Folsom Prison Blues
Hank Williams Jr. · Other Songs - Hank Williams Jr.
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 freight train keeps a rolling on down to San Antone
Well when I was just a baby my mama told me son
Bocephus be a good boy don't ever play with guns
But I killed a man in Shreveport just to watch him die
When I hear that whistle blowing I hang my head and I cry
I bet there's rich folks eatin' in a fancy dining car
They're prob'ly drinking coffee and smoking big cigars
But I know I had it coming I know I can't be free
But those people keep a moving and that's what tortures me
[ guitar ]Well if they freed me from this prison if
that railroad train was mine
I bet I'd move it on a little farther down the line
Far from Folsom Prison that's where I wanna stay
Then Lord I'd let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away
Oh Lord I'd let that lonesome whistle blow all my blues away
Folsom Prison Blues
Hank Williams Jr. delivers a powerful interpretation of the classic country standard, Folsom Prison Blues. While the song is inextricably linked to his father, Hank Williams, the elder, this recording showcases the younger Williams' distinct vocal intensity and commitment to the outlaw country tradition. The track serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Williams family within the genre, bridging the gap between traditional honky-tonk and the more aggressive rock-infused styles that would later define Hank Jr.'s career. This performance highlights his ability to honor established material while imprinting it with his own rugged character. As part of a broader discography that includes hits like Lawyers, Guns, And Money, this rendition remains a significant song in his catalog, demonstrating his mastery of the genre's foundational narratives without relying on lyrical repetition.