Folsom Prison Blues
Santa Jam Vó Alberta Lyrics


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I hear the train a comin', 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 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 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 on 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

In "Folsom Prison Blues," Santa Jam Vó Alberta sings about being trapped in Folsom prison and longing for freedom. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who is feeling isolated and regretful for the choices they have made.


The song begins with the singer hearing a train approaching, symbolizing hope and freedom. However, they acknowledge that they haven't experienced happiness ("seen the sunshine") for a long time. Being stuck in Folsom prison, they feel as if time is dragging on endlessly. Despite this, the train continues on its path to San Antone, a place that represents freedom and escape.


The next verse tells the story of the singer's upbringing, where their mother advised them to always be good and avoid trouble. However, they confess to shooting a man in Reno out of curiosity, causing them to feel deep remorse whenever they hear a train whistle blow. This demonstrates the consequences of their actions and the guilt they now carry.


As the song progresses, the singer envisions wealthy individuals enjoying the luxury of a fancy dining car, sipping coffee and smoking cigars. They acknowledge that they deserve their imprisonment and the loss of their freedom, but it is the fact that these individuals, the rich and free, keep moving forward that tortures them. It highlights a sense of envy and longing for the life they can no longer have.


In the final verse, the singer fantasizes about being released from prison and owning the railroad train. They imagine using it to move away from Folsom prison, away from their blues, and towards a freer existence. The lonesome whistle of the train symbolizes their yearning for a different life, far removed from their current circumstances.


In summary, "Folsom Prison Blues" tells the story of a person trapped in prison who reflects on their past actions, feels regret, and yearns for freedom. The lyrics capture the emotions of isolation, guilt, longing, and an unfulfilled desire for a better life.


Line by Line Meaning

I hear the train a comin', it's rolling round the bend
I can hear the approaching train coming closer and going around the curve


And I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when
I haven't had the chance to see sunlight for an unknown period of time


I'm stuck in Folsom prison, and time keeps draggin' on
I am trapped and confined in Folsom prison, and time feels endlessly slow


But that train keeps a rollin' on down to San Antone
Meanwhile, the train keeps moving forward, heading towards San Antone


When I was just a baby, my mama told me 'son'
When I was a young child, my mother warned me, saying


'Always be a good boy, don't ever play with guns'
'You should always behave well, never engaging in dangerous activities with firearms'


But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die
However, in Reno, I deliberately shot a man and witnessed his death out of sheer curiosity


When I hear that whistle blowin', I hang my head and cry
Whenever I hear the sound of a train whistle, I feel sorrowful and hang my head in tears


I bet there's rich folks eating in a fancy dining car
I imagine that wealthy individuals are enjoying a meal in a luxurious dining car


They're probably drinkin' coffee and smoking big cigars
They are most likely sipping coffee and leisurely smoking large cigars


Well I know I had it coming, I know I can't be free
I am aware that I deserve the consequences, and I understand I cannot obtain freedom


But those people keep on movin'
However, those individuals continue to progress


And that's what tortures me
The fact that they are able to move forward is what torments me


Well if they freed me from this prison
If they released me from this prison


If that railroad train was mine
If I owned that railroad train


I bet I'd move it on a little farther down the line
I would definitely make it travel a bit further along the tracks


Far from Folsom prison, that's where I want to stay
I desire to stay far away from Folsom prison


And I'd let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away
I would allow the melancholic sound of the train whistle to alleviate my sorrows




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Johnny R. Cash

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Gabi Kowalski

👏👏👏

Maria José

Adoroooooooo

Santa Jam Vó Alberta

é nois Mary Joe!

russell thomas

great remake woohoo

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