Introduction:
Alan Jackson’s rendition of “Ring of Fire” was featured on his compilation album 34 Number Ones, released in 2010. Originally written by June Carter and Merle Kilgore, and made famous by Johnny Cash in 1963, “Ring of Fire” is one of the most iconic songs in country music history. Cash’s version became known for its distinctive mariachi-style trumpets, which added a unique flair to the song.
Alan Jackson’s cover of the song remains faithful to its traditional roots but brings his own style to the mix. He expressed admiration for Johnny Cash’s music and was a longtime fan of “Ring of Fire.” In his version, however, Jackson opts for a slightly more “funked up” rendition, replacing the iconic trumpets with a different musical arrangement to give it a fresh, honky-tonk vibe. Jackson noted that while Cash’s music was a staple, not all his songs were ideal for live honky-tonk performances due to their style, but “Ring of Fire” stood out as an exception.
Jackson’s version reached No. 45 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, a testament to both his influence and the timeless appeal of the track. By covering this classic, Jackson paid tribute to Cash while also reintroducing the song to a new generation of country music listeners.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Ring Of Fire”
(originally by Johnny Cash)
And it makes a fiery ring
Bound by wild desire
I fell into a ring of fireI fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire
I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire
The taste of love is sweet
When hearts like ours meet
I fell for you like a child
Oh, but the fire went wild
I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire
I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
The ring of fire