Meaning of 'When Papa Played the Dobro'

by Johnny Cash

Interpretation

The lyrics of the song "When Papa Played the Dobro" by Johnny Cash tell the story of Papa's passion for playing the Dobro guitar. The singer describes that his father was a hobo, a wandering worker, when he was born. The family didn't have enough money to pay for a doctor, so Papa had to handle the birth himself.

Amidst difficult times, Papa found solace in music. When things got too tough, he would play his Dobro guitar. The Dobro is a resonator guitar that produces a metallic sound. The singer describes how Papa played the guitar in his own way and eased his pain. The lyrics say, "But Papa played the Dobro like this" and then follows a line that imitates the sound of the guitar.

The lyrics also mention that Papa would hide the Dobro when visitors came because he knew he couldn't play like the other musicians. Instead of a professional guitar, he used an old bucket as a resonator. But that didn't stop him from pursuing his passion. The lyrics say, "But Papa played the Dobro like this" and again the sound of the guitar is imitated.

At the end of the song, it becomes clear that Papa is no longer there and the Dobro doesn't sound the same as before. It hangs rusted on the wall and the strings are rusty. However, the singer remembers the times when Papa played the Dobro and how wonderfully it sounded back then.

The lyrics of the song "When Papa Played the Dobro" speak of the significant role of music in difficult times and how it can provide comfort and joy. It is also about appreciating memories and the loss of a loved one. The lyrics express the longing for past times when Papa played the Dobro so beautifully.