The title refers to the sound that Cash's backing band, the Tennessee Three, were said to produce.

It includes a cover of Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle", and a song written by Elvis Costello for Cash, "Hidden Shame".

"Don't Go Near the Water" is a re-recorded version and its original had been recorded for Ragged Old Flag.

In 2003, Mercury released Boom Chicka Boom paired with Johnny Cash is Coming to Town on a single compact disc, though the bonus track "Veteran's Day" was left off.

"Farmer's Almanac" and "Cat's in the Cradle" were released as singles, but failed to chart; the album itself, however, reached No.