music.wikisort.org - Composition

"Busted" is a song written by Harlan Howard in 1962. It was recorded by Johnny Cash (with the Carter Family) for Cash's 1963 album Blood, Sweat and Tears. It has been recorded by several notable artists, including Ray Charles (also in 1963) and John Conlee (1982).

"Busted"
Song by Harlan Howard
Released	1962 (1962)
Recorded	1962
Genre	Country
Length	2:20
Songwriter(s)	Harlan Howard

Lyrics

This section does not cite any sources. (September 2021)

The song is about a dirt-poor farmer struggling to support his family, bemoaning a stack of bills, his family's needs, animals that won't produce and land that is barren. He even tries to ask his brother for assistance, but his brother was actually going to come to him for help. Finally, he is forced to pack up his family and leave but he maintains that he will make it somehow.

Charting versions

• Johnny Cash, with the Carter Family, reached No. 13 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart in 1963.[1]
• Ray Charles reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963.[2] This was from his album Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul. A live version with Willie Nelson was included in Charles' 2005 duets album Genius & Friends.
• John Conlee reached No. 6 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart in 1982.[3]

References

External links

• Harlan Howard obituaries: New York Times and bmi.com
• "Busted" at Allmusic.com

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