Culture

Track of the Day: 'Ring of Fire' by Lera Lynn

By Chris Bodenner
Editor’s Note: This article previously appeared in a different format as part of The Atlantic’s Notes section, retired in 2021.

Reader Bruce submits a Lera Lynn cover of the Johnny Cash classic:

Where Cash’s ring of fire is the blazing love that symbolizes passion with its upbeat tempo, Lynn’s is melancholic, as if the hellfire of love has descended into the lover’s heart. With no hope, we wait to burn.

Any other covers of Cash’s song you really like? Drop us a note and I’ll update. Update from Richard: “Elvis Costello’s version of ‘Ring of Fire’ is marvelous; his voice really captures the emotions and the arrangement and production are top-notch.” From Peter: “I love Social Distortion’s version—a bracing blast of white-hot punk.” From Matt, with a reggae version: “You asked a few days ago so perhaps you’ve moved on, but here’s a cover of ‘Ring of Fire’ by Grace Jones.”

(Submit a song via hello@. Track of the Day archive here. Pre-Notes archive here.)

Chris Bodenner is a former senior editor at The Atlantic.