About the song Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash
“Folsom Prison Blues” is a song written and recorded by Johnny Cash, released in 1955. It was inspired by Cash’s visit to Folsom Prison in California, where he performed for the inmates. The song was Cash’s first major hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Country chart. It has since become one of his most iconic and enduring songs.
Interpretation:
“Folsom Prison Blues” is a song about the loneliness and despair of prison life. The lyrics are simple and direct, but they are also powerful and moving. Cash’s heartfelt vocals and the song’s mournful melody perfectly capture the song’s theme of confinement and longing for freedom.
The song’s popularity has been attributed to its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. The lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped or helpless, and the song’s message of hope and redemption offers comfort and inspiration.
Legacy:
“Folsom Prison Blues” is a classic country song that has had a profound impact on popular music. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson. The song remains one of Cash’s most popular and enduring recordings, and it continues to be loved by fans around the world.
Key Themes and Elements:
- Loneliness: The song is about the loneliness of prison life. The lyrics describe the singer’s isolation and longing for companionship.
- Despair: The song is also about the despair of prison life. The lyrics describe the singer’s feelings of hopelessness and regret.
- Hope: The song ends on a note of hope. The singer expresses his belief that he will eventually be released from prison and reunited with his loved ones.
- Redemption: The song also offers a message of redemption. The singer suggests that he can overcome his past mistakes and build a better life.
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Video Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash
Folsom Prison Blues Lyrics
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 AntoneWhen 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 blowing, I hang my head and cryI 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 a movin’
And that’s what tortures meWell 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