“Busted” is a song written by Harlan Howard in 1962…..which was recorded and first released by Johnny Cash (with the Carter Family) for Cash’s 1963 album Blood, Sweat and Tears.….with the first recording was by Burl Ives in 1962…..as it has subsequently been recorded by several notable artists including Ray Charles also in 1963 and Patty Loveless in 2009. The song is about a dirt-poor farmer struggling to support his family….while bemoaning a stack of bills, his family’s needs, animals that won’t produce and land that is barren. 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.
Ray Charles reached # 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963……which was from his album Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul…..and a live version sung with Brother Ray and Willie Nelson was included in Charles’ 2005 duets album Genius & Friends…..while it is sung on this video herewith at the Ray Charles Live At Constitution Hall in 1982.
