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Folsom Prison Blues
grateful dead & bob dylan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when
I'm stucked in Folsom Prison and time keeps dragging on
And I hear that whistle blowing all down to San Antone
When I was just a baby my momma 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 their fancy dining cars
They're probably drinking coffee and smoking big cigars
But I know I had it coming, I know I can't be free
But the people keep a-moving, and that's what tortures me
If they'd free me from this prison, if that railroad train was mine
You bet I moved it on a little further down the line
Far from Folsom Prison that's where I long to stay
And I'd let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away
The lyrics of "Folsom Prison Blues" by the Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan bring to life the experience of an incarcerated individual who feels trapped within the confines of Folsom Prison. The repetitive imagery of a train rolling symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of his situation. The singer expresses a sense of despair and longing for freedom as he recounts that he hasn't seen sunshine in a long time. This lack of sunlight can be interpreted not just literally, but also metaphorically as a symbol of hope or positivity that seems out of reach.
The singer reflects on his past mistakes, particularly the chilling admission that he shot a man in Reno just to watch him die. This act of violence weighs heavily on his conscience, as indicated by his reaction to the sound of a train pulling. The juxtaposition of the carefree attitude of the rich dining in luxury with his own dire circumstances highlights the stark contrast between his life in prison and the freedom he yearns for. Despite knowing that he deserves his punishment, he grapples with the torment of feeling trapped and unable to move forward.
The yearning for freedom and redemption becomes palpable as the singer fantasizes about a different life outside the prison walls. The mention of the railroad train symbolizes a potential lifeline to escape his current predicament. The desire to move further down the line implies a longing for distance from his past actions and a chance at a fresh start. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes his longing for release from Folsom Prison, where he dreams of letting the whistle blow his blues away, symbolizing a cathartic release of his emotional burden and a yearning for a better future.
Overall, "Folsom Prison Blues" delves into themes of regret, longing, and the desire for redemption. Through vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, the song captures the complex emotions of an individual grappling with the consequences of their actions and yearning for a chance to break free from the shackles of the past. The haunting melody and evocative lyrics combine to create a profound narrative that resonates with listeners, inviting them to contemplate the power of choices, redemption, and the enduring hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
I hear that train a-rolling, it's a-rolling round the bend
I am aware of the train approaching, making its way around the curve
I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when
It has been so long since I have seen the light of day
I'm stucked in Folsom Prison and time keeps dragging on
I am trapped in Folsom Prison and time seems to be moving slowly
And I hear that whistle blowing all down to San Antone
I can hear the whistle blowing all the way to San Antonio
When I was just a baby my momma told me: son
From a young age, my mother advised me, her son
Always be a good boy, don't ever play with guns
To always behave well and never handle guns
But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die
Despite my mother's advice, I killed a man in Reno out of curiosity
When I hear that train a-pulling I hang my head and cry
The sound of the train reminds me of my actions, causing me to feel remorseful
I bet there's rich folks eating in their fancy dining cars
I imagine wealthy individuals dining in luxury train cars
They're probably drinking coffee and smoking big cigars
Likely enjoying coffee and cigars as they travel comfortably
But I know I had it coming, I know I can't be free
I acknowledge that I deserved this fate and that I cannot escape it
But the people keep a-moving, and that's what tortures me
The fact that others continue on with their lives while I am stuck tortures me
If they'd free me from this prison, if that railroad train was mine
If I were released from prison, if I had control of that train
You bet I moved it on a little further down the line
I would definitely move it away from here along the tracks
Far from Folsom Prison that's where I long to stay
My desire is to be far away from Folsom Prison
And I'd let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away
I would allow the sound of the lonely whistle to ease my sorrows
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Johnny R. Cash
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jan Kołakowski
"Folsom Prison Blues, but on only one note".
What’s in a Name ?
You can always change the channel bitter Jan
gary dodson
Saw the Dead & Dylan in Philadelphia when they toured together. The Dead were outstanding, Dylan not so much. He sounded like his mouth was full of mush while he tried to sing. The Dead rocked the place something fierce. Jerry's guitar was superb.
James Henderson
@Stuart Parker i can only imagine
Stuart Parker
@James Henderson the worse concert I ever saw was van Morrison
James Henderson
@Stuart Parker hands down the worst concert i ever saw was bob dylan 11-6-99
Stuart Parker
Idiot
Greg Epperson
this is just too cool!!!!!
Kevin Hennessey
Jerry probably did more Dylan covers than any other artist
Saw them at the Meadowlands very good show
Katman Dew
Wow man......reminds me of the day I was born! Big up.....go Brent extra here