"Last Night I had the Strangest Dream" is a folk song written in the classic tradition by singer/songwriter Ed McCurdy in 1950. It's anti-war message made it a staple of the folk community during the 1950s and especially during the Vietnam War era, though it was written in the days leading up to the Korean war. The song was written in the aftermath of World War II, and t's hopefulness about the end of war and reference to a "mighty room" "filled with men" could allude to the newly-formed United Nations and its promises of peace. Johnny Cash added the song to his live shows in the late 1960s, and recorded a version during his December 5, 1969, concert at New York's Madison Square Garden that was included on the live LP for that show, later released in 2002. Cash also recorded the song in the final year of his life, 2003, during a round of his now legendary "American Recordings" sessions with producer Rick Rubin. It was included on the later American VI: Ain't No Grave released in 2010. It's possible Cash wrote down the lyrics for this later recording session. Regardless, they lyrics to the classic anti-war song are in his hand and read:
Last night I had the strangest dream I've ever known before,
I dreamed the people all agreed to put an end to war,
I dreamed I saw a mighty room, the room was filled with men,
and the papers they were signing said they'd never fight again
the people in the streets below were dancing round and round,
while swords and guns and uniforms lay scattered on the ground,
and when the papers were all signed, and a million copies made,
they all shook hands and they agreed, and grateful prayers were prayed,
last night...
The lyrics differ slightly from the original version, and from Cash's own versions, but that is commonplace with folk songs that have been so widely covered and recorded. Also included in an 8 x 10 inch photo print signed boldly by Cash. Both the lyrics and the signed photo are each accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentic. The standard sized tablet sheet was torn along the edge and top, but this does not affect the handwritten lyrics. Very Good condition.