Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison Blues

About the song

Johnny Cash is one of the most iconic and influential figures in country music. His distinctive voice and his outlaw persona made him a legend, and his songs continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world. One of his most famous songs is “Folsom Prison Blues”, which was released in 1955.

The song is a dark and brooding ballad about a man who is facing execution for murder. The song is set in Folsom Prison, a real-life prison in California, and it captures the bleakness and despair of life behind bars.

“Folsom Prison Blues” is a powerful song that tells the story of a man who has lost all hope. The song begins with Cash singing about the train that is coming to take him to his death:

“I hear the train a comin’, It’s rollin’ ’round the bend, And I ain’t seen the sunshine Since, I don’t know when.”

The song goes on to describe the man’s thoughts and feelings as he awaits his execution. He thinks about his loved ones, his regrets, and his fears. The song ends with the man coming to terms with his fate:

“But I’m not scared of dying, I’ve been in this world too long, But I wish I could see my baby Just one more time before I’m gone.”

“Folsom Prison Blues” is a classic country music song that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and moving story that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.

Here are some additional details about the song and the artist:

  • “Folsom Prison Blues” was written by Johnny Cash.
  • The song was released as the B-side of Cash’s single “So Doggone Lonesome.”
  • The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
  • The song has been covered by many other artists, including Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard, and June Carter Cash.
  • “Folsom Prison Blues” is a classic country music song that is sure to touch the hearts of listeners of all ages. It is a powerful and moving story that continues to resonate with people today.

Video

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
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

[Verse 2]
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 blowin’, I hang my head and cry

[Verse 3]
I bet there’s rich folks eatin’ 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

[Verse 4]
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