Lyric discussion by tramps like us 

Cover art for Johnny 99 lyrics by Bruce Springsteen

Johnny is a reference to Johnny Cash, bruce said that this song was a tribute to cash who he admired very much for his rebel/man in black attitude and style, when Ralf becomes Johnny he takes on that outlaw poersona and goes about living that life. The 99 year sentence refers to Cahses infamous time in jail and concert at San Quentin , he was the true outlaw Johnny 99

Wow, never picked up on that before. Now that you mention it I see Johnny Cash references and themes all over this song. The downtrodden man who goes crazy and kills someone, incarceration, dread, the mother begging not to take her boy away, alcohol abuse, etc. Thanks for the post.

Source?