☝️ Key Points
- The song tells the story of a man who is imprisoned in Starkville
- He is arrested for violating the curfew
- In prison, he feels unfairly treated and abandoned
- The lyrics reflect the arbitrariness and injustice of the justice system
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "Starkville City Jail" by
Johnny Cash tell the story of a man who is imprisoned in the city of Starkville. It begins with the protagonist leaving his motel room and wandering around the sleeping city. He enjoys the warm night air and the beauty of the magnolia trees. But suddenly, he is surrounded by the police and arrested for violating the curfew.
The line "They're bound to get you. 'Cause they got a curfew" shows that the police always catch someone who violates the curfew. The protagonist is taken to the city jail and is confused about the reason for his arrest. The police officers take away his personal belongings, including his pills and guitar picks. When he tries to give his name, he is interrupted and silenced.
In jail, he feels treated unfairly and calls for the sergeant, but he has already gone home. The protagonist is frustrated and angrily kicks the cell door. Throughout the night, no one comes to visit him or verify his identity.
The next morning, he is finally released, but he only gets his personal belongings back, including a guitar pick and a yellow dandelion. The lyrics end with the repetition of the line "They're bound to get you, 'cause they got a curfew, and you go to the Starkville City Jail", emphasizing the seemingly recurring nature of arrests in Starkville.
The lyrics of the song reflect the protagonist's experience of being arbitrarily arrested and mistreated in a small town. They also highlight the absolute power of the police and the injustices of the justice system.