Studio Album · No. 7
Hymns from the Heart Songwriting Credits by Johnny Cash
Holds writing credit on 3 of 12 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 3 / 12 documented
Scored across the 12 tracks with documented writers, by whether Johnny Cash carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 12 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
Hymns from the Heart is a gospel album drawn almost entirely from existing hymns and contemporary gospel compositions rather than Cash originals. Johnny Cash's only writing-related credit is arranging and adapting the traditional 'I Got Shoes'; the rest were written by gospel songwriters including Albert E. Brumley ('If We Never Meet Again'), Philip Bliss ('Let the Lower Lights Be Burning'), and Kenneth Morris ('My God Is Real'). The selection reflects Cash's lifelong devotion to gospel material rather than original songcraft.
"Hymns from the Heart" is a 1962 gospel album by Johnny Cash, his second gospel set, released on Columbia Records and produced by Don Law and Frank Jones. Recorded between February and April 1961 in Hollywood and Nashville, the album collects 12 traditional hymns including "He'll Understand and Say Well Done," "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning," and "My God Is Real (Yes, God Is Real)." Cash was backed by the Tennessee Three, with Luther Perkins on lead guitar, Marshall Grant on bass, and W.S. Holland on drums, alongside session musicians Floyd Cramer and Bill Pursell. The collection carries a more traditional hymn feel than Cash's earlier gospel work. The cover photograph was taken by Leigh Wiener at Gene Autry's Melody Movie Ranch in Newhall, California.
Track Listing & Credits 12 tracks
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
He'll Understand and Say Well Done
|
Traditional | Traditional | Don Law | Johnny Cash (Lead Vocals) |
| 2 |
God Must Have My Fortune Laid Away
|
Johnny Cash | Johnny Cash | Don Law | Johnny Cash (Lead Vocals) |
| 3 |
When I've Done My Best
|
Traditional | Traditional | Don Law | Johnny Cash (Lead Vocals) |
| 4 |
I Got Shoes
|
Traditional | Traditional | Don Law | Johnny Cash (Lead Vocals) |
| 5 |
Down the Street to 301
|
Johnny Cash | Johnny Cash | Don Law | Johnny Cash (Lead Vocals) |
| 6 |
He'll Be a Friend
|
Johnny Cash | Johnny Cash | Don Law | Johnny Cash (Lead Vocals) |
| 7 |
Just as I Am
|
Charlotte Elliott | William Bradbury | Don Law | Johnny Cash (Lead Vocals) |
| 8 |
Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes
|
Traditional | Traditional | Don Law | Johnny Cash (Lead Vocals) |
| 9 |
Whispering Hope
|
Septimus Winner | Septimus Winner | Don Law | Johnny Cash (Lead Vocals) |
| 10 |
That's Enough
|
Dorothy Love Coates | Dorothy Love Coates | Don Law | Johnny Cash (Lead Vocals) |
| 11 |
I'm Bound for the Promised Land
|
Traditional | Traditional | Don Law | Johnny Cash (Lead Vocals) |
| 12 |
Farther Along
|
Traditional | Traditional | Don Law | Johnny Cash (Lead Vocals) |