Folsom Prison Blues
Johnny Cash feat. Willie Nelson Lyrics
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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
The song Folsom Prison Blues is a classic country tune by legendary musician Johnny Cash. The lyrics are about a prisoner who is stuck in Folsom Prison and hears a train coming that is heading to San Antone. He reminisces about his past and how he ended up in prison after shooting a man in Reno. The prisoner acknowledges that he had it coming and can't be free. He imagines that the people on the train are rich and enjoying themselves, while he is stuck feeling tortured at Folsom Prison. The prisoner then dreams of being free and moving away from Folsom Prison if he had his own railroad train.
The song's theme is about the consequences of actions and the regret that follows. The prisoner is aware that he had it coming after shooting a man in Reno and can't be free from the punishment of his crime. The train represents the hope that the prisoner can move forward with his life, but ultimately, the thought of the people on the train enjoying themselves and his inability to join them is what tortures him the most. The song is a commentary on social class and the divide between those who are free and those who are not, represented by those on the train and the prisoner, respectively.
Line by Line Meaning
I hear the train a-comin'
I am aware of the approaching train
It's rollin' 'round the bend
The train is just around the corner
And I ain't seen the sunshine
I haven't had the freedom I used to enjoy
Since, I don't know when
It is difficult to recall the last time I had freedom
I'm stuck in Folsom Prison
I am incarcerated in Folsom Prison
And time keeps draggin' on
Time seems to move very slowly in the prison
But that train keeps a-rollin'
The train continues to move faster than time itself
On down to San Antone
The train is heading towards San Antonio, Texas
When I was just a baby
When I was a young child
My Mama told me, 'son
My mother advised me
Always be a good boy
To always behave properly
Don't ever play with guns'
To never engage with firearms
But I shot a man in Reno
Despite her advice, I still shot a man in Reno
Just to watch him die
Simply for the pleasure of witnessing his death
When I hear that whistle blowin'
Upon hearing the train's whistle
I hang my head and cry
I become overwhelmed with sadness and regret for my actions
I bet there's rich folks eatin'
I would assume that wealthy individuals are currently dining
In a fancy dinin' car
In a luxurious dining carriage
They're probably drinkin' coffee
They are possibly consuming coffee
And smokin' big cigars
And smoking large cigars
Well, I know I had it comin'
I am aware of the inevitability of my punishment
I know I can't be free
I have accepted that I will not be granted freedom
But those people keep a-movin'
Although I am confined, the world outside the prison is still moving forward
And that's what tortures me
The thought of missing out on life and opportunities causes me pain
Well, if they freed me from this prison
If I were granted freedom from incarceration
If that railroad train was mine
And if I owned the train currently passing by
I bet I'd move it on a little
I'd hasten the train's pace
Farther down the line
And travel further away from Folsom Prison
Far from Folsom Prison
Distant from my current confinement
That's where I want to stay
I wish to remain far from the prison's reach
And I'd let that lonesome whistle
I'd allow the train's melancholic whistle sound to resonate with me
Blow my blues away
To ease my sadness and sufferings
Lyrics © DistroKid, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny R. Cash
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@greysparrow68
Two great buddies. Two great musicians. And they're having so much fun. What a great musical moment.
@kassemir
Willie's spanish guitar and Johnny's western guitar sound really good together. Awsome performance, so simple, but so powerful, brilliant!
@pol1250
Johnny's voice is one of billions!!
@AndyBRGN
Well said, man. There's too many soulless musicians out there. I just wish my generation could see it, and start listen to the real music. RIP Johnny Cash.
@gilbertohlson6363
A rare treat, Willie and Johnny together on stage.
@kidddogbites
Johnny's voice is great and Willie's guitar sounds like no other.
@19712057
I am glad somebody gives him credit. I am heavy metal, but this guy is AMAZING!
@berkeleyhome
the reverence of the crowd says it all about these two guys...legends
@gnsvitek
This must've been something to see live. Two legends.
@snarfinigus
Two icons. I don't care what music you love, this kind of music anyone will love. The fans start out clapping, but end up enthralled (as in charmed, captivated, and spellbound). Witness real American music.