rosanne cash september when it comes
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, file and AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file

'September When It Comes': Rosanne Cash's Final Duet With Her Dad

In the same year as his death, Johnny Cash lent his voice to his singer-songwriter daughter Rosanne Cash's 2003 recording of "September When It Comes." The tale of mortality from Rosanne's album Rules of Travel (Capitol Records) ended up being the last song she recorded with her famous father.

Rosanne co-wrote it with her husband and producer, John Leventhal.

It closed the book on the long and rich history of Johnny and Rosanne's dad/daughter collaborations. A quick Google search turns up a 1978 Christmas special during which all six of Johnny and June Carter Cash's daughters from prior relationships—Carlene, Tara, Rosanne, Cindy, Kathy and Rosie—sang "Silent Night" with Johnny to commemorate the family's first holiday season without Mother Maybelle Carter.

Read More: 'Seven Year Ache' Plus More of Rosanne Cash's Best Songs

There's also footage of the pair singing a song in both of their repertoires, "Tennessee Flat Top Box," as well as a multi-generational take on Rosanne's Rodney Crowell-penned duet with Bobby Bare, "No Memories Hangin' Round."

"September When It Comes" Lyrics

There's a cross above the baby's bed
A savior in her dreams
But she was not delivered then
And the baby became me
There's a light inside the darkened room
A footstep on the stair
A door that I forever close
To leave those memories there
So when the shadows lengthen
Into an evening sun
First there's summer, then I'll let you in
September when it comes

I plan to crawl outside these walls
Close my eyes and see
And fall into the heart and arms
Of those who wait for me
I cannot move a mountain now
I can no longer run
I cannot be who I was then
In a way I never was

I watch the clouds go sailing
I watch the clock and sun
Oh I watch myself depending on
September when it comes

When the shadows lengthen
And burn away the past
They will fly me like an angel to
A place where I can rest
When this begins I'll let you in
September when it comes

Now Watch: Meet Country Music Legend Kris Kristofferson's Talented Kids