Folsom Prison Blues
Nathan Stanley Lyrics
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And I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when
I'm stuck at Folsom Prison and time keeps draggin' on
But that train keeps 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
I bet there's rich folk eatin' in a fancy dining car
They're prob'ly drinkin' coffee and smokin' big cigars
But 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 on over 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 lyrics of Nathan Stanley's song Folsom Prison Blues tell the story of a prisoner stuck in Folsom Prison, feeling trapped and hopeless by his current situation. He hears the train coming, reminding him of a life outside of the prison walls, and how he has not seen the sunshine in a long time. The lyrics also reveal that the singer is in jail for shooting a man in Reno. He knows he has to pay for his actions but the thought of the people outside the prison living their lives, dining and smoking luxurious cigars tortures him.
The lyrics are a classic representation of isolation and longing for freedom. The imagery of the train and the outside world passing by, contrasted with the mundane and oppressive world of prison, creates a powerful sense of confinement and despair. The singer's regret for his actions is palpable, and the song captures the feeling of being trapped by your own choices.
Line by Line Meaning
I hear the train a comin', it's rollin' 'round the bend
I hear the train approaching as it comes around the bend
And I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when
I've been in prison for so long that I can't recall the last time I saw the sun outside
I'm stuck at Folsom Prison and time keeps draggin' on
I've been imprisoned at Folsom Prison for quite some time and each day feels long and foreboding
But that train keeps rollin' on down to San Antone
Despite my feelings of confinement, the train continues on its journey towards San Antone
When I was just a baby my mama told me
My mother gave me some advice when I was very young
"Son, always be a good boy, don't ever play with guns"
"Son, never misbehave, and never wield a gun"
But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die
Despite my mother's warnings, I murdered an individual in Reno and took pleasure in their death
When I hear that whistle blowin' I hang my head and cry
Whenever I hear the train whistle, I'm filled with sadness and shed tears
I bet there's rich folk eatin' in a fancy dining car
I imagine wealthy people are eating in a lavish dining car
They're prob'ly drinkin' coffee and smokin' big cigars
These affluent individuals are likely indulging in coffee and cigars
But I know I had it comin' I know I can't be free
I'm fully aware that I deserve this imprisonment and that my freedom is unattainable
But those people keep a movin' and that's what tortures me
Despite my misery, the people on the train keep moving forward, which is a source of agony for me
Well, if they freed me from this prison if that railroad train was mine
If I was released from prison and owned the train, I would take control and move far away
I bet I'd move on over a little farther down the line
I'd likely move to a location further away from Folsom Prison
Far from Folsom Prison that's where I want to stay
I aspire to live as far away from Folsom Prison as possible
And I'd let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away
The sound of the train whistle would be a comforting reminder of my newfound freedom and a release from my despair
Contributed by Julian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.