About the song
“Folsom Prison Blues” is a timeless classic by the legendary American singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. Released in 1955, this song quickly became one of Cash’s signature hits and played a significant role in solidifying his place in the annals of country music history.
Written by Johnny Cash himself, “Folsom Prison Blues” was inspired by his time in the Air Force and his fascination with life behind bars. The song’s narrative is told from the perspective of an inmate who laments his fate and the choices that led him to prison, highlighted by the hauntingly famous line, “I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die.” This raw and evocative storytelling resonated deeply with listeners, capturing the essence of Cash’s unique ability to blend country music with a gritty realism.
The song first appeared on his debut album, “With His Hot and Blue Guitar,” under Sun Records, the label that also launched the careers of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. “Folsom Prison Blues” enjoyed significant commercial success, reaching the Top 5 on the Billboard Country charts in 1956. However, its enduring legacy was further cemented when Cash performed it live at Folsom State Prison in 1968. The live version, featured on the album “At Folsom Prison,” revitalized Cash’s career and climbed to the top of the charts, proving the song’s timeless appeal.
“Folsom Prison Blues” is not just a song; it’s a powerful piece of American music history. Its influence extends beyond country music, touching on themes of regret, justice, and redemption that are universally relatable. Johnny Cash’s deep, resonant voice and straightforward, honest delivery ensure that “Folsom Prison Blues” remains a favorite among fans of all ages, making it a classic that continues to stand the test of time.
Video
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