Folsom Prison Blues
Bob Dylan · Other Songs - Bob Dylan
I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when
I'm stucked in Folsom Prison and time keeps dragging on
And I hear that whistle blowing all down to San Antone
When I was just a baby my mamma 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 train a-pulling I hang my head and cry
I bet there's rich folks eating in their fancy dining cars
They're probably drinking coffee and smoking big cigars
But I know I had it coming, I know I can't be free
But the people keep a-moving, and that's what tortures me
If they'd free me from this prison, if that railroad train was mine
You bet I moved it on a little further down the line
Far from Folsom Prison that's where I long to stay
And I'd let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away
Folsom Prison Blues
Bob Dylan's "Folsom Prison Blues" stands as a definitive acoustic ballad from his 1965 live album, capturing the weary spirit of a man reflecting on the American criminal justice system. Recorded with the legendary Hank Williams at Folsom Prison, the track blends traditional country storytelling with Dylan's evolving folk-rock sensibility. The song explores themes of regret, isolation, and the human condition behind bars, utilizing a simple yet haunting melody that has become a staple of his live performances. Its enduring popularity stems from its raw emotional honesty and its ability to transcend specific historical contexts, resonating with audiences across generations as a poignant commentary on freedom and confinement.

