About the song
Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” is one of the most iconic songs in country music history, and it played a crucial role in shaping Cash’s image as a man who wasn’t afraid to delve into the darker sides of life. Released in 1955, the song was written by Johnny Cash himself and became part of his debut album With His Hot and Blue Guitar, which showcased his deep, resonant voice and straightforward musical style. The song is famous for its raw, gritty narrative, with Cash singing from the perspective of a prisoner serving time in Folsom State Prison, lamenting his fate after making a life-changing mistake.
One of the most memorable lines, “I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die,” captures the cold, unforgiving nature of the character and is often quoted as a standout in American songwriting. Cash drew inspiration from the 1951 film Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison and a line from Gordon Jenkins’ Crescent City Blues, blending elements of folk, blues, and traditional country to create a distinctive sound that became his signature.
Though it was originally released in 1955, the song saw a resurgence in popularity when Cash performed it live during his famous concert at Folsom Prison in 1968, solidifying his bond with prisoners and outsiders alike. That live recording climbed to No. 1 on the Country charts and even broke into the Billboard Hot 100. “Folsom Prison Blues” remains a timeless classic, often celebrated for its honesty, raw emotion, and the way it encapsulates Cash’s “Man in Black” persona, making him an enduring legend in the world of music.