Folsom Prison Blues
Jim Lyrics

The lyrics to Jim's song "Folsom Prison Blues" tell the story of a man who is trapped in Folsom Prison, a place where time seems to drag on endlessly. He describes hearing the train coming, symbolizing freedom and escape, but unfortunately, it always passes by and continues on to San Antone, leaving him behind. The lack of sunshine symbolizes a sense of hopelessness and the longings for a better life. The singer reflects on his past, remembering how his mother warned him about the dangers of playing with guns, yet he chose to shoot a man in Reno just for the thrill of watching him die. Whenever he hears the train whistle blow, he hangs his head in remorse and cries.

The lyrics also touch upon the stark contrast between the imprisoned man's life and that of the wealthy. He imagines rich folks enjoying luxurious meals and indulging themselves with coffee and cigars on the fancy dining car of the train. He acknowledges that he deserves to be in prison and cannot be free, but what truly tortures him is watching others move on with their lives while he remains stuck.

In the final verse, the singer dreams of freedom. If he were to be released and the train were his own, he would move it farther down the line, away from Folsom Prison, which represents his desire to distance himself from his current situation. He longs to stay far away from the prison and allow the lonesome whistle to blow away his sorrows.

Overall, "Folsom Prison Blues" delves into the emotions of confinement, regret, and the yearning for freedom, painting a vivid picture of the singer's imprisonment and his longing for a different life.

Interesting facts about the song:
1. "Folsom Prison Blues" was written and first recorded by Johnny Cash in 1955.
2. The song was inspired by a film called "Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison" that Cash watched while he was serving in West Germany with the U.S. Air Force.
3. Cash performed the song for the first time at Folsom State Prison in 1968, during a live concert recording.
4. The live recording of "Folsom Prison Blues" became a huge success and peaked at number one on the country music charts.
5. The line "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die" caused controversy and backlash from some, questioning its morality.
6. Cash altered the line during his live performance at Folsom Prison to "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die...but I really didn't."
7. The Grammy Hall of Fame inducted "Folsom Prison Blues" in 2013.
8. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, and Johnny Cash's daughter Rosanne Cash.
9. "Folsom Prison Blues" is seen as one of Cash's signature songs and remains a fan favorite.
10. The song's popularity and impact helped Cash in his efforts to raise awareness about prison reform and brought attention to the issues faced by incarcerated individuals.