In total, Iain Mullan estimates Cash travelled 174,493 km between the 92 cities mentioned in the song.
He starts the song by saying: “I was totin’ my pack along the dusty Winnemucca (NV) road” then goes on to list:
First Verse:
- Reno
- Chicago
- Fargo
- Minnesota
- Buffalo
- Toronto
- Winslow
- Sarasota
- Wichita
- Tulsa
- Ottawa
- Oklahoma
- Tampa
- Panama
- Mattawa
- La Paloma
- Bangor
- Baltimore
- Salvador
- Amarillo
- Tocopilla
- Barranquilla
- Padilla
Second Verse:
- Boston
- Charleston
- Dayton
- Louisiana
- Washington
- Houston
- Kingston
- Texarkana
- Monterey
- Ferriday
- Santa Fe
- Tallapoosa
- Glen Rock
- Black Rock
- Little Rock
- Oskaloosa
- Tennessee
- Hennessey
- Chicopee
- Spirit Lake
- Grand Lake
- Devil’s Lake
- Crater Lake
Third Verse:
- Louisville
- Nashville
- Knoxville
- Ombabika
- Schefferville
- Jacksonville
- Waterville
- Costa Rica
- Pittsfield
- Springfield
- Bakersfield
- Shreveport
- Hackensack
- Cadillac
- Fond du Lac
- Davenport
- Idaho
- Jellico
- Argentina
- Diamantina
- Pasadena
- Catalina
Fourth Verse:
- Pittsburgh
- Parkersburg
- Gravelbourg
- Colorado
- Ellensburg
- Rexburg
- Vicksburg
- Eldorado
- Larimore
- Atmore
- Haverstraw
- Chatanika
- Chaska
- Nebraska
- Alaska
- Opelika
- Baraboo
- Waterloo
- Kalamazoo
- Kansas City
- Sioux City
- Cedar City
- Dodge City
History of I’ve Been Everywhere
“I’ve Been Everywhere” is a song that was originally written by Australian country singer Geoff Mack in 1959, and it gained widespread popularity through various versions recorded across different countries.
The song is a fast-paced, tongue-twisting travelogue that humorously lists a rapid-fire sequence of place names.
Original Version by Geoff Mack (1959)
Geoff Mack wrote “I’ve Been Everywhere” in Australia, and his original lyrics listed Australian place names.
The song was first popularized by the Australian country singer Lucky Starr, who recorded it in 1962. Starr’s version became a hit in Australia, reaching No. 1 on the Kent Music Report chart.
International Adaptations
The format of the song, with its rapid listing of place names, made it easy to adapt to different countries by simply changing the place names to those relevant to each new audience.
As a result, numerous versions of “I’ve Been Everywhere” have been made, with variations in lyrics that list locations in countries such as Canada, the U.K., and the U.S.
North American Version by Hank Snow (1962)
In the United States and Canada, the song became particularly famous through a version by Canadian-American country singer Hank Snow. Snow adapted the lyrics to include North American place names and recorded the song in 1962.
This version became a huge hit, reaching No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and helping the song to achieve international success.
Snow’s version is often regarded as the standard for the song’s North American adaptation.
Johnny Cash’s Version (1996)
Johnny Cash recorded his version of “I’ve Been Everywhere” in 1996 for his album Unchained, which was part of his acclaimed series of albums produced by Rick Rubin under the American Recordings label.
Cash’s rendition of the song features his iconic deep voice and stripped-back production.
While the original Hank Snow version of the song was more uptempo and traditional in its country arrangement, Cash’s version leans into his signature minimalist sound, focusing more on his distinctive vocal delivery and the storytelling nature of the song.
It didn’t chart as highly as the Hank Snow version, but it has since become a staple in Cash’s later repertoire and is often cited as a fan favorite, especially for its humor and the way Cash manages the rapid-fire delivery of the lyrics.
Legacy and Popularity
“I’ve Been Everywhere” remains a popular and enduring song, often covered and parodied due to its flexible format.
The song is frequently used in commercials, movies, and television shows to convey a sense of travel and adventure. It is also a song that challenges the performer to maintain breath control and clarity while listing dozens of place names in quick succession.
The song continues to have cultural relevance as a lighthearted representation of the traveling lifestyle, particularly in country music and popular culture.
Johnny Cash’s version, in particular, resonates with listeners for the way it aligns with his image as a world-weary troubadour who has seemingly “been everywhere.”
Here are some Youtube Videos of The Difference Versions:
Geoff Mack
Lucky Starr
Hank Snow
And finally Cash’s version:
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