Columbia Law Revue

Arthur Diamond Blues

to "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash

I hear the party jammin'
It's rockin pretty bad
And I ain't seen the sunshine since
Back in undergrad
I'm stuck in Arthur Diamond
And time keeps draggin' on
But that party keeps a goin'
On till the early morn

When I was just a freshman
The seniors told me, "Fool
Always be a frat boy
Don't go to no law school"
But I studied for the LSAT
Just to give it a try
When I hear that bass a-poundin'
I hang my head and cry

I bet there's hot girls dancin'
To some really sexy songs
They're prob'ly drinkin' beer
And showin' off their thongs
But I got my finals comin'
And so I can't be free
But those girls a-keep on dancin'
And that's what tortures me

I came to New York City
I thought it would be grand
But now my only action
Is with my old right hand
The walls of Arthur Diamond
Keep me in a cage
And when I hear the fun I'm missin'
I clench my fists in rage

Well, if I didn't read this casebook
If I didn't study more
I'd never work for Wachtell
And be a corporate whore
Far from Arthur Diamond
That's where I'll be someday
And I'll let my trophy wife
Blow my blues away

I hear the train a-comin'
It's rolling round the bend
And I ain't seen the sunshine since
I don't know when,
I'm stuck in Folsom prison
And time keeps draggin' on
But that train keeps a-rollin'
On down to San Antone

When I was just a baby
My mama told me, "Son
Always be a good boy
Don't ever play with guns"
But I shot a man in Reno
Just to watch him die
When I hear that whistle blowing
I hang my head and cry

I bet there's rich folks eating
In a fancy dining car
They're prob'ly drinkin' coffee
And smoking big cigars
Well, I know I had it coming
I know I can't be free
But those people keep a-movin'
And that's what tortures me

Well, if they freed me from this prison
If that railroad train was mine
I bet I'd move it on
A little farther down the line
Far from Folsom prison
That's where I want to stay
And I'd let that lonesome whistle
Blow my blues away

Lyrics