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Catfish John

Chords

4.9261 votes

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Font15

KeyOriginal

Chords

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

1/14

Tempo 80 BPMVol

Sound:

Position

Step 1 / 14Position: 2

1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO openSpace = play/pause

[Intro]
E|-A--------------------|---A------------------|
B|---------------------|---------------------|
G|---------------------|---------------------|
D|---------------------|---------------------|
A|-------3-4~--3p2-0---|------3-4~---3p2-0---|
E|--5---------------2--|-5----------------2--| (repeat)
[Chorus]
AMama said don't go Dnear that river 
ADon't be hanging around old Catfish EJohn
ABut come the morning I'd Dalways be there
AWalking in his footsteps in the Esweet delta Adawn
[Verse 1]
Take me Dback, to another Amoment
To a Dtime, so long Aago
When the Dsweet, magnolias Ablossomed 
The cotton Afields,  Ewere white as Asnow
[Verse 2]
Catfish DJohn was a river Ahobo
He lived and Ddied, by the rivers Abend
Looking Dback, I still reAmember
I was Aproud,   Eto be his Afriend
[Solo]
(verse chords)
[Verse 3]
Born a Dslave, in the town of AVicksburg 
Traded Dfor, a chestnut Amare
Lord he Dnever, spoke in Aanger
Though his Aload,   Ewas hard to Abear
[Chorus]
AMama said don't go Dnear that river 
ADon't be hanging around old Catfish EJohn
ABut come the morning I'd Dalways be there
AWalking in his footsteps in the Esweet delta Adawn
AWalking in his footsteps in the Esweet delta Adawn

All chords in this song (3)

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Catfish John

by Grateful Dead

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

[Intro]

A A

E|---------------------|---------------------|

B|---------------------|---------------------|

G|---------------------|---------------------|

D|---------------------|---------------------|

A|-------3-4~--3p2-0---|------3-4~---3p2-0---|

E|--5---------------2--|-5----------------2--| (repeat)

[Chorus]

A D

Mama said don't go near that river

A E

Don't be hanging around old Catfish John

A D

But come the morning I'd always be there

A E A

Walking in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn

[Verse 1]

D A

Take me back, to another moment

D A

To a time, so long ago

D A

When the sweet, magnolias blossomed

A E A

The cotton fields, were white as snow

[Verse 2]

D A

Catfish John was a river hobo

D A

He lived and died, by the rivers bend

D A

Looking back, I still remember

A E A

I was proud, to be his friend

[Solo]

(verse chords)

[Verse 3]

D A

Born a slave, in the town of Vicksburg

D A

Traded for, a chestnut mare

D A

Lord he never, spoke in anger

A E A

Though his load, was hard to bear

[Chorus]

A D

Mama said don't go near that river

A E

Don't be hanging around old Catfish John

A D

But come the morning I'd always be there

A E A

Walking in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn

A E A

Walking in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn

About Catfish John Chords by Grateful Dead

Learn how to play Catfish John by Grateful Dead with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Catfish John chords”, “Catfish John guitar chords”, or “Grateful Dead Catfish John 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 Catfish John chords and for experienced players who want accurate Catfish John lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, E, B, G, D.

FAQ — Catfish John by Grateful Dead

How do I play "Catfish John" by Grateful Dead on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Catfish John" by Grateful Dead 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 "Catfish John" by Grateful Dead free?

Yes. The chords for "Catfish John" by Grateful Dead are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Catfish John" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Catfish John"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Catfish John" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Catfish John" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Catfish John" by Grateful Dead with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Grateful Dead below.

What key is "Catfish John" in?

The chords for "Catfish John" show the original chord names (including A, E, B, G, D). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.