Wanted Man – English Lyrics

• By: Johnny Cash

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the rugged world of Johnny Cash with "Wanted Man," a captivating narrative co-written with Bob Dylan that encapsulates the spirit of an outlaw. Through its vivid storytelling and numerous geographical references, this song offers a unique opportunity to explore English vocabulary related to travel, law enforcement, and the American landscape. Learn about idioms like "on the lam" and gain insight into the cultural significance of the 'Man in Black' persona, making it a perfect track for language learners and music enthusiasts alike.

[English]

Wanted man in California

Wanted man in Buffalo

Wanted man in Kansas City

Wanted man in Ohio

Wanted man in Mississippi

Wanted man in ol' Cheyenne

Wherever you might look tonight

You might see this wanted man

I might be in Colorado

Or Georgia by the sea

Working for some man who may not

Know who I might be

And if you ever see me coming

And if you know who I am

Don't you breathe it to nobody

'Cause you know I'm on the lamb

Wanted man by Lucy Watson

Wanted man by Jeannie Brown

Wanted man by Nellie Johnson

Wanted man in this next town

But I've had all that I wanted

Of a lot of things I've had

And a lot more than I needed

Of some things that turned out bad

...

I got side tracked in El Paso

Stopped to get myself a map

Went the wrong way in Juarez

With Juanita on my lap

Then I went to sleep in Shreveport

Woke up in Abilene

Wonderin' why the hell I'm wanted

At some town half way between

Wanted man in California

Wanted man in Buffalo

Wanted man in Kansas City

Wanted man in Ohio

There's somebody set to grab me

Anywhere that I might be

So wherever you might look tonight

You might get a glimpse of me

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
wanted /ˈwɒntɪd/ A2	verb - to desire or wish for something adjective - being sought by the police
man /mæn/ A1	noun - an adult male human
see /siː/ A1	verb - to perceive with the eyes
might /maɪt/ A2	verb - used to express possibility
know /nəʊ/ A1	verb - to be aware of
work /wɜːrk/ A1	verb - to exert effort in order to do or make something noun - activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result
coming /ˈkʌmɪŋ/ A2	verb - to move towards a place or person adjective - approaching; about to happen
breathe /briːð/ B1	verb - to inhale and exhale air into the lungs
lamb /læm/ B2	noun - a young sheep noun - a person who is easily taken advantage of
town /taʊn/ A1	noun - a place with houses, shops, etc., that is smaller than a city
bad /bæd/ A1	adjective - not good; of poor quality
way /weɪ/ A1	noun - a method, style, or manner of doing something
sleep /sliːp/ A1	verb - a condition of body and mind which typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the nervous system is relatively inactive, the eyes closed, the postural muscles relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended
grab /ɡræb/ A2	verb - to seize or take hold of suddenly
glimpse /ɡlɪmps/ B1	noun - a brief or incomplete view or look