"The Man in Black" - More than a Sartorial Statement

At this point in his life, he had already realised of his influence and power, meaning he had opportunities to raise important issues in the media. His 1971 protest song "Man in Black" is no different. Originally starting as his nickname, following his on-stage costuming for him and the Tennessee Two, when they could afford little else than the matching black shirts they already owned. As time went on, he realised that his sartorial choices could become much more, and he used the song to protest his feelings towards society, and how he represented them. While it also embodied his masculinity and working class upbringing, his self-presentation raised issues with his outlaw image, and progressed his nature as a saint...

The lyrics of "Man in Black" clarified his sartorial statement as an allegiance and out of respect for the poor, prisoners, and a protest against racism and the Vietnam war. While Cash was still a representation of the working class, he fought to influence freedom and equality for his fellow Americans. His patriotism was a symbol of pride, and his sartorial choices were used as a representation of this, and the way his fame could allow him to be an icon for those facing injustices and the oppressed.

His fashion statement in itself was the contradictory notion of standing up against injustices, whilst all promoting his brand image, and maintaining the outlaw, hard-country, rocknroll image which had become expected of him.