Busted (Harlan Howard song)

"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).

Content[]

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 admits he's going to pack up his family and leave to find a better life.

Cover versions[]

"Busted"
Single by Ray Charles
from the album Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul
Released	1963 (1963)
Label	ABC-Paramount
Songwriter(s)	Harlan Howard

• Johnny Cash, with the Carter Family, reached #13 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart in 1963.^[1]
• Ray Charles reached #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 #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
• Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics

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