Folsom Prison Blues
Johnny Cash
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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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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.
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InspirationThe 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.
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First ReleaseThe song was initially recorded in 1955 and released on Cash's debut album "With His Hot and Blue Guitar" of 1957.
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Live AlbumA live version of "Folsom Prison Blues" from his 1968 album "At Folsom Prison" later became a number-one hit on the country music charts.
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Unique LyricsThe 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."
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Grammy AwardsThe live version of "Folsom Prison Blues" won two Grammy Awards; Best Country Vocal Performance, Male and Best Country Song in 1969.
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Recording ProcedureThe original recording of the song was made by the legendary producer Sam Phillips for Sun Records.
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Unique Chord ProgressionThe song is known for its unique chord progression, which is based on "Crescent City Blues" by Gordon Jenkins.
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DisputeIn 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.
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InfluenceThe song has had a significant impact on popular culture and has been covered by numerous artists, showing its lasting influence on the music industry.
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Real-Life ExperienceWhile 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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Citation
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"Folsom Prison Blues Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 8 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30946213/Johnny+Cash/Folsom+Prison+Blues>.
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