Contents
- 1. Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley
- 2. Jailbreak – Thin Lizzy
- 3. Chain Gang – Sam Cooke
- 4. Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash
- 5. Back on the Chain Gang – The Pretenders
- 6. Rusty Cage – Soundgarden
- 7. Hurricane – Bob Dylan
- 8. Locked up in Jail (Prison Blues) – John Lee Hooker Overview
- 9. Not Even Jail – Interpol
- 10. You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us In Prison – My Chemical Romance
- 11. Life in Prison – Merle Haggard
- 12. Jail Guitar Doors – The Clash
- 13. Women’s Prison – Loretta Lynn
- 14. Ol’ Red – Blake Shelton
- 15. Still Doing Time – George Jones
- 16. Fish in the Jailhouse – Tom Waits
- 17. Jailhouse Blues – Lightnin’ Hopkins
- 18. Way Too Pretty for Prison – Miranda Lambert
- 19. Out of Jail – They Might Be Giants
- 20. Prison Trilogy (Billy Rose) – Joan Baez
The theme of imprisonment has been explored in music for decades, with many artists using their platform to highlight the harsh realities of life behind bars. These songs range from the sorrowful and introspective to the rebellious and defiant, each one offering a unique perspective on the experiences of prisoners and the criminal justice system. From Johnny Cash’s iconic “Folsom Prison Blues” to Miranda Lambert’s sassy “Way Too Pretty for Prison,” these 20 classic songs about prison and spending time in the slammer continue to resonate with audiences today.
Some songs, like Sam Cooke’s “Chain Gang,” offer a glimpse into the day-to-day struggles of prisoners as they perform hard labor under the watchful eye of their guards. Others, like My Chemical Romance’s “You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us In Prison,” take a more tongue-in-cheek approach to the topic, using humor to cope with the grim realities of incarceration. Meanwhile, songs like Tom Waits’ “Fish in the Jailhouse” and The Clash’s “Jail Guitar Doors” use the metaphor of imprisonment to comment on broader social issues, such as poverty and political oppression.
Regardless of their tone or message, these songs serve as a reminder that incarceration is a deeply complex and often traumatic experience, both for those who are behind bars and for their loved ones on the outside. By shedding light on this topic through their music, these artists have helped to raise awareness of the issues facing prisoners and to advocate for change within the criminal justice system.
1. Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley
“Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley is an iconic rock and roll song that was released in 1957. The song features Presley’s trademark energetic vocals and a catchy guitar riff. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is thrown in jail but discovers his talent for singing and dancing while incarcerated. The song became an instant classic and is widely regarded as one of Presley’s greatest hits, with its upbeat tempo and infectious melody.
2. Jailbreak – Thin Lizzy
“Jailbreak” by Thin Lizzy is a hard rock classic that was released in 1976. The song features a driving guitar riff and Phil Lynott’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a prisoner who successfully escapes from jail, and the high-energy music perfectly captures the excitement and danger of the situation. “Jailbreak” became one of Thin Lizzy’s most popular songs and is often cited as one of the greatest hard rock tracks of all time, with its powerful guitar solos and catchy chorus.
3. Chain Gang – Sam Cooke
“Chain Gang” by Sam Cooke is a soulful classic that was released in 1960. The song features Cooke’s smooth vocals and a catchy chorus that’s sung by a group of backing singers. The lyrics tell the story of a group of prisoners who are forced to work on a chain gang, and the song’s rhythm mimics the sound of a pickaxe hitting the ground. “Chain Gang” is a poignant and powerful song that highlights the injustice of the prison system and remains a beloved classic of the soul genre.
4. Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash
“Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash is a country music standard that was released in 1955. The song features Cash’s deep, resonant voice and a simple, repetitive guitar riff. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is stuck in Folsom Prison and dreams of being free. The song became an instant hit and is often cited as one of Cash’s signature songs, with its iconic opening line (“I hear the train a-comin'”) and powerful lyrics that capture the loneliness and desperation of life in prison. “Folsom Prison Blues” remains a beloved classic of the country music genre and has been covered by countless artists over the years.
5. Back on the Chain Gang – The Pretenders
“Back on the Chain Gang” by The Pretenders is a new wave classic that was released in 1982. The song features Chrissie Hynde’s distinctive vocals and a catchy guitar riff. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is trying to move on from a past relationship but finds herself drawn back into the memories of it. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody make it a beloved classic of the new wave genre, with its powerful chorus and memorable lyrics that capture the complexities of love and loss.
6. Rusty Cage – Soundgarden
“Rusty Cage” by Soundgarden is a hard-hitting grunge classic that was released in 1992. The song features Chris Cornell’s powerful vocals and a heavy guitar riff that’s instantly recognizable. The lyrics tell the story of a man who’s trapped in a dead-end life and longs to break free. The song’s dark, brooding atmosphere and intense energy make it a beloved classic of the grunge genre, with its powerful chorus and memorable lyrics that capture the feeling of being stuck and unable to escape. “Rusty Cage” remains a beloved classic of the grunge genre and is often cited as one of Soundgarden’s greatest hits.
7. Hurricane – Bob Dylan
“Hurricane” by Bob Dylan is a protest song that was released in 1975. The song tells the story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a boxer who was wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. The song features Dylan’s distinctive vocals and a driving rhythm that’s accompanied by a powerful electric guitar riff. The lyrics highlight the injustice of Carter’s situation and call for his release. “Hurricane” is a powerful and moving song that captures the anger and frustration of those who are wrongfully imprisoned.
8. Locked up in Jail (Prison Blues) – John Lee Hooker Overview
“Locked up in Jail (Prison Blues)” by John Lee Hooker is a classic blues song that was released in 1960. The song features Hooker’s trademark gritty vocals and a simple, repetitive guitar riff. The lyrics tell the story of a man who’s been wrongfully accused and sentenced to life in prison. The song’s bluesy atmosphere and powerful vocals make it a beloved classic of the blues genre, with its memorable lyrics and haunting melody that capture the loneliness and despair of life behind bars. “Locked up in Jail (Prison Blues)” remains a beloved classic of the blues genre and has been covered by countless artists over the years.
9. Not Even Jail – Interpol
“Not Even Jail” by Interpol is a post-punk revival song that was released in 2005. The song features Paul Banks’ distinctive vocals and a driving bassline that’s accompanied by a powerful drumbeat. The lyrics tell the story of a man who’s been wronged and seeks redemption, but finds himself trapped in a cycle of despair. “Not Even Jail” is a powerful and brooding song that captures the intensity and raw emotion of the post-punk genre, with its memorable chorus and haunting melody that echo long after the song is over.
10. You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us In Prison – My Chemical Romance
“You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us In Prison” by My Chemical Romance is a punk rock song that was released in 2004. The song features Gerard Way’s distinctive vocals and a fast-paced guitar riff that’s accompanied by a driving drumbeat. The lyrics tell the story of a man who’s been sent to prison and must navigate the harsh realities of life behind bars. The song’s energetic tempo and powerful vocals make it a beloved classic of the punk rock genre, with its memorable chorus and intense lyrics that capture the desperation and fear of being trapped in a dangerous situation. “You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us In Prison” remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of My Chemical Romance’s greatest hits.
11. Life in Prison – Merle Haggard
“Life in Prison” by Merle Haggard is a country song that was released in 1968. The song features Haggard’s trademark twangy vocals and a simple, yet powerful guitar riff. The lyrics tell the story of a man who’s been sentenced to life in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. The song’s melancholy atmosphere and poignant lyrics make it a beloved classic of the country genre, with its memorable chorus and haunting melody that capture the loneliness and despair of life behind bars.
12. Jail Guitar Doors – The Clash
“Jail Guitar Doors” by The Clash is a punk rock song that was released in 1978. The song features Joe Strummer’s distinctive vocals and a fast-paced guitar riff that’s accompanied by a driving drumbeat. The lyrics tell the story of the band’s efforts to provide musical instruments to prisoners in British jails. The song’s energetic tempo and political message make it a beloved classic of the punk rock genre, with its memorable chorus and catchy lyrics that capture the band’s passion for social justice. “Jail Guitar Doors” remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of The Clash’s greatest hits.
13. Women’s Prison – Loretta Lynn
“Women’s Prison” by Loretta Lynn is a country song that was released in 1966. The song features Lynn’s powerful vocals and a simple guitar accompaniment. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who’s been sent to prison and reflects on the unfairness of the justice system towards women. The song’s melancholy atmosphere and poignant lyrics make it a classic of the country genre, with its memorable chorus and haunting melody that capture the loneliness and despair of life behind bars.
14. Ol’ Red – Blake Shelton
“Ol’ Red” by Blake Shelton is a country song that was released in 2002. The song features Shelton’s distinctive twangy vocals and a catchy guitar riff that’s accompanied by a driving drumbeat. The lyrics tell the story of a prisoner who devises a clever plan to escape from jail with the help of his loyal bloodhound, Ol’ Red. The song’s upbeat tempo and playful lyrics make it a beloved classic of the country genre, with its memorable chorus and catchy melody that capture the humor and cleverness of the story. “Ol’ Red” remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of Shelton’s greatest hits.
15. Still Doing Time – George Jones
“Still Doing Time” by George Jones is a country song that was released in 1981. The song features Jones’ distinctive vocals and a simple guitar accompaniment. The lyrics tell the story of a man who’s been released from prison but feels trapped by his past mistakes and the stigma of his criminal record. The song’s melancholy atmosphere and poignant lyrics make it a classic of the country genre, with its memorable chorus and haunting melody that capture the despair and hopelessness of life after prison.
16. Fish in the Jailhouse – Tom Waits
“Fish in the Jailhouse” by Tom Waits is a bluesy song that was released in 2004. The song features Waits’ gravelly vocals and a slow, steady piano accompaniment. The lyrics tell the story of a man who’s been locked up in jail and reflects on the absurdity of his situation. The song’s dark atmosphere and surreal lyrics make it a classic of Waits’ unique musical style, with its memorable chorus and haunting melody that capture the strange and unsettling aspects of life behind bars. “Fish in the Jailhouse” remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of Waits’ greatest hits.
17. Jailhouse Blues – Lightnin’ Hopkins
“Jailhouse Blues” by Lightnin’ Hopkins is a blues song that was released in 1964. The song features Hopkins’ raw vocals and a simple guitar accompaniment. The lyrics tell the story of a man who’s been locked up in jail and reflects on the unfairness of the justice system. The song’s melancholy atmosphere and poignant lyrics make it a classic of the blues genre, with its memorable chorus and haunting melody that capture the despair and frustration of life behind bars.
18. Way Too Pretty for Prison – Miranda Lambert
“Way Too Pretty for Prison” by Miranda Lambert is a country song that was released in 2019. The song features Lambert’s powerful vocals and a catchy guitar riff that’s accompanied by a driving drumbeat. The lyrics tell the story of two women who are caught up in a criminal scheme and reflects on their regrets and their determination to break free from their circumstances. The song’s upbeat tempo and clever lyrics make it a beloved hit of the country genre, with its memorable chorus and catchy melody that capture the humor and defiance of the story. “Way Too Pretty for Prison” remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of Lambert’s greatest hits.
19. Out of Jail – They Might Be Giants
“Out of Jail” by They Might Be Giants is an alternative rock song that was released in 1990. The song features the band’s quirky vocals and a catchy guitar riff that’s accompanied by a driving drumbeat. The lyrics tell the story of a man who’s been released from jail and reflects on his newfound freedom. The song’s upbeat tempo and playful lyrics make it a beloved hit of the alternative rock genre, with its memorable chorus and catchy melody that capture the joy and optimism of the story.
20. Prison Trilogy (Billy Rose) – Joan Baez
“Prison Trilogy (Billy Rose)” by Joan Baez is a folk song that was released in 1972. The song features Baez’s distinctive vocals and a simple guitar accompaniment. The lyrics tell the story of three women who are caught up in the criminal justice system and reflects on their experiences of imprisonment, addiction, and redemption. The song’s somber atmosphere and poignant lyrics make it a classic of the folk genre, with its memorable chorus and haunting melody that capture the pain and resilience of the women’s stories. “Prison Trilogy (Billy Rose)” remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of Baez’s greatest hits.