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The Shifting Whispering Sands

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Intro:
|          C|          C|          C|          C|
       GI discovered the valley of the shifting, whispering sands
While prospecting in a western state.
I saw the silent windmills, the crumbling Cwater tanks,
The bones of the cattle picked clean by buzzards, bleached by the desert sun.
I stumbled over a cGrumbling buckboard nearly covered by the sand.
And stopping to rest, I heard a tinkling, whispering sound,
And suddCenly realized that even though the wind was quiet,F  
The sand did not lie still.C  
I seemed to be surrounded by a mystery
So heavy and oppresive      I could scaD7rcely breathe.
For weeks I wandered aimlessly       in the valley,G  
Seeking answers to tChe many questions that raced through my mind.
Where was ev'ryone? Why the white bones, the dry wells,
     GThe baron valley where the people must have lived and died?
I sat down and buried my face in my hands.
And resting,        I Clearned the secret of the shifting, whispering sands.
How I managed to escape from the valley, I don't know.
But now Gto pay my debt for being saved, I must tell you
What I learned out on the desert so many years ago.
C
      (When the G7day is hardly quiet and the breeze seems not to blow,
One would tChink the sand was resting but you'll find this is not so.
It is whisp'ring, softly whisp'ring, as it slowly moves a-long.G7  
And those who stop and listen, it will sing this mournful song.C  
Of side-windeFrs and the horn toad on the thorny chaparral,C  
In the sunD7ny days and the moonlight nights, the lonely coyotes yell.)G  
               C
How the stars seem they coG7uld touch you as you lay and gaze on high
At the heaCvens where you're hoping you'll be going when you die.

All chords in this song (5)

The story behind the song

Johnny Cash was a singer-songwriter known for his deep voice and music often exploring themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption. This song, appearing on an album of ballads from the true West, likely evokes the vast, untamed landscapes and perhaps the loneliness or introspection they can inspire. It plays like a journey through a desolate, ever-changing environment, mirroring internal shifts or the passage of time.

AI-written from these sources:Johnny Cash — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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The Shifting Whispering Sands

by Johnny Cash

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Intro:

C C C C

| | | | |

I discovered the valley of the shifting, whispering sands

While prospecting in a western state.

I saw the silent windmills, the crumbling water tanks,

The bones of the cattle picked clean by buzzards, bleached by the desert sun.

I stumbled over a crumbling buckboard nearly covered by the sand.

And stopping to rest, I heard a tinkling, whispering sound,

C F

And suddenly realized that even though the wind was quiet,

The sand did not lie still.

I seemed to be surrounded by a mystery

So heavy and oppresive I could scarcely breathe.

For weeks I wandered aimlessly in the valley,

Seeking answers to the many questions that raced through my mind.

Where was ev'ryone? Why the white bones, the dry wells,

The baron valley where the people must have lived and died?

I sat down and buried my face in my hands.

And resting, I learned the secret of the shifting, whispering sands.

How I managed to escape from the valley, I don't know.

But now to pay my debt for being saved, I must tell you

What I learned out on the desert so many years ago.

(When the day is hardly quiet and the breeze seems not to blow,

One would think the sand was resting but you'll find this is not so.

It is whisp'ring, softly whisp'ring, as it slowly moves a-long.

And those who stop and listen, it will sing this mournful song.

F C

Of side-winders and the horn toad on the thorny chaparral,

D7 G

In the sunny days and the moonlight nights, the lonely coyotes yell.)

How the stars seem they could touch you as you lay and gaze on high

At the heavens where you're hoping you'll be going when you die.

About The Shifting Whispering Sands Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play The Shifting Whispering Sands by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Shifting Whispering Sands chords”, “The Shifting Whispering Sands guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash The Shifting Whispering Sands chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy The Shifting Whispering Sands chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Shifting Whispering Sands lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C, G, F, D7, G7.

FAQ — The Shifting Whispering Sands by Johnny Cash

How do I play "The Shifting Whispering Sands" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The Shifting Whispering Sands" by Johnny Cash on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "The Shifting Whispering Sands" by Johnny Cash free?

Yes. The chords for "The Shifting Whispering Sands" by Johnny Cash are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "The Shifting Whispering Sands" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "The Shifting Whispering Sands" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "The Shifting Whispering Sands"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "The Shifting Whispering Sands" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "The Shifting Whispering Sands" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "The Shifting Whispering Sands" by Johnny Cash with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Johnny Cash below.

What key is "The Shifting Whispering Sands" in?

The chords for "The Shifting Whispering Sands" show the original chord names (including C, G, F, D7, G7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.