Folsom Prison Blues
Joaquin and Reese Lyrics
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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 Anton
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
I 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 me
Well if they'd free me from this prison,
If that railroad train was mine
I bet I'd move it all a little further 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
Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon's rendition of "Folsom Prison Blues" expresses the sense of isolation and desperation of a man trapped in prison. The first stanza introduces the sound of the train, the symbol of freedom and movement, as it approaches the singer's prison. He feels as if he hasn't seen the sun in ages and is confined to a place where time seems to pass slowly. However, the train continues on its route towards San Anton, emphasizing the singer's lack of control over his own life.
The second stanza has the singer reflect on his past, specifically his mother's advice to be a "good boy" and avoid playing with guns. Despite this, he confesses to shooting a man in Reno for no reason other than the thrill of watching him die. When he hears the train whistle, he is reminded of the gravity of his decision and the weight of the consequences upon his conscience.
In the final stanza, the singer envies the rich passengers on the train, wishing he could be far away from Folsom prison. He acknowledges the fact that he is deserving of punishment, yet the never-ending movement of the train taunts him with the possibility of escape.
Overall, "Folsom Prison Blues" provides a moving commentary on the consequences of one's actions and the yearning for freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
I hear the train a comin'
I'm anticipating the arrival of the train
It's rolling round the bend
The train is approaching a turn
And I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when
I haven't seen the light of day in an extended period of time
I'm stuck in Folsom prison, and time keeps draggin' on
I'm incarcerated at Folsom prison and time seems to move very slowly
But that train keeps a rollin' on down to San Anton
The train continues its journey to San Anton
When I was just a baby my mama told me, son
My mother advised me when I was a child
Always be a good boy, don't ever play with guns
I was told to avoid firearms and to be a law-abiding citizen
But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die
However, I committed murder in Reno for my own gratification
When I hear that whistle blowing I hang my head and cry
I feel deep remorse when I hear the train whistle blow
I bet there's rich folks eating in a fancy dining car
There are likely wealthy individuals dining in luxurious train cars
They're probably drinkin' coffee and smoking big cigars
They might be sipping coffee and puffing on large cigars
Well I know I had it coming, I know I can't be free
I am aware that I deserved punishment and that I will never be free
But those people keep a movin',
The wealthy individuals continue their journey
And that's what tortures me
And that's what causes me anguish
Well if they'd free me from this prison,
If only they would release me from this prison
If that railroad train was mine
If I owned that train
I bet I'd move it all a little further down the line
I would certainly move the train faster and farther away from this place
Far from Folsom prison, that's where I want to stay
I desire to remain far from Folsom prison
And I'd let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away
The train's melancholy whistle would relieve me of my sadness
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Johnny R. Cash
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind