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I Was There When It Happened

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[Intro]
|  E|  B7|   E  A|  E|
[Verse 1]
N.C.                 E                     A  E  
There are some people   who say we cannot tell
Whether we are B7saved or whether all is Ewell
N.C.                                          E  A  
They say we only can hope and trust that it is so
Well I was there when it Ehappened and so I B7guess I oughta EknowA  E  
[Chorus]
N.C.                  B7  
Yes I know when Jesus saved me (saved my soul)
The very moment He forEgave me (made me whole)
He took away my heavy F#7burdens
Lord He gave me peace B7within (peace within)
N.C.                E  
Satan can't make me doubt it (I won't doubt it)
It's real and I'm gonna Ashout it (I'm gonna shout it)
I was there when it Ehappened and so I B7guess I oughta EknowA  E  
[Instrumental]
|  E|  B7|   E  A|  E|
[Verse 2]
N.C.                     E                    A  E  
I don't care who tells me   salvation is not real
Though the world may B7argue that we cannot Efeel
N.C.                                       E  A  
The heavy burden's lifted and the vile sins go
I was there when it Ehappened and so I B7guess I oughta EknowA  E  
[Chorus]
N.C.                  B7  
Yes I know when Jesus saved me (saved my soul)
The very moment He forEgave me (made me whole)
He took away my heavy F#7burdens
Lord He gave me peace B7within (peace within)
N.C.                E  
Satan can't make me doubt it (I won't doubt it)
It's real and I'm gonna Ashout it (I'm gonna shout it)
I was there when it Ehappened and so I B7guess I oughta EknowA  E  

All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

This song, appearing on The Sun Country Box: Country Music Recorded by Sam Phillips 1950-1959, embodies the themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption often found in Johnny Cash's music. His deep, calm bass-baritone voice brings to life a narrative of personal experience and testimony. It's a song that draws on the gospel music Cash grew up with, reflecting a journey through hardship and a profound sense of witness. Playing this, you're channeling a voice that has seen much and found a way to tell its story with solemn conviction.

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

🎸 Tips from players

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I Was There When It Happened

by Johnny Cash

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

F#7

[Intro]

E B7 E A E

| | | | |

[Verse 1]

E A E

N.C.

There are some people who say we cannot tell

B7 E

Whether we are saved or whether all is well

E A

N.C.

They say we only can hope and trust that it is so

E B7 E A E

Well I was there when it happened and so I guess I oughta know

[Chorus]

N.C.

Yes I know when Jesus saved me (saved my soul)

The very moment He forgave me (made me whole)

F#7

He took away my heavy burdens

Lord He gave me peace within (peace within)

N.C.

Satan can't make me doubt it (I won't doubt it)

It's real and I'm gonna shout it (I'm gonna shout it)

E B7 E A E

I was there when it happened and so I guess I oughta know

[Instrumental]

E B7 E A E

| | | | |

[Verse 2]

E A E

N.C.

I don't care who tells me salvation is not real

B7 E

Though the world may argue that we cannot feel

E A

N.C.

The heavy burden's lifted and the vile sins go

E B7 E A E

I was there when it happened and so I guess I oughta know

[Chorus]

N.C.

Yes I know when Jesus saved me (saved my soul)

The very moment He forgave me (made me whole)

F#7

He took away my heavy burdens

Lord He gave me peace within (peace within)

N.C.

Satan can't make me doubt it (I won't doubt it)

It's real and I'm gonna shout it (I'm gonna shout it)

E B7 E A E

I was there when it happened and so I guess I oughta know

About I Was There When It Happened Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play I Was There When It Happened by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “I Was There When It Happened chords”, “I Was There When It Happened guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash I Was There When It Happened 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 I Was There When It Happened chords and for experienced players who want accurate I Was There When It Happened lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include E, B7, A, C, F#7.

FAQ — I Was There When It Happened by Johnny Cash

How do I play "I Was There When It Happened" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "I Was There When It Happened" 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 "I Was There When It Happened" by Johnny Cash free?

Yes. The chords for "I Was There When It Happened" by Johnny Cash are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "I Was There When It Happened" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "I Was There When It Happened" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "I Was There When It Happened"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "I Was There When It Happened" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "I Was There When It Happened" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "I Was There When It Happened" 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 "I Was There When It Happened" in?

The chords for "I Was There When It Happened" show the original chord names (including E, B7, A, C, F#7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.