Johnny Cash
"Folsom Prison Blues (1964)" lyrics

Folsom Prison Blues (1964)

I hear the train a coming
It's rolling around the bend
And I ain't seen the sunshine
Since I don't know when
I'm stuck in Folsom prison
And time keeps dragging on
But that train keeps on rolling
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 blowing
I hang my head and cry

I bet there's rich folks eating
In a fancy dining car
They're probably drinking coffee
And smoking big cigars
Well, I know I had it coming
I know I can't be free
But those people keep on moving
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 further 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