Folsom Prison Blues

Johnny Cash

About Folsom Prison Blues

"Folsom Prison Blues" is a song written in 1953 and first recorded in 1955 by American singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. The song combines elements from two popular folk styles, the train song and the prison song, both of which Cash continued to use for the rest of his career. It was one of Cash's signature songs. It was the eleventh track on his debut album With His Hot and Blue Guitar and it was also included (same version) on All Aboard the Blue Train. A live version, recorded among inmates at Folsom State Prison itself, became a No. 1 hit on the country music charts in 1968. In June 2014, Rolling Stone ranked it No. 51 on its list of the 100 greatest country songs of all time. 


Year:
2006
104 
#1

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I hear the train a comin'
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 dining car
They're probably 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 out 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

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Johnny Cash

John R. "Johnny" Cash (February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003), was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Although he is primarily remembered as a country music icon, his songs and sound spanned many other genres including rockabilly and rock and roll—especially early in his career—as well as blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal led to Cash being inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Gospel Music Hall of Fame. more »

19 fans

Written by: Johnny R. Cash

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Folsom Prison Blues" was one of Johnny Cash's most successful and famous songs. It was written by Cash himself while he was serving in the U.S Air Force stationed in Germany during the 1950s.
Inspiration
The song was inspired by the movie "Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison"; Johny Cash watched this film at an Armed Forces' base movie house, initiating the spark for the song's conception.
First Release
The song was initially recorded in 1955 and released on Cash's debut album "With His Hot and Blue Guitar" of 1957.
Live Album
A live version of "Folsom Prison Blues" from his 1968 album "At Folsom Prison" later became a number-one hit on the country music charts.
Unique Lyrics
The song is notorious for its dark lyrics, which are told from the perspective of a prisoner imagining freedom while locked behind bars. One of the most chilling lines of the song is "I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die."
Grammy Awards
The live version of "Folsom Prison Blues" won two Grammy Awards; Best Country Vocal Performance, Male and Best Country Song in 1969.
Recording Procedure
The original recording of the song was made by the legendary producer Sam Phillips for Sun Records.
Unique Chord Progression
The song is known for its unique chord progression, which is based on "Crescent City Blues" by Gordon Jenkins.
Dispute
In the late 1950s, Gordon Jenkins sued Johnny Cash for copying parts of his song “Crescent City Blues” for "Folsom Prison Blues." Cash agreed to pay $25,000 in damages.
Influence
The song has had a significant impact on popular culture and has been covered by numerous artists, showing its lasting influence on the music industry.
Real-Life Experience
While Johnny Cash never served time in prison, his performances in jails like Folsom Prison brought attention to the living conditions of inmates as he'd often advocate for prison reform.

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    Folsom Prison Blues

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1968

    Billboard #32


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