Song in My Head (and in my classroom)

During the past few weeks, I have been teaching poetry.  As a segway into our anthology, I used this Shel Silverstein classic.  Our biggest discussion point" is the word "bitch" necessary or not.  What do you think they feel? 
Originally, Johnny Cash did not want to record his friends poem, but was convinced by his wife June Carter Cash to do it.  He debuted it at the San Quentin Prison, and the inmates loved it.  Here's "A Boy Named Sue."

Video Vault Friday

Johnny Cash is one of the coolest people to ever live.  Who else could have every prisoner in America in the late 60's have your back, and still record Shel Silverstein poems?

My favorite Johnny Cash song is "Cocaine Blues."  There is something about the C&W baseline that drives the song along like a freight train.  No remorse for what the main character did, just lay off the drugs. 

Surprisingly, I like the Joaquin Phoenix version form the movie Walk the Line.  He does a nice job embodying Cash, and much like Val Kilmer's take as Jim Morrison, received few accolades for a great performance. 

This live version is not a strong as the Phoenix recorded soundtrack.  I respect Phoenix for going in the studio and recording all the songs himself instead of using a Cash soundtrack.  He does a pretty good job.  Maybe too good, for he thought about becoming a hip-hop star after this.