About the song
“Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash is a quintessential song that captures the essence of Cash’s gritty and authentic style. Written by Cash himself, the song was first recorded in 1955 and released as a single under Sun Records. It later became the centerpiece of his 1957 debut studio album, *Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!*. The song’s unique blend of country, rockabilly, and blues elements, combined with its stark, narrative lyrics, helped establish Cash as a formidable force in American music.
The inspiration for “Folsom Prison Blues” came from two distinct sources. Cash drew on his experiences listening to a railroad song called “Crescent City Blues” by Gordon Jenkins and combined this with the melancholy and introspection he imagined prisoners might feel. The song’s iconic line, “I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die,” encapsulates the dark, rebellious undertones that characterized much of Cash’s work.
“Folsom Prison Blues” initially achieved moderate success, but its true impact was felt over a decade later when Cash performed it live at Folsom State Prison in California. The live version, recorded during his 1968 performance, was included on the album *At Folsom Prison*. This album was a commercial and critical triumph, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Albums chart and revitalizing Cash’s career. The live single of “Folsom Prison Blues” also climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart and peaking at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The live performance of “Folsom Prison Blues” at Folsom Prison added a raw, visceral quality to the song, resonating deeply with both the inmates in the audience and listeners worldwide. The applause and cheers from the prisoners captured in the recording underscored the authenticity and emotional connection that Cash brought to his music.
For Johnny Cash, “Folsom Prison Blues” was more than just a song; it was a statement of empathy and solidarity with those who felt marginalized and forgotten. His ability to convey the pain and loneliness of prison life with such honesty and conviction made the song a timeless classic.
To this day, “Folsom Prison Blues” remains one of Johnny Cash’s most beloved and enduring songs. It stands as a testament to his unique talent for storytelling and his deep connection to the struggles of the human condition. For fans of Johnny Cash, the song is a powerful reminder of his legacy as a voice for the voiceless and a pioneer in the world of music.
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