About the song
Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” is an enduring classic that encapsulates his iconic status as a pioneer in country music and a master storyteller. Written by Cash himself, the song was first recorded in 1955 and later included on his album “With His Hot and Blue Guitar!” released in 1957.
The song’s narrative follows a troubled protagonist who laments being locked up in Folsom Prison after committing a crime, expressing longing for freedom and regret for his actions. Cash’s deep, resonant voice and straightforward delivery convey the protagonist’s emotions with raw intensity, evoking empathy and introspection from listeners.
Upon its release, “Folsom Prison Blues” achieved significant success, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart and becoming one of Johnny Cash’s signature songs. Its popularity was further solidified by Cash’s legendary performance of the song at Folsom Prison itself in 1968, recorded for the live album “Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison.”
The live recording of “Folsom Prison Blues” not only captured Cash’s connection with the inmates but also highlighted his ability to transcend musical boundaries and connect with diverse audiences. The album itself was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, cementing Cash’s reputation as a trailblazer in the genre of outlaw country music.
For fans of Johnny Cash, “Folsom Prison Blues” remains a quintessential part of his catalog, celebrated for its gritty realism and timeless appeal. Whether rediscovering this classic track or experiencing it for the first time, listeners continue to be captivated by Cash’s ability to tell a compelling story through his music, making “Folsom Prison Blues” an enduring masterpiece in American music history.
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Lyrics
I hear the train a comin’
It’s rolling round the bend
And I ain’t seen the sunshine since I don’t know when
I’m stuck in Folsom prison, and time keeps draggin’ on
But that train keeps a rollin’ on down to San AntoneWhen I was just a baby my mama told me
“Son, always be a good boy, don’t ever play with guns”
But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die
When I hear that whistle blowing, I hang my head and cryI bet there’s rich folks eating in a fancy dining car
They’re probably drinkin’ coffee and smoking big cigars
Well I know I had it coming, I know I can’t be free
But those people keep a movin’
And that’s what tortures meWell if they freed me from this prison
If that railroad train was mine
I bet I’d move it on a little farther down the line
Far from Folsom prison, that’s where I want to stay
And I’d let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away