Folsom Prison Blues

by Johnny Cash
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Looking to play this yourself? Try the standard piano arrangement of “Folsom Prison Blues
Two-handed piano arrangement — color-coded notes, lead sheet, sheet music. Learn it yourself.

Other arrangements of Folsom Prison Blues

Pick a learning view or switch to the backing-track version.

Also available as a standard piano arrangement
Lyrics

I (G)hear the train a com in’; it’s roll in’ ’round the bend, and I ain’t seen (Gdim)the (G)sun shine since I don’t know when.

I’m (C)stuck at Fol some Pri son and time keeps drag gin’ (G)on.

But that (D7)train keeps roll in’ on down to San An (G)tone.

When (G)I was just ba by my ma ma told me “Son, al ways be (Gdim)a (G)good boy; don’t er play with guns.” But I (C)shot a man in Re no just to watch him (G)die.

When I (D7)hear whis blow

I hang my head and (G)cry.

I

Folsom Prison Blues — Accompaniment Sheet Music (Classic Notation)

3 people have learned this song

Classic piano notation for "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash as an accompaniment / backing track. Both hands engraved at publisher quality in G — sing or play melody on top while the score follows along at 208 BPM. Click any note to jump there.

Tip: Press play and sing the melody on top of the piano. If the original key (G) sits too high or low for your voice, use the transpose control to shift the accompaniment into a comfortable range — the backing moves with you. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the vocal melody in.

Try other practice modes:

About “Folsom Prison Blues

Is the engraved accompaniment score for "Folsom Prison Blues" suitable for a pianist?
Yes — both hands are notated in classic piano notation (treble + bass clefs, key G, real chord symbols), engraved server-side from the publisher MusicXML. A staff pianist or accompanist can read this directly from the screen or printed PDF and play the backing while you sing the melody.
What key is the piano accompaniment for "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash in?
The backing track is in G at 208 BPM. If that doesn't sit in your vocal range, use the live transpose control to shift up or down semitones — the accompaniment moves with the new key automatically.
Can I sing over "Folsom Prison Blues" with this accompaniment?
Yes — that's exactly what it's built for. The vocal melody is muted by default so you can sing freely. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the melody back in at a lower volume.
Is this a karaoke version of "Folsom Prison Blues"?
Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "Folsom Prison Blues", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.
Can I use "Folsom Prison Blues" as a backing track for my instrument?
Absolutely. Singers, guitarists, violinists, wind players, and instrumental practice in general all work — the piano holds the harmony so you can carry the melody on whatever instrument you play.
Can I download the accompaniment for "Folsom Prison Blues"?
Yes — registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.
Who wrote "Folsom Prison Blues"?
"Folsom Prison Blues" was originally performed by Johnny Cash. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.
What other backing tracks by Johnny Cash are available?
Other accompaniments by Johnny Cash: "Hurt". Same toggle-the-melody, change-the-key setup.
What is this accompaniment Sheet Music view?
Same engraver-grade rendering as the standard Sheet Music mode — both hands, classic piano notation, key of G, real chord symbols — but the audio is the karaoke / backing-track arrangement of "Folsom Prison Blues" with the lead melody removed. Perfect for singers, lead instruments, and ensemble practice.
Can I sing or play melody while the score follows along?
Yes. The backing track removes the melody so you can sing or play it on top while the chord changes and rhythm guide you. The engraved score scrolls in time with the audio so you never lose your place.
Is this the same notation a piano book would show?
Yes — treble + bass clefs, key signature, time signature, beams, dynamics, and chord symbols above the staff, all rendered from the original publisher MusicXML. Identical reading experience to a printed piano accompaniment book.

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