☝️ Key Points
- The song is about a person who finds themselves on the wrong side of the law and tries to explain why they act that way.
- The singer emphasizes that they don't want to hurt anyone and are just trying to help themselves without harming others.
- The song raises the question of who has the right to decide what is right and wrong, and highlights that it's not always so easy to follow the rules.
- The lyrics express the difficulties and conflict that can arise when one is on the wrong side of the law.
- The singer emphasizes the need to make the best out of a difficult situation and master one's life, no matter which side of the law they are on.
Interpretation
The song lyrics "This Side of the Law" by
Johnny Cash are about a person who finds themselves on the wrong side of the law and tries to explain why they behave that way. The singer asks who is right and who is wrong, who is weak and who is strong, and who is for or against the law. They try to make it clear that they have no ill intentions and are just trying to do their best.
The song lyrics address the difficulties of living on the "wrong side of the law." The singer explains that due to circumstances like failing on the farm, they were forced to take other paths to get by. They emphasize that they don't want to harm anyone and are just trying to help themselves without hurting others. They stress that a person has to do their best to survive.
The song lyrics also raise the question of who has the right to decide what is right and what is wrong. The singer emphasizes that they don't believe they have done anything wrong as long as they are where they belong. They explain that they have done the only thing they could, just like anyone else would. They try to gain understanding for their situation and show that it's not always so easy to follow the rules.
Overall, the song lyrics express the difficulties and conflict that can arise when one is on the wrong side of the law. The singer tries to explain why they act that way and poses the question of the definition of right and wrong. They emphasize the need to make the best of a difficult situation and navigate through life, no matter which side of the law they are on.