Jerry Reed
"Folsom Prison Blues" lyrics

Folsom Prison Blues

Well, I hear that train a coming
She's rolling all around the bend
I ain't seen the sunshine
Since I don't know when
Lord, I'm stuck in Folsom prison
Whoah, and time keeps dragging on
And that train keeps rolling
On down to San Antone

Well, now I bet there's rich folks eating
In a fancy dining car
I bet they're drinking coffee
Chewing on big cigars
But I know I had it coming
Now I know I can't be free
And that train keeps a moving
Oh, that's what tortures me
Tell them, guitar

Well, now when I was just a baby
My mama told me, "Son
Always be a good boy
Don't you mess around with guns"
But I shot a man in Reno
Stood there and watched him die
And when I hear that whistle blowing
Lord, I hang my head and cry

Well, if that freed me from this prison
If that railroad train was mine
Bet I'd move it on
Just a little bit farther down the line
Way from Folsom prison
That's where I want to stay
Where I got to stay now
And then I'd let that lonesome whistle
Let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away
Tell them, son