The lyrics describe Jesus as a carpenter who walked among the poor, touched the dying, and built a house from people like them. It reflects on how he would be received in modern society, questioning if he would be welcomed in places like California, New York, and Mississippi.

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Meaning of "Jesus Was A Carpenter" by Johnny Cash


The song "Jesus Was A Carpenter" by Johnny Cash speaks to the essence of Jesus' teachings and how they would be relevant in contemporary times. By portraying Jesus as a carpenter who built a house from the marginalized and outcast, the song highlights his compassion and inclusivity. It poses a poignant question about whether society today would embrace someone like Jesus, someone who walks amongst the poor and downtrodden. It critiques the hypocrisy of organized religion in locking its doors to individuals in need, calling for a return to the foundational teachings of compassion and empathy. The lyrics urge for a revival of the values that Jesus embodied, inviting him to build a new house on rock amongst the chaos and turmoil of the world. Overall, the song serves as a reflection on the relevance of Jesus' message of love and acceptance in a world that often seems to have forgotten these values.