Folsom Prison Blues
Jerry lee Lewis & Johnny Cash Lyrics

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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
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 blowin'
I hang my head and cry

I bet there's rich folks eatin'
In a fancy dinin' car
They're probably drinkin' coffee
And smokin' big cigars
Well, I know I had it comin'
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

Overall Meaning

The song "Folsom Prison Blues" by Jerry Lee Lewis & Johnny Cash is a country-blues classic that reflects on the life of a prisoner in Folsom Prison. The song paints a picture of a man who feels trapped in his circumstances and longs for freedom. The opening lines use the train as a metaphor for time - "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." This suggests that the man has lost track of time and that his life has become monotonous and stagnant. He is devoid of hope and the only thing that keeps him going is the thought of that train heading for San Antone.

The second verse describes how the man got himself into prison; he shot a man in Reno just to watch him die. The verse acknowledges the gravity of his actions, and the chorus reaffirms his regret - "When I hear that whistle blowin', I hang my head and cry." The third verse is a reflection on the man's place in society. He watches the train carrying the rich and powerful and feels a mix of envy, resentment, and regret. He knows he is where he is because of the choices he made, yet he can't help but feel a sense of injustice. The final verse hints at the man's desires to escape his fate. He dreams of being free and moving further down the tracks, far from the Folsom Prison.

Line by Line Meaning

I hear the train a-comin'
I perceive the train is approaching

It's rollin' 'round the bend
It is curving on the track

And I ain't seen the sunshine
I haven't seen sunlight

Since, I don't know when
I can't recall when last I saw sunshine

I'm stuck in Folsom Prison
I am imprisoned in Folsom prison

And time keeps draggin' on
Time seems to pass very slowly

But that train keeps a-rollin'
The train continues to move forward

On down to San Antone
The destination of the train is San Antone

When I was just a baby
When I was a very young child

My Mama told me, 'son
My mother advised me, 'son

Always be a good boy
Always behave well