Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison Blues

About the Song

Folsom Prison Blues is a song written and first recorded by American singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. It was first released as a single in 1955, and later included on his debut album Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar! (1957). The song is a train song—a subgenre of country music that tells stories about trains—and is also a prison song. It tells the story of a man who is incarcerated in Folsom State Prison in California, and who sings about his regrets and longing for freedom.

The song is one of Cash’s most famous and beloved songs, and has been covered by many other artists, including Jerry Garcia, Merle Haggard, and Glen Campbell. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including the 1968 film Folsom Prison and the 2005 film Walk the Line.

Folsom Prison Blues is a classic example of Cash’s unique style of music, which combined country, rock and roll, and folk music. The song is characterized by Cash’s deep, booming voice, his simple but effective guitar playing, and his stark, poetic lyrics.

The song’s lyrics are full of vivid imagery and detail, and they paint a powerful picture of life in prison. Cash sings about the long days and nights, the hard labor, and the loneliness and despair of being incarcerated. He also sings about the hope of one day being free, and the determination to never give up.

Folsom Prison Blues is a powerful and moving song that has resonated with listeners for generations. It is a song about the human spirit, and the power of hope and redemption.

Here are some additional details about the song and its impact:

• The song was inspired by Cash’s visit to Folsom State Prison in 1953. He was so moved by the experience that he wrote the song as a way to express his empathy for the prisoners.
• The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard country music charts in 1956. It also crossed over to the pop charts, reaching number 14.
• The song has been praised by critics for its powerful lyrics and Cash’s passionate performance. It has been called one of the greatest country songs of all time.
• The song has been covered by many other artists, including Jerry Garcia, Merle Haggard, and Glen Campbell. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including the 1968 film Folsom Prison and the 2005 film Walk the Line.

Folsom Prison Blues is a classic example of Johnny Cash’s unique style of music. It is a powerful and moving song that has resonated with listeners for generations. It is a song about the human spirit, and the power of hope and redemption.

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 Antone

When 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 cry

I 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 me

Well 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