Johnny Cash was an iconic American singer-songwriter whose deep voice and raw storytelling made him one of the most famous figures in music history.
Born in 1932 to poor cotton farmers in Kingsland, Arkansas, Cash grew up immersed in gospel music and began performing at a young age.
After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, much of it in Germany, he returned to the United States and quickly rose to fame in the 1950s Memphis rockabilly scene.
About the Song
Ain’t No Grave is about strong faith and hope in life after death. It expresses the belief that death cannot keep the soul down because of the power of resurrection.
The song is a confident declaration that no grave can hold the body, symbolizing victory over death and the promise of eternal life.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Released | February 23, 2010 |
| Album | American VI: Ain’t No Grave (2010) |
| Writers | Claude Ely |
| Producers | Rick Rubin |
Ain’t No Grave Lyrics by Johnny Cash
Chorus
There ain’t no grave
Can hold my body down
There ain’t no grave
Can hold my body down
Verse 1
When I hear that trumpet sound
I’m going to rise right out of the ground
Ain’t no grave
Can hold my body down
Well, look way down the river
And what do you think I see
I see a band of angels
And they’re coming after me
Chorus
Ain’t no grave
Can hold my body down
There ain’t no grave
Can hold my body down
Verse 2
Well, look down yonder, Gabriel
Put your feet on the land and sea
But Gabriel, don’t you blow your trumpet
Until you hear from me
Chorus
There ain’t no grave
Can hold my body down
Ain’t no grave
Can hold my body down
Verse 3
Well meet me, Jesus, meet me
Meet me in the middle of the air
And if these wings don’t fail me
I will meet you anywhere
Chorus
Ain’t no grave
Can hold my body down
There ain’t no grave
Can hold my body down
Verse 4
Well meet me, Mother and Father
Meet me down the river road
And Mama, you know that I’ll be there
When I check in my load
Chorus
Ain’t no grave
Can hold my body down
There ain’t no grave
Can hold my body down
There ain’t no grave
Can hold my body down
Similar Songs Like Ain’t No Grave
These tracks have a vibe close to Johnny Cash’s Ain’t No Grave, with deep themes and memorable music.
- God’s Gonna Cut You Down: A dark song warning about facing judgment, with a strong folk-gospel beat that feels serious and deep.
- Highwayman: Johnny Cash sings about living many lives, telling stories of strength and time with a mix of country and folk sounds.
- Further On Up The Road: It is a bluesy country song about pain and getting even, with Cash’s deep voice driving the strong emotions.
- (Ghost) Riders In the Sky: A spooky western tale of ghost cowboys chasing evil, with a haunting tune and classic country style.
Similar Artists Like Johnny Cash
Here’s a list of similar artists to Johnny Cash, including their notable albums and genres. These artists share roots in country, folk, rockabilly, and Americana.
- Willie Nelson
Notable Album: Red Headed Stranger (1975)
Genre: Outlaw Country, Americana - Merle Haggard
Notable Album: Mama Tried (1968)
Genre: Bakersfield Sound, Country - Waylon Jennings
Notable Album: Honky Tonk Heroes (1973)
Genre: Outlaw Country - Kris Kristofferson
Notable Album: Kristofferson (1970)
Genre: Country, Folk - Hank Williams
Notable Album: Moanin’ the Blues (1952)
Genre: Country, Honky Tonk
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Ain’t No Grave Connected to Johnny Cash’s Life?
The song conveys Cash’s deep faith and was recorded near the end of his life, making it especially emotional.
Was Ain’t No Grave Used in Professional Wrestling?
Yes, The Undertaker used Johnny Cash’s version as his entrance theme at WrestleMania XXVII.
What Inspired Claude Ely to Write Ain’t No Grave?
Ely reportedly wrote the song as a 12-year-old while ill with tuberculosis, singing it as a testimony of faith.
