About the Song
Johnny Cash’s 1955 song, “Folsom Prison Blues”, is more than just a catchy country tune. It’s a stark and powerful ballad that takes listeners on a journey into the despair and longing felt within prison walls. The song, inspired by a movie Cash saw while serving in the military, became a cornerstone of his career, forever linking him to themes of social justice and the human condition.
“Folsom Prison Blues” is deceptively simple in its musical structure. A steady guitar strum underpins Cash’s deep baritone vocals, creating a sense of both urgency and resignation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man imprisoned for a crime he may or may not have committed. The opening line, “I hear that train a comin’,” sets the stage for a song filled with longing for freedom and a life beyond the prison walls.
The despair and loneliness are palpable throughout the song. Lines like, “But I’m stuck in Folsom Prison and time keeps movin’ on” express the crushing weight of confinement. Cash doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of prison life, mentioning the “water’s brown and the soup’s all cold.”
But the song isn’t simply about despair. There’s a flicker of hope that persists. The line, “But I think I’ll make it through if I keep on singin’ these songs” hints at the power of music as a form of solace and a way to maintain sanity amidst the harsh realities of prison.
“Folsom Prison Blues” became a touchstone for Cash’s signature prison concerts. He would perform for inmates, creating a sense of connection and empathy. The song transcended its origins as a ballad about a single prisoner and became an anthem for anyone feeling trapped or ostracized.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its stark honesty and its ability to evoke empathy. Cash’s powerful vocals and the simple yet evocative lyrics transport listeners to a world of despair, but also offer a glimmer of hope. “Folsom Prison Blues” remains a timeless reminder of the human spirit’s ability to endure hardship and find solace even in the darkest of places.
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Lyrics: “Folsom Prison Blues”
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