Here is a short essay that I wrote earlier this semester for a English class. The topic was your favorite song of all time. I love Johnny Cash. His life is earthy and real. His music is inspiring. I reccomend his book, Man In White, if you haven't read it check it out. In the mean time enjoy this reflection on one of my favorite songs, "Flosom Prison Blues".

“Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash

                My favorite song of all time is “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash. Like the artist, the song is timeless. Johnny Cash has transcended lines such as musical genre and generational disparity. Written in the 1950’s this song has also transcended these lines and lasted throughout decades as a much loved song of musical fans.

                Johnny Cash composed this song while serving in the United States Air force in the early 1950’s before he became a famous recorded artist. Cash was stirred to pen the words to “Folsom Prison Blues” after seeing a documentary film on Folsom Prison. His time in the Air Force away from loved ones and surrounded by thoughts of warfare undoubtedly contributed to the major themes of this song. Themes of loneliness, guilt and a desire for freedom cry out from the lyrics. This song communicates a story of a man who is spending time in Folsom Prison after murdering a man in Reno. This man can hear the sound of a train moving down the line which represents freedom for the imprisoned convict. This man longs to be free from his prison both physically and emotionally and move far away from Folsom Prison.

                Like the lyrics the music itself communicates the themes of guilt, loneliness, and a desire for freedom. There is a country western rhythm to “Folsom Prison Blues” amplified by guitar and bass which almost create the sound of a train. Johnny Cash’s baritone voice is also earthy and creates a rough sound that communicates feelings of blues, remorse, and passion. This is a fantastic musical motif that broke from the mold of the current sounds of the 1950’s country western and gospel music that were popular at the time. “Folsom Prison Blues” helped to put Johnny Cash on the map as a standout recording artist and today the lyrics and sound still ring true and pure in the ears of the listener.