“Folsom Prison Blues” is a classic country song written and originally recorded by Johnny Cash in 1955. The song was released as a single and later included on his debut album, “With His Hot and Blue Guitar.”
About The Song
The lyrics of “Folsom Prison Blues” are narrated from the perspective of a fictional prisoner who expresses regret for his criminal actions and outlines the hardships of being incarcerated. The iconic opening line, “I hear the train a-comin’, it’s rolling ’round the bend,” has become one of the most recognizable in country music.
Musically, the song is characterized by its distinctive blend of country, folk, and rockabilly elements. Johnny Cash’s deep, resonant voice and the use of the “boom-chicka-boom” rhythm contributed to the song’s unique sound.
“Folsom Prison Blues” became one of Johnny Cash’s signature songs and a cornerstone of his career. It gained widespread acclaim and popularity, reaching audiences beyond the country music scene. The live version of the song, recorded at Folsom State Prison in 1968, is particularly famous and further solidified its status as a classic in the country music genre.
Video
Lyric
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[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