<P> The unique chord progression for the song was inspired by backwards playback of guitar runs on Cash's tape recorder while he was in the Air Force stationed in Germany . Later in a telephone interview, Cash stated, "I wrote the song backstage one night in 1956 in Gladewater, Texas . I was newly married at the time, and I suppose I was laying out my pledge of devotion ." After the writing of the song Cash had a discussion with fellow performer (Carl Perkins) who encouraged him to adopt "I Walk the Line" as the song title . Cash originally intended the song as a slow ballad, but producer Sam Phillips preferred a faster arrangement, which Cash grew to like as the uptempo recording met with success . </P> <P> Once while performing the song on his TV show, Cash told the audience, with a smile, "People ask me why I always hum whenever I sing this song . It's to get my pitch ." The humming was necessary since the song required Cash to change keys several times while singing it . </P> <P> The song's lyrics refer to marital fidelity, personal responsibility, and avoiding temptation and criminal behavior . </P> <P> The song was originally recorded at Sun Studio on April 2, 1956, and was released on May 1 . It spent six weeks at the top spot on the U.S. country Juke Box charts that summer, one week on the C&W Jockey charts and number two on the C&W Best Seller charts . "I Walk the Line" crossed over and reached number 19 on the pop music charts . </P>

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