FOLSOM PRISON BLUES

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 at Folsom Prison and time keeps draggin' on
But that train keeps 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 folk eatin' in a fancy dining car
They're prob'ly 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 on 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

Written by Johnny Cash who recorded it in 1956, and released it on his 1956 LP Johnny Cash With His Hot And Blue Guitar. Written in 1953 and recorded it in 1955, this song became Cash's his first hit. The above lyrics refer to Johnny Cash's original version.

The thrilling, electric 1967 version recorded live at Folsom Prison was released on his live 1968 album At Folsom Prison.

Bruce jammed with Joe Grushecky And The Houserockers on 17 Oct 1995 at The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ. The song was not performed during the gig, but it was sound-checked the previous day.