Prison Blues

Folsom Prison Blues

I have been locked in prisons inside and out for too many years

Not seeing sunshine or the sounds of trains moving on

Losing my way and my dreams

Perhaps it taught me how to write –

To find my own rail tracks and chug-chug-chug along –

Own way, own pace, own destination

I remember feeling so sad being trapped in with other people

And so terribly alone – I craved privacy – and respect

I had done nothing wrong – I was sick and confused – not bad

I did not deserve the punishment they defined as care

But whatever happened to me, in spite of the keepers, I kept myself alive

And wherever I was locked up, I melted the bars with my mind.