Folsom Prison Blues

(album: Mama Tried - 1968)

I hear that train a coming it's coming around the bend
I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when
I'm locked in Folsom Prison and time keeps dragging on
And I hear that train a rolling 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 lonesome whistle I hang my head and I cry.

I bet there's rich folks eating in a fancy dining car
They're probably drinking coffee and smoking big cigars
Well I know I had it coming I know I can't be free
But I hear that train a rolling that's what tortures me.

If they freed me from this prison if that railroad train was mine
I bet I'd move it over a little farther down the line
Far from Folsom Prison that's where I long to be
And let that train keep a rolling and roll my blues away...