Meaning of 'Folsom Prison Blues'

by Johnny Cash

Interpretation

The lyrics of the song "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash tell the story of a man who is in prison and longs for freedom. It describes how he hears the train passing by and wishes he were on board, far away from Folsom Prison. The lyrics also express remorse and feelings of guilt, as the singer confesses to having shot a man in Reno.

The opening lines of the lyrics describe how the singer is in prison and longs for the freedom he hasn't seen in a long time. He also mentions that time passes slowly as the train keeps going. This symbolizes his hope for a better life outside of prison.

The lyrics also include the memory of his mother's words, who told him as a child to always be a good boy and never play with guns. However, the singer confesses that he shot a man in Reno. He describes how he feels sad when he hears the train whistle and feels ashamed of his actions.

There is also a passage in the lyrics where the singer imagines how the rich people on the train live in luxury while he is stuck in prison. He recognizes that he deserves his punishment, but it torments him that life goes on outside while he is incarcerated.

The lyrics end with the singer's wish to be freed from prison and for the train to belong to him. He dreams of being far away from Folsom Prison and leaving his troubles behind.

Overall, the lyrics of the song "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash depict feelings of remorse, longing for freedom, and the consequences of wrong choices. It is a powerful song that expresses the singer's emotions and his hope for a better future.