About the Song
“Folsom Prison Blues” was first written and performed by Johnny Cash in 1956, inspired by the crime film Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison. The song, sung from the perspective of an inmate serving time for murder, is known for its stark, mournful tone and unforgettable line: “I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die.” Cash explained that he wanted the reason for the murder to be as senseless as possible.
By 1968, Cash’s career was struggling, and his personal battles with alcoholism and addiction were taking a toll. Despite his outlaw persona, Cash had never spent significant time in prison, but he had developed a deep connection with inmates, corresponding with fans behind bars and performing in prisons across the U.S. On January 13, 1968, Cash performed at Folsom Prison in California, recording a live album that would breathe new life into his career.
The performance was electric. Cash, determined to put on a powerful show for the inmates, had rehearsed intensely and even learned “Greystone Chapel,” a song written by a Folsom inmate. Despite strict security, including armed guards above the audience and a prohibition against standing, the crowd’s enthusiasm injected energy into the recording, making it a raw, unforgettable experience. The live album went to No. 1, marking a major career resurgence for Cash.
Cash’s bond with prisoners became an integral part of his identity. In his 1971 song “Man in Black,” he explains his trademark dark attire as a sign of solidarity with the oppressed, including prisoners. Cash would continue to advocate for prison reform, testifying before Congress and meeting with President Richard Nixon in 1972. Live at Folsom Prison
Lyrics
If you could see me now
The one who said that he’d rather roam
The one who said he’d rather be alone
If you could only see me now
If I could hold you now
Just for a moment, if I could make you mine
Just for a while, turn back the hands of time
If I could only hold you now
I’ve been too long in the wind, too long in the rain
Takin’ any comfort that I can
Lookin’ back and longin’ for the freedom of my chains
Lyin’ in your lovin’ arms again
If you could hear me now (ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)
Singin’ somewhere through a lonely night (ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)
Dreamin’ of the arms that held me tight (ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)
If you could only hear me now
I’ve been too long in the wind, too long in the rain
Takin’ any comfort that I can
Lookin’ back and longin’ for the freedom of my chains
Lyin’ in your lovin’ arms again
Hmm-hmm-hmm (ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)
Hmm-hmm-hmm (ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)
Hmm-hmm-hmm (ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)
Hmm-hmm-hmm (hmm-hmm-hmm)
Hmm-hmm-hmm (ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)
Hmm-hmm-hmm (ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)Advertisement
