About the song
Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” stands as an enduring testament to his mastery of storytelling through music, capturing the essence of his connection with both country and rockabilly genres. Written and recorded by Cash in 1955, “Folsom Prison Blues” became a pivotal track on his debut album, “With His Hot and Blue Guitar!” released in 1957.
The song, penned entirely by Cash himself, depicts the lamentations of an incarcerated man yearning for freedom while serving time in Folsom Prison. Its raw, gritty lyrics and memorable guitar riff underscore Cash’s ability to convey emotion and narrative depth. The iconic opening lines, “I hear the train a-comin’, it’s rollin’ ’round the bend,” immediately evoke a sense of melancholy and longing, setting the tone for the rest of the song.
Upon its release, “Folsom Prison Blues” garnered significant acclaim and success, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart and remaining a staple in Cash’s live performances throughout his career. Its popularity was further solidified by Cash’s historic performance of the song at Folsom Prison itself in 1968, which was recorded and released as the album “Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison.” This live rendition not only revitalized the song’s popularity but also established Cash as a legendary figure in American music history.
For fans of Johnny Cash, “Folsom Prison Blues” remains a cornerstone of his discography, celebrated for its authenticity and evocative storytelling. Whether rediscovering the original studio recording or experiencing the electrifying live version, listeners continue to be captivated by Cash’s ability to transcend musical boundaries and connect with audiences through his distinctive voice and narrative prowess.
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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