Folsom Prison Blues

by Johnny Cash
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How to Play This Song

Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Sing this song instead — backing track for “Folsom Prison Blues”
Backing track + lyrics — toggle the vocal, change the key, practice singing over piano.

Other arrangements of Folsom Prison Blues

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Lyrics

I 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 er don’t know when.

I’m I (C)stuck at Fol som Pri son

and time keeps

drag

gin’ (G)on.

But that (D7)train that keeps tle roll in’

on down to San

An

(G)tone.

When I was just a ba by

my ma ma told me, “Son,

and al ways be (Gdim)a (G)good boy;

don’t

I er play with guns.”

I’m I (C)shot a man in Re no

just time to

watch

him (G)die.

When I (D7)train that keeps tle blow in’

I hang my head

and

(G)cry.

I (G)way.

Folsom Prison Blues — Karaoke: Lyrics & Chords to Sing & Play Along

22 people have learned this song

Free karaoke for "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash: lyrics on screen with the chords above each line and a bouncing ball that lands on every word in time. Sing along, or play along on guitar or piano from the chord chart. Change the key to fit your voice, slow the tempo down. Key of G, 94 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

About “Folsom Prison Blues”

What key is "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash played in?
Folsom Prison Blues is arranged in the key of G on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Folsom Prison Blues"?
The arrangement plays at 94 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Folsom Prison Blues" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "Folsom Prison Blues"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Folsom Prison Blues"?
"Folsom Prison Blues" was originally performed by Johnny Cash. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Johnny Cash can I play here?
Try "GOD'S GONNA CUT YOU DOWN", "IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND", "HELP ME". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is there a karaoke version of "Folsom Prison Blues" with lyrics?
Yes — this is a free karaoke slide for "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash. The lyrics appear on screen a line at a time and each word lights up exactly when it's sung, with a bouncing ball leading you word to word. A backing plays underneath so you can just sing.
Does it show chords so I can play along on guitar or piano?
It does — a chord symbol sits on a thin row just above the lyric it changes on, so the same screen doubles as a lyrics-and-chords chart. Guitarists can strum the changes and pianists can comp while singing; the chords are colour-coded and move with the live transpose if you change key.
Can I change the key of "Folsom Prison Blues" to match my voice or capo?
Yes. The original is in G, but the live transpose control shifts the whole song up or down semitones until the melody sits in your range (or maps to an easier guitar shape / capo position) — the on-screen chords and the backing move with it.
Can I slow "Folsom Prison Blues" down to learn the words and chords?
Yes — the tempo control lets you take it as slow as you need while the lyrics still light up in time and the ball keeps you on the beat. Speed it back up once you can sing and play it through.