Folsom Prison Blues
Encyclopedia
"Folsom Prison Blues" is the title of a song written and recorded by American country music
artist Johnny Cash
. The song combines elements from two popular folk
genres, the train song and the prison
song, both of which Cash would continue to use for the rest of his career. It became one of Cash's signature songs.
listens to the whistle of a train outside his cell and recounts his crimes ("I shot a man in Reno
/just to watch him die"), imagines the free people inside the train ("They're probably drinking coffee and smoking big cigars") and dreams of what he would do if he were free. "I know I had it coming/I know I can't be free," sings the imprisoned man. "But those people keep a'moving/and that's what tortures me."
(1951) while serving in West Germany
in the United States Air Force
. Cash recounted how he came up with the "Reno" line: "I sat with my pen in my hand, trying to think up the worst reason a person could have for killing another person, and that's what came to mind."
Cash borrowed the melody for the song and many of the lyrics from Gordon Jenkins
's 1953 Seven Dreams concept album
, specifically the song "Crescent City Blues". Jenkins was not credited on the original record, which was issued by Sun Records
. In the early 1970s, after the song became popular, Cash paid Jenkins a settlement of approximately $75,000.
Cash included the song, considered one of his signature song
s, in his repertoire for decades. Cash performed the song at Folsom Prison itself on January 13, 1968 and this version was eventually released on the At Folsom Prison
album the same year. That opening song is more up-tempo than the Sun studio recording. The recording's most notable feature — the whoops from the audience at the "Reno" line — were added in post-production, according to Michael Streissguth. A special on the Walk the Line
DVD
indicates that the prisoners were careful not to cheer at any of Cash's comments about the prison itself, fearing reprisal from guards. Pitchfork Media
placed this live version at number 8 on its list of "The 200 Greatest Songs of the 1960s".
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
artist Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash
John R. "Johnny" Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century...
. The song combines elements from two popular folk
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
genres, the train song and the prison
Prison
A prison is a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime...
song, both of which Cash would continue to use for the rest of his career. It became one of Cash's signature songs.
Content
In the lyrics, the jailed protagonistProtagonist
A protagonist is the main character of a literary, theatrical, cinematic, or musical narrative, around whom the events of the narrative's plot revolve and with whom the audience is intended to most identify...
listens to the whistle of a train outside his cell and recounts his crimes ("I shot a man in Reno
Reno, Nevada
Reno is the county seat of Washoe County, Nevada, United States. The city has a population of about 220,500 and is the most populous Nevada city outside of the Las Vegas metropolitan area...
/just to watch him die"), imagines the free people inside the train ("They're probably drinking coffee and smoking big cigars") and dreams of what he would do if he were free. "I know I had it coming/I know I can't be free," sings the imprisoned man. "But those people keep a'moving/and that's what tortures me."
History
Cash was inspired to write this song after seeing the movie Inside the Walls of Folsom PrisonInside the Walls of Folsom Prison
Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison is a 1951 drama film starring Steve Cochran and David Brian. Set in Folsom State Prison in California, the film was seen both in the United States and Europe....
(1951) while serving in West Germany
West Germany
West Germany is the common English, but not official, name for the Federal Republic of Germany or FRG in the period between its creation in May 1949 to German reunification on 3 October 1990....
in the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
. Cash recounted how he came up with the "Reno" line: "I sat with my pen in my hand, trying to think up the worst reason a person could have for killing another person, and that's what came to mind."
Cash borrowed the melody for the song and many of the lyrics from Gordon Jenkins
Gordon Jenkins
Gordon Hill Jenkins was an American arranger, composer and pianist who was an influential figure in popular music in the 1940s and 1950s, renowned for his lush string arrangements...
's 1953 Seven Dreams concept album
Concept album
In music, a concept album is an album that is "unified by a theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, narrative, or lyrical." Commonly, concept albums tend to incorporate preconceived musical or lyrical ideas rather than being improvised or composed in the studio, with all songs contributing...
, specifically the song "Crescent City Blues". Jenkins was not credited on the original record, which was issued by Sun Records
Sun Records
Sun Records is a record label founded in Memphis, Tennessee, starting operations on March 27, 1952.Founded by Sam Phillips, Sun Records was known for giving notable musicians such as Elvis Presley , Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash...
. In the early 1970s, after the song became popular, Cash paid Jenkins a settlement of approximately $75,000.
Cash included the song, considered one of his signature song
Signature song
A signature song is the one song that a popular and well-established singer or band is most closely identified with or best known for, even if they have had success with a variety of songs...
s, in his repertoire for decades. Cash performed the song at Folsom Prison itself on January 13, 1968 and this version was eventually released on the At Folsom Prison
At Folsom Prison
At Folsom Prison is a live album by Johnny Cash, released on Columbia Records in May 1968. Since his 1955 song "Folsom Prison Blues", Cash had been interested in performing at a prison. His idea was put on hold until 1967, when personnel changes at Columbia Records put Bob Johnston in charge of...
album the same year. That opening song is more up-tempo than the Sun studio recording. The recording's most notable feature — the whoops from the audience at the "Reno" line — were added in post-production, according to Michael Streissguth. A special on the Walk the Line
Walk the Line
Walk the Line is a 2005 American biographical drama film directed by James Mangold and based on the early life and career of country music artist Johnny Cash...
DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
indicates that the prisoners were careful not to cheer at any of Cash's comments about the prison itself, fearing reprisal from guards. Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
placed this live version at number 8 on its list of "The 200 Greatest Songs of the 1960s".
Cover versions
- Charley PrideCharley PrideCharley Frank Pride is an American country music singer. His smooth baritone voice was featured on thirty-nine number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. His greatest success came in the early- to mid-1970s, when he became the best-selling performer for RCA Records since Elvis...
covered the song on Country Charley Pride (RCA, 1966) before it hit number one on the charts. - Bob DylanBob DylanBob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
has recorded or performed the song on The Basement TapesThe Basement TapesThe Basement Tapes is a 1975 studio album by Bob Dylan and The Band. The songs featuring Dylan's vocals were recorded in 1967, eight years before the album's release, at houses in and around Woodstock, New York, where Dylan and the Band lived...
in 1967, during the Nashville SkylineNashville SkylineNashville Skyline is singer-songwriter Bob Dylan's ninth studio album, released by Columbia Records in April 1969.The album marked a dramatic departure for Dylan, previously known for his groundbreaking, poetic folk music and rock and roll...
sessions in May 1969, and during the Never Ending TourNever Ending TourThe Never Ending Tour is the popular name for Bob Dylan’s endless touring schedule since June 7, 1988. During the past 23+ years, musicians have come and gone and the band has continued to evolve...
, but it has never been released commercially. - Merle HaggardMerle HaggardMerle Ronald Haggard is an American country music singer, guitarist, fiddler, instrumentalist, and songwriter. Along with Buck Owens, Haggard and his band The Strangers helped create the Bakersfield sound, which is characterized by the unique twang of Fender Telecaster guitars, vocal harmonies,...
recorded the song on his 1968 Album Mama TriedMama Tried (album)Mama Tried is an album by American country singer Merle Haggard, released in 1968.The song "Mama Tried" won the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999.-Reissues:* In 1996, Mama Tried was reissued by BGO along with I'm a Lonesome Fugitive....
. - The International Submarine Band recorded the song on the EP Safe at HomeSafe at HomeSafe at Home was the 1968 album by The International Submarine Band, led by the 21-year-old Gram Parsons. Featuring four of Parsons' originals surrounded by six covers of classic country and rock and roll music, it helped to forge the country rock movement of the late 1960s and early...
, in 1968. - Waylon JenningsWaylon JenningsWaylon Arnold Jennings was an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician. Jennings began playing at eight. He began performing at twelve, on KVOW radio. Jennings formed a band The Texas Longhorns. Jennings worked as a D.J on KVOW, KDAV and KLLL...
covered the song on Jewels in 1968; the same recording appeared on Heartaches By The NumberHeartaches by the Number"Heartaches by the Number" is a popular and country song written by Harlan Howard and published in 1959.The biggest hit version was recorded by Guy Mitchell on August 24, 1959. It reached the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for the weeks of December 14 and December 21, 1959. The recording was...
in 1972; and a new version on the album Black on BlackBlack on BlackBlack on Black is an album by Waylon Jennings, released on RCA Victor in 1982. The second Jennings record, after 1977's Ol' Waylon, to be produced by Chips Moman, who had collaborated with Willie Nelson on Always on My Mind, Nelson's most successful album, Black on Black features a different sound...
in 1982. - Slim HarpoSlim HarpoSlim Harpo was an American blues musician. He was known as a master of the blues harmonica; the name "Slim Harpo" was derived from "harp," the popular nickname for the harmonica in blues circles.-Early life:...
recorded the song for Excello Records in 1969. - KentuckyKentuckyThe Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
based cowpunkCowpunkCowpunk or Country punk is a subgenre of punk rock and New Wave that began in the UK and California in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It combines punk rock or New Wave with country music, folk music, and blues in sound, subject matter, attitude, and style...
band Nine Pound HammerNine Pound HammerNine Pound Hammer is an American cowpunk band formed in 1985 by vocalist Scott Luallen and guitarist Blaine Cartwright in their hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky...
covered this song on their second album, Smokin' Taters!Smokin' Taters!Smokin' Taters! is a 1992 album by Owensboro, Kentucky-based cowpunk band Nine Pound Hammer.-Track listing:# Long Gone Daddy# Cadillac Inn# Everything You Know Is Wrong# Feelin' Kinda Froggy# Don't Get No# Folsom Prison Blues...
. - The song was covered by The Screaming Jets on their 1992 EP Living in EnglandLiving in England (EP)Living in England EP is an EP by the Australian band The Screaming Jets. The only single that was taken of this release was Living In England .-Track listing:#"Tunnel" – 4:38#"Meet Anybody" – 3:23#"Living in England" – 2:15...
. - Brooks & DunnBrooks & DunnBrooks & Dunn was an American country music duo consisting of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, who were both vocalists and songwriters. They were paired by record producer Tim DuBois in 1990. Before the duo's foundation, both members of the duo were solo recording artists...
covered the song on the 1994 album Red Hot + CountryRed Hot + CountryRed Hot + Country was the follow-up to No Alternative in the Red Hot Series of compilation albums, a series produced to raise awareness and money to fight AIDS/HIV and related health and social issues...
, released by the Red Hot OrganizationRed Hot OrganizationRed Hot Organization is a not-for-profit, 501 3, international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture.Since its inception in 1989, over 400 artists, producers and directors have contributed to over 15 compilation albums, related television programs and media events to raise...
. - The Reverend Horton Heat covered the song on the 1999 greatest hits album, Holy Roller.
- Keb' Mo'Keb' Mo'Keb' Mo is an American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter, currently living in Nashville, Tennessee, United States.-Early life:From early on he had an appreciation for the blues and gospel music...
covered it on the 2002 tribute album Kindred Spirits: A Tribute to the Songs of Johnny CashKindred Spirits: A Tribute to the Songs of Johnny CashKindred Spirits: A Tribute to the Songs of Johnny Cash is a tribute album to country singer Johnny Cash, released on Legacy Recordings on September 24, 2002 , several days after the previous tribute album to Cash, Dressed in Black. The record features several legendary musicians, including Little...
. He changed the Reno line to "They say I shot a man down in Reno, but that was just a lie." - Blackie and the Rodeo KingsBlackie and the Rodeo KingsBlackie and the Rodeo Kings are a Canadian folk rock/alternative country band with blues and country influences. The band was formed in 1996, in Hamilton, Ontario, by Tom Wilson, Stephen Fearing, and Colin Linden.-Early Period: 1990s:...
covered the song in the 2003 tribute album Johnny's Blues: A Tribute To Johnny CashJohnny's Blues: A Tribute To Johnny CashJohnny's Blues: A Tribute To Johnny Cash is a 2003 compilation album, released by Northern Blues Music, of blues-oriented songs made popular by Johnny Cash, sung by various Canadian and American performers.- Track listing :...
(Northern Blues) - The New York-based indie rockIndie rockIndie rock is a genre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1980s. Indie rock is extremely diverse, with sub-genres that include lo-fi, post-rock, math rock, indie pop, dream pop, noise rock, space rock, sadcore, riot grrrl and emo, among others...
band Firewater covered the song on their 2004 album, Songs We Should Have Written. - Celtic rockCeltic rockCeltic rock is a genre of folk rock and a form of Celtic fusion which incorporates Celtic music, instrumentation and themes into a rock music context...
band BlaggardsBlaggardsBlaggards are a four-piece Celtic rock band from Houston, Texas. The Houston Press described them as "Houston's only Celtic metal band" and "H-town's heir to the emerald throne of Phil Lynott and Shane MacGowan".- History :...
blended the song with Pete St. JohnPete St. JohnPete St. John is an Irish folk singer-songwriter, most notable for composing Fields of Athenry.St. John is a prolific composer of widely sung modern ballads; his other most famous song is "The Rare Ould Times"...
's "Fields of Athenry" to create a medley called "Prison Love Songs". - CanadianCanadaCanada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
country music singer George CanyonGeorge CanyonGeorge Canyon is a Canadian country music singer. He was runner up Nashville Star 2 in 2004. He grew up in Fox Brook, Pictou County, Nova Scotia and later lived in Hopewell, Nova Scotia before he moved west. He currently lives in High River, Alberta...
covered the song on his 2007 album ClassicsClassics (George Canyon album)Classics is the fifth studio album by Canadian country music singer George Canyon. The album is a collection of classic country songs covered by Canyon...
. - Black Stone CherryBlack Stone CherryBlack Stone Cherry is an American rock band formed in 2001 in Edmonton, Kentucky. They are signed to Roadrunner Records. The band consists of Chris Robertson , Ben Wells , Jon Lawhon , and John Fred Young...
often play this song live, and is featured on their album Live At The AstoriaLive at the Astoria, London (31.10.07)Live At The Astoria, London is the first live album from Southern rock band Black Stone Cherry. The album was released on October 31, 2007 by Concert Live. It is a two disc set of Black Stone Cherry's show at The Astoria in London, England...
. - VolbeatVolbeat (band)Volbeat is a Danish rock band formed in Copenhagen. They play a fusion of rock and roll, heavy metal, punk and rockabilly. They are inspired by classic rock and roll artists such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, as well as more contemporary hard rock, punk rock and metal bands, such as AC/DC,...
used the music as a tribute to Cash in the song "Sad Man's Tongue" in 2007. - EverlastEverlast (musician)Erik Francis Schrody , better known by his stage name Everlast, is a Grammy Award-winning American rapper and songwriter, known for his solo hit "What It's Like" and as the front-man for rap group House of Pain. He is also part of the hip-hop supergroup La Coka Nostra, which consists of members of...
covered the song on his 2008 album Love, War and the Ghost of Whitey FordLove, War and the Ghost of Whitey FordLove, War and the Ghost of Whitey Ford is the fifth solo album released by Everlast. The album was released on September 23, 2008 on his own record label Martyr Inc, with distribution by Hickory Records/Sony/ATV Music Publishing...
. - AccessoryAccessory (band)Accessory is a German synthpop/electro-industrial group consisting of Dirk Steyer and Ivo Lottig. They have toured with other groups including Hocico, And One, Terminal Choice....
covered the song on their 2011 album Underbeat. - Lester FlattLester FlattLester Raymond Flatt was a bluegrass musician and guitarist and mandolinist, best known for his membership in the Bluegrass duo The Foggy Mountain Boys, also known as "Flatt and Scruggs," with banjo picker Earl Scruggs. Flatt's career spanned multiple decades; besides his work with Scruggs, he...
covered the song in 1971.
Chart performance
| Chart (1968) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles | 1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 32 |
| Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 1 |
| Canadian RPM Top Singles | 17 |