A Boy Named Sue

A comic short story with a punchline, written by Shel Silverstein and recorded live at San Quentin Prison. Johnny Cash barely sings it: he speaks it in rhythm, low and dry, and lets the crowd's laughter land between lines. That makes it perfect for a low or untrained voice, since the whole melody sits in a narrow band and the skill is comic timing. Know that the story turns on a bar-room brawl and a curse word or two; bleeped and unbleeped versions both exist, so check the track before a family party.