Introduction:
Country music legend Johnny Cash released Ballad of a Teenage Queen in 1958. Produced by the iconic Sam Phillips at Sun Records, the song became a hit, reaching number one on the US Country charts and climbing to number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. While not achieving the same level of lasting fame as some of Cash’s other recordings, Ballad of a Teenage Queen remains a beloved song within his discography.
Ballad of a Teenage Queen tells the story of a young woman in a small town, yearning for a life beyond its limitations. The song paints a vivid picture of her world: she’s the prettiest girl around, admired by everyone, but with a restless spirit that longs for something more. The lyrics capture the universal teenage experience of feeling confined by small-town life and dreaming of bigger things.
Cash’s signature deep baritone vocals perfectly deliver the narrative. The simple yet effective country music instrumentation, likely featuring Cash’s trusted guitar “The Black” along with The Tennessee Two’s backing, creates a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.
Ballad of a Teenage Queen explores the themes of ambition, small-town life, and the allure of Hollywood. The protagonist is torn between her love for the local boy next door and the dazzling possibilities offered by a Hollywood scout. The song doesn’t preach or offer easy answers. Instead, it presents a relatable story about the difficult choices young people face and the consequences that come with pursuing dreams.
Ballad of a Teenage Queen was a significant song in Cash’s early career. It showcased his storytelling ability and his talent for connecting with audiences through relatable characters and themes. The song continues to resonate with listeners today, a testament to its timeless coming-of-age story and Cash’s enduring musical legacy
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Lyrics:
Dream on, dream on teenage queenPrettiest girl we’ve ever seen
There’s a story in our townOf the prettiest girl aroundGolden hair and eyes of blueHow those eyes could flash at you(How those eyes could flash at you)
Boys hung ’round her by the scoreBut she loved the boy next doorWho worked at the candy store
Dream on, dream on teenage queenPrettiest girl we’ve ever seen
She was tops in all, they saidIt never once went to her headShe had everything it seemsNot a care, this teenage queen(Not a care, this teenage queen)
Other boys could offer moreBut she loved the boy next doorWho worked at the candy store
Dream on, dream on teenage queenYou should be a movie queen
He would marry her next springSaved his money, bought a ringThen one day a movie scoutCame to town to take her out(Came to town to take her out)
Hollywood could offer moreSo she left the boy next doorWorking at the candy store
Dream on, dream on teenage queenSee you on the movie screen
Very soon she was a starPretty house and shiny carSwimming pool and a fence aroundBut she missed her old hometown(But she missed her old hometown)
All the world was at her doorAll except the boy next doorWho worked at the candy store
Dream on, dream on teenage queenSaddest girl we’ve ever seen
Then one day the teenage starSold her house and all her carsGave up all her wealth and fameLeft it all and caught a train(Left it all and caught a train)
Do I have to tell you more?She came back to the boy next doorWho worked at the candy store
Now this story has some moreYou will hear it all at the candy store