It’s kind of funny how I always seem to think about Johnny Cash at the end of each year. It’s a little crazy. I have never been what you would call a big fan. I do recall his notion that he could never change his garb from the black he always wore until the world had changed enough for the better. Starting a new year always seems to provide hope for positive change. I think as a child I hoped with each new year I would see Johnny wear some white, like that would be some sort of sign to me the world was getting better. Sadly enough I believe Johnny was buried in his standard black.

Maybe he sticks in my mind because I saw him at the state fair as a child? I was about five and I seem to remember being placed on the edge of the stage by my father. Johnny came over and put a gentle hand upon the top of my head as he sang “I Walk The Line.” Ok, it was a little weird but it really happened! After that I seemed to feel a lingering, if not confusing connection to this man in black, but not really his song.

Well as the 2006 came to a close and I was doing my yearly remembrance on this strange moment in my childhood and decided to goggle those old song lyrics. Reading them over as a grown up, a mother, an adoptive mom, I began to feel like the meaning of the song somehow spoke to me of adoption.

Perhaps adoption is so deeply a part of my life experience that everything I see speaks to me of adoption. I don’t know. To me these lyrics talk of walking a fine line for the sake of a deep love. Isn’t that adoption? I know adoptive parents do it. We will do anything to see our kids’ happy. I believe birthparents do it. They often seem to be able to set aside their own desires for the sake of loving their children. I think adoptees do it too. They learn to walk the fine line of balance between loving all parts of themselves and the people who represent that in their lives.

Take a look at the song and see if there is a little something in it’s simple wording that speaks to you of adoption too. Let me know what you think.

I Walk The Line : Johnny Cash

I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time.
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine,
I walk the line

I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine,
I walk the line

As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine,
I walk the line

You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine,
I walk the line

Photo Credit