One of the most memorable songs tells the story of a boy facing a tough life due to “the meanest thing” his father did before leaving him and his mother—he named him Sue. In the classic track “A Boy Named Sue,” penned by Shel Silverstein and famously performed by the legendary Johnny Cash, Sue endures the challenges and embarrassment that come with his unusual name.
Some girl would giggle, and I’d feel my face burn,
And some guy would laugh, and I’d want to make him learn.
I tell ya, life ain’t easy for a boy named Sue.
Sue grows up hardened and tough, constantly moving to escape the shame. His anger drives him forward, and one fateful day, he encounters his long-lost father in a dingy saloon. The reunion unfolds predictably.
“My name is Sue! How do you do?
Now you’re gonna die!”
What follows is a fierce brawl, complete with punches, kicks, and flying chairs. The fight only halts when they both draw guns, and Sue’s father reveals the reasoning behind the name.
“Son, this world is tough,
And if a man’s gonna make it, he’s gotta be rough.
I knew I wouldn’t be there to guide you,
So I gave you that name and said goodbye.
I knew you’d have to get tough or die,
And it’s the name that helped make you strong.”
With newfound insight into his father’s intentions, Sue finds it in himself to forgive. Whenever he conquers a challenge, he thinks of his dad.
As a longtime Johnny Cash admirer, this song resonates with me on a personal level now that my six-year-old son, Alex (not Sue), is starting kindergarten. This moment evokes thoughts of the father from the song, though I assure you, I’m not abandoning my family.
I’m a devoted New York Giants fan, having grown up in North Jersey during the ‘80s and ‘90s, just a short drive from the stadium. I’ve endured the lows and celebrated the highs, including the four Super Bowl victories. However, for the last 15 years, I’ve lived in Philadelphia, the heartland of Eagles fans.
Philly has garnered a reputation for being rough around the edges, especially regarding sports (who can forget the infamous incident where Eagles fans booed Santa Claus?). As I stroll through the city donned in my Giants gear, I often hear colorful remarks.
But as a 37-year-old wearing the colors of a rival team, I can handle the jabs. Yet, I worry for my son.
Alex is now at the age where he and his friends are discovering football. Watching games together on Sundays, he bombards me with questions. What does that yellow line mean? Who’s the team in red? How many points is a touchdown? I cherish these moments, and they enhance our game-day experience.
My dilemma arises: should I encourage him to root for the Giants, allowing us to cheer together? Or am I setting him up for a life akin to “Sue,” facing teasing from his peers, most of whom will likely cheer for the Eagles? The thought of my son being isolated because of team loyalty weighs heavy on my heart.
On the flip side, could I be preparing him for a tough life, where challenges are inevitable? These thoughts will come to a head soon, with the Giants and Eagles scheduled to clash on Monday Night Football, generating a buzz at school.
However, I suspect that all my fretting is unnecessary. In true six-year-old fashion, Alex will probably make his own choice about whom to support, indifferent to my preferences or gear. And honestly, that’s likely for the best.
He just better not become a Dallas Cowboys fan—then we might have a problem.
In summary, the lessons learned from Johnny Cash’s story provide valuable insights for parenting, particularly about resilience and the inevitability of challenges. For more information on home insemination, check out this resource on fertility terminology. If you’re looking for expert guidance, Make A Mom is a reliable authority on the subject, while Hopkins Medicine offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.