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Loading Coal

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Johnny Cash
Loading coal
Album: Ride This Train
T.Vincent
CAPO: 3rd / Play: G
INRTO:  C   G   D  G  
VERSE:
GMy pappy said when I was Emseventeen
CYou're six feet tall and you Gface is clean
GAnd it don't look right for a Cboy that Gold
GTo not make a livin' Emloading coal
CHORUS:
EmLoading Gcoal loading coal
GI'm a Cdouble-first cousin to a Gdad-blamed mole
GNever get rich for to Csave my Gsoul
GAnd forty-eleven years of Emloading coal Dloading Gcoal
VERSE:
GAin't  never  got  aquainted  with a Emdollor  bill
CAnd I don't ever reckon Gthat I ever will
GA dollar ain't made for a Cfellow I'm Gtold
GThat scoops up a livin' Emloading coal
REPEAT CHORUS
INSTRUMENTAL:  G   C   G   D  G  
VERSE:
GI cussed everything in the Emmining camp
CFrom my shovel and my pick to my Gcarbide lamp
GBut I know just as well Cwhen I grow Gold
GI'll still be a cussin' but Emloading coal
REPEAT CHORUS
INSTRUMENTAL:  G   C   G   D  G  
VERSE:
GI know just as well as Emcoal is Black
COne of these days the Gmines will strike
GAnd I'll sit around starving til CI'm finally Gtold
GThere's a nickel more a ton for Emloading coal
REPEAT CHORUS
GLoading coal, Loading coal, (fade.....)

All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

"Loading Coal" fits into Johnny Cash's world of songs that often explore themes of sorrow and moral tribulation. As an artist known for his deep voice and "train-like chugging guitar rhythms," this track likely evokes the hard work and perhaps the weariness associated with its title. It's a song that speaks to a life of labor, reflecting the somber and humble demeanor that became a hallmark of his later career. Playing it, you can feel the rhythm of relentless effort and the weight of the task.

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

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Loading Coal

by Johnny Cash

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Johnny Cash

Loading coal

Album: Ride This Train

T.Vincent

CAPO: 3rd / Play: G

C G D G

INRTO:

VERSE:

G Em

My pappy said when I was seventeen

C G

You're six feet tall and you face is clean

G C G

And it don't look right for a boy that old

G Em

To not make a livin' loading coal

CHORUS:

Em G

Loading coal loading coal

G C G

I'm a double-first cousin to a dad-blamed mole

G C G

Never get rich for to save my soul

G Em D G

And forty-eleven years of loading coal loading coal

VERSE:

G Em

Ain't never got aquainted with a dollor bill

C G

And I don't ever reckon that I ever will

G C G

A dollar ain't made for a fellow I'm told

G Em

That scoops up a livin' loading coal

REPEAT CHORUS

G C G D G

INSTRUMENTAL:

VERSE:

G Em

I cussed everything in the mining camp

C G

From my shovel and my pick to my carbide lamp

G C G

But I know just as well when I grow old

G Em

I'll still be a cussin' but loading coal

REPEAT CHORUS

G C G D G

INSTRUMENTAL:

VERSE:

G Em

I know just as well as coal is Black

C G

One of these days the mines will strike

G C G

And I'll sit around starving til I'm finally told

G Em

There's a nickel more a ton for loading coal

REPEAT CHORUS

Loading coal, Loading coal, (fade.....)

About Loading Coal Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play Loading Coal by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Loading Coal chords”, “Loading Coal guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash Loading Coal 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 Loading Coal chords and for experienced players who want accurate Loading Coal lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, C, D, Em, A.

FAQ — Loading Coal by Johnny Cash

How do I play "Loading Coal" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Loading Coal" 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 "Loading Coal" by Johnny Cash free?

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

Can I transpose "Loading Coal" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Loading Coal"?

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

Is "Loading Coal" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Loading Coal" 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 "Loading Coal" in?

The chords for "Loading Coal" show the original chord names (including G, C, D, Em, A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.