of Johnny Cash and lovers of timeless country storytelling, “Five Feet High and Rising” is a song that beautifully captures both the struggle and the triumph of the human spirit. It remains a powerful reminder that even in life’s most difficult moments, there is always the possibility of rising above and enduring.