25 Minutes to Go

The song *25 Minutes to Go* immerses us in a critical situation, narrated from the perspective of someone awaiting their own execution by hanging. Each stanza is structured in two verses: the first, which can range from comical to emotional, and the second, which marks a minute-by-minute countdown. It is an example of dark humor, where the protagonist seems to compose and sing as events unfold towards a fatal outcome.

Originally, this piece belongs to Shel Silverstein and appeared on his 1962 album, Inside Folk Songs. Johnny Cash recorded a later version, notably different for having omitted some lines from the original text. The recording by Cash that many know, and which brings us to this moment, is the one included on the live album At Folsom Prison. This album was recorded on January 13, 1968, at Folsom State Prison in California. Cash's idea of recording in a prison had been around for a long time, since his 1955 song, Folsom Prison Blues. It wasn't until 1967 that this possibility materialized, partly thanks to changes in production at Columbia Records, which led to Bob Johnston taking charge of Cash's material. At that time, Cash, having overcome addiction problems, was looking to revitalize his career. Accompanied by June Carter, Carl Perkins, and his band, the Tennessee Three, he performed two concerts at the prison. Despite limited initial promotion by Columbia, At Folsom Prison reached the top spot on the country music charts. The production of this recording was handled by Frank Jones and Don Law.