It sets a jubilant tone for the high quality of musicianship and the joyousness of this recording. The lyrics focus on the Maddox family's trip from Alabama through the Depression and the Dustbowl to California, the land of opportunity where six siblings really did make a name for themselves. The next two songs were recorded at Merle Haggard's studio. Fred Maddox, somewhat out of character, provides serious commentary. Johnny Cash's voice comes as a surprise, albeit a pleasant one.
Cash puts a generous and graceful postscript on the album.
She's an American classic.