Well, I hear the train a comin'
It's a rolling round the bend
Well, I ain't seen the sunshine
Since I don't know when,
And I'm stuck in Folsom prison,
Time keeps draggin' on
But that train keeps a rollin'
On down to San Antone.
I was just a baby
My mama told me, son,
Said, 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.
--- Instrumental ---
Well, I bet there's rich folks eating
In a fancy dining car
They're probably drinkin' coffee
And smoking big cigars.
Well, I know I had it coming,
I know I can't be free
Now, those people keep a-movin'
That's what tortures me.
If they'd free me from this prison,
If that railroad train was mine
I bet I'd move just a little
Further down the line
Yeah, Far from Folsom prison,
That's where I want to stay
Lord I here that whistle blowing
Blow my blues away.
(Spoken by Johnny)
It's been thirty years now
And I know I'll never leave
This God forsaken place alive
Honest to God, When I hear those words
Ringin' through my head
As loud as that old train whistle
Crying out to me night after continuous night
Sending a cold steal quiver through my voice
I close my eyes and pray
That that iron horse is bound for the promise land
And I'll get to ride it home to glory...
It's a rolling round the bend
Well, I ain't seen the sunshine
Since I don't know when,
And I'm stuck in Folsom prison,
Time keeps draggin' on
But that train keeps a rollin'
On down to San Antone.
I was just a baby
My mama told me, son,
Said, 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.
--- Instrumental ---
Well, I bet there's rich folks eating
In a fancy dining car
They're probably drinkin' coffee
And smoking big cigars.
Well, I know I had it coming,
I know I can't be free
Now, those people keep a-movin'
That's what tortures me.
If they'd free me from this prison,
If that railroad train was mine
I bet I'd move just a little
Further down the line
Yeah, Far from Folsom prison,
That's where I want to stay
Lord I here that whistle blowing
Blow my blues away.
(Spoken by Johnny)
It's been thirty years now
And I know I'll never leave
This God forsaken place alive
Honest to God, When I hear those words
Ringin' through my head
As loud as that old train whistle
Crying out to me night after continuous night
Sending a cold steal quiver through my voice
I close my eyes and pray
That that iron horse is bound for the promise land
And I'll get to ride it home to glory...