Interpretation
The song lyrics "Cisco Clifton Had a Fillin' Station" by
Johnny Cash tell the story of Cisco Clifton, a man who owns a filling station. The filling station is located about a mile and a half from town. Since most cars just pass by unless they run out of gas, Cisco is always there. He only sells regular gasoline, matches, and oil. Additionally, he fixes many flat tires and his hands are always dirty.
Cisco takes care of the cars, wipes off the fuel, and regularly checks the tire pressure. He patiently gives directions to the highway and helps people by providing them with water or air for their tires. Sometimes even expensive cars like a big black Cadillac come by and buy seven dollars worth of gas. Cisco is generous and lends people whatever they need, whether it's tools, tires, or tow ropes.
In the winter, there's a warm stove and a table for a game of chess. Every morning, the same people gather to play chess. Although Cisco's filling station doesn't make enough money to be profitable, he still lends money to people and never says anything about it.
One day, the chess players hear the noise of a bulldozer and learn that a highway is being built. Cisco hopes that his children will have enough to eat when the highway is finished. He has managed to pay off the land where his filling station stands, and his friends still come by to play chess.
Cisco can't stop the highway, but he doesn't give up. He works extra jobs at night to pay his bills. Nevertheless, he opens his filling station early every morning, and the chess game continues. The cars zoom by on the highway, and the neighbors have closed their filling stations and moved away. When a car drives by and stops, they are treated just like everyone else. At Cisco Clifton's filling station, there's always a friendly "hello" and a game of chess.
These song lyrics tell the story of a man who, despite the changes in his surroundings and the challenges he faces, earns a living and holds onto his values. It's a reminder of the importance of being kind and generous, even when things get tough.