As far as modern day parables go, this tale told by Johnny Cash, in his dry western twang, may not be the most conventional. The occupants of San Quentin Prison sit, transfixed by a simple story of a man defined by feelings of vengeance against his father. The inmates smile gleefully as the song “A boy named Sue” comes to a climax as the son crosses paths with the man who gave him his name. As they listen I wonder how many of them were picturing their fathers at that moment. I wonder how many were picturing standing in a bloodied battle against the man that were suppose to have raised them well, wailing their hate and disappointment upon him. There is a strange pleasure in hurting the ones who hurt you, bringing a sense of justice or karmic balance. However, the tale does not end there. Parables have a habit of doing that. Listen to this song. It puts a smile on your face and something may even happen deeper inside.
