About the song

The Highwaymen: “Folsom Prison Blues.” Originally penned and recorded by Johnny Cash in 1955, this song became one of his earliest and most enduring signature tunes, famously re-recorded and performed live at Folsom Prison itself in 1968. When The Highwaymen – comprising Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson – formed in 1985, it was only natural that this quintessential Johnny Cash anthem would find a place on their debut album, Highwayman. It’s more than just a cover; it’s a reunion of Cash with his most famous lyrical creation, amplified by the collective gravitas of his outlaw brethren.

The lyrics of “Folsom Prison Blues” vividly capture the bleak reality and simmering regret of a prisoner behind bars. The narrator, confined within the grim walls of Folsom, reflects on his crime, the monotony of his existence, and the bitter irony of hearing a train roll by, symbolizing the freedom he’s lost. The famous line, “I shot a man in Reno / Just to watch him die,” delivered with chilling detachment, sets the tone for a life consumed by reckless actions and their irreversible consequences. It speaks to themes of confinement, remorse, and the longing for a life outside, contrasting the prisoner’s stagnant existence with the constant motion of the world beyond the walls. It’s a stark, unromanticized look at life on the inside, filled with the raw emotion of regret and the yearning for escape, even if only in imagination.

On The Highwaymen’s rendition of “Folsom Prison Blues,” the focus naturally remains squarely on Johnny Cash. It is, after all, his song, and his commanding baritone, now even deeper and more weathered by years of experience, delivers the narrative with an unparalleled authenticity. He owns every word, every beat of the train-like rhythm, imbuing the story with the weight of a lifetime spent observing and understanding the darker corners of the human condition. While Cash takes the lead, the presence of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson adds a powerful, almost spiritual backing. Their collective harmony on the chorus, or subtle instrumental contributions, create a sense of shared understanding and support, elevating the song from a solo performance to a communal experience among giants who all knew a thing or two about life on the fringes. It’s a testament to the respect and camaraderie within the group that they lend their immense talents to bolster Cash’s ownership of his legendary tale.

The musical arrangement of “Folsom Prison Blues” on The Highwayman album remains faithful to the iconic rhythm and blues-infused country sound of Cash’s original. It features that unmistakable “boom-chicka-boom” train rhythm, driven by a prominent acoustic guitar, a steady bass line, and understated drums. The instrumentation is sparse and effective, designed to provide a raw, driving backdrop for the narrative. The production is clean and direct, allowing Cash’s powerful vocals to cut through with unvarnished honesty, maintaining the song’s gritty, rebellious spirit while benefiting from the collective strength of The Highwaymen.

“Folsom Prison Blues” is a song that has transcended generations and genres, becoming a cultural touchstone for its raw honesty and powerful imagery. The Highwaymen’s version serves as a magnificent tribute to Johnny Cash’s enduring legacy, showcasing his signature song within the unique framework of this supergroup. It remains a definitive and electrifying classic, a timeless narrative of confinement, regret, and the train that just keeps rolling, keeping that famous prison in the minds of millions.

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Lyrics

I hear the train a comin’
It’s rollin’ ’round the bend
And I ain’t seen the sunshine
Since, I don’t know when
I’m stuck in Folsom Prison
And time keeps draggin’ on
But that train keeps a-rollin’
On down to San Antone
When I was just a baby
My Mama told me, “Son
Always be a good boy
Don’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
I bet there’s rich folks eatin’
In a fancy dining car
They’re probably drinkin’ coffee
And smokin’ big cigars
But I know I had it comin’
I know I can’t be free
But those people keep a-movin’
And that’s what tortures me
Well, if they freed me from this prison
If that railroad train was mine
I bet I’d move out over a little
Farther down the line
Far from Folsom Prison
That’s where I want to stay
And I’d let that lonesome whistle
Blow my blues away