Folsom Prison Blues Lyrics

Well, I hear the train a cominÂ'
ItÂ's a rolling round the bend
Well, I ainÂ't seen the sunshine
Since I donÂ't know when,

And IÂ'm stuck in Folsom prison,
Time keeps dragginÂ' on
But that train keeps a rollinÂ'
On down to San Antone.

I was just a baby
My mama told me, son,
Said, always be a good boy,
DonÂ'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.

--- Instrumental ---

Well, I bet thereÂ's rich folks eating
In a fancy dining car
TheyÂ're probably drinkinÂ' coffee
And smoking big cigars.

Well, I know I had it coming,
I know I canÂ't be free
Now, those people keep a-movinÂ'
ThatÂ's what tortures me.

If theyÂ'd free me from this prison,
If that railroad train was mine
I bet IÂ'd move just a little
Further down the line

Yeah, Far from Folsom prison,
That's where I want to stay
Lord I here that whistle blowing
Blow my blues away.

(Spoken)
It's been thirty years now
And I know I'll never leave
This God forsaken place alive
Honest to God, When I hear those words
Ringin' through my head
As loud as that old train whistle
Crying out to me night after continuous night
Sending a cold steal quiver through my voice
I close my eyes and pray
That that iron horse is bound for the promise land
And I'll get to ride it home to glory...