A Boy Named Sue

On a recent road trip, I introduced my daughters to a couple of old-time country songs from my childhood. "A Boy Named Sue" by Johnny Cash and "Big Bad John" by Jimmy Dean. They're story songs and I learned to appreciate both in a new way that day.

The first is an irreverent, but solemn song about a man who hunted down the father that left him as a child after naming him Sue. A fight ensued when he finally caught up with his aged father. With the intent to kill, he attacked the man who'd given him the name that caused him so much pain. The old man fought back with surprising vigor. Eventually Sue overcame his father who, submitting to his fate asked, his son to consider his reasons.

Son, this world is rough
And if a man's gonna make it, he's gotta be tough.
And I knew I wouldn't be there to help you along
…
Now you just fought one hell of a fight
And I know you hate me, and you got the right
To kill me now, and I wouldn't blame you if you do

But you oughtta thank me, before I die
For the gravel in your guts and the spit in the eye
Cause I'm the #$%! That named you Sue.

The second is a reverent song celebrating the life of a large, shy man who drifted into a mining town and quietly went to work. Rumors spread and his name was defiled. The other men had fun at John’s expense. Then one day, things changed in an event that would live forever in the hearts of the men he worked with.

Then came the day at the bottom of the mine
When a timber cracked and men started cryin'
Miners were prayin' and hearts beat fast
And everybody thought that they'd breathed their last.
'Cept John.

Through the dust and the smoke of this man-made hell
Walked a giant of a man that the miners knew well
Grabbed a saggin' timber, gave out with a groan
And like a giant Oak tree, he just stood there alone,
Big John

That night, every miner in that mine returned safely to their homes. All but one: Big John.

Later during the road trip, in a quiet moment, I couldn't help but to see God in those roles.

Like Sue’s pa, God gave me weaknesses to make me strong. I've hated Him for my weaknesses and I've wrestled with Him over their necessity and how to overcome them. At the end of the song, Sue choked up and called his opponent 'Pa!'. His Pa called him 'Son!'. And Sue went away with a different point of view. Today, I call God Pa and I see him as a young, vigorous, close friend.

Like the men around Big John, I've defiled God’s name, and I've even made fun. And yet, like Big John, God went quietly to his death to make me safe. And now, with new eyes, I consider the cross, wipe away a tear and with a halleluiah!, I spiritually embrace my Savior.

By Ty, Writing Team