“Busted” is a song written by Harlan Howard in 1962….and was recorded and first released by Johnny Cash with the Carter Family for the 1963 album Blood, Sweat and Tears….with the first recording being by Burl Ives in 1962…..while It has subsequently been recorded by several notable artists including Ray Charles 1963…..which reached # 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963…..as this was from his album Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul live version withWillie Nelson…..which was included in Brother Ray and Shotgun Willie’s 2005 duets album Genius & Friends….plus Charley Pride and Patty Loveless.
The song is about a dirt-poor farmer struggling to support his family….who is bemoaning a stack of bills….his family’s needs…..animals that won’t produce…..and land that is barren….as 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.
