Wanted Man

Chords
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Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
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Wanted Man - Johnny Cash
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Tabbed by: HEMA90
Tuning: standard (eBGDAE)
Capo 1st fret for versions by Johnny Cash (he seems to ocasionally play it without capo
or capo at 2nd)
Capo 5th fret for versions by Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan
Chords marked with a dot (.) played for half a bar only.
[Intro]
D   Em   A  G. D.
[Verse 1]
Wanted Dman in California, wanted Emman in Buffalo
A  G. D.
Wanted man in Kansas City, wanted man in Ohio
Wanted Dman in Mississippi, wanted Emman in old Cheyenne
A  G. D.
Wherever you might look tonight you might see this wanted man.
[Verse 2]
I might Dbe in Colorado, or EmGeorgia by the sea,
A  G. D.
Working for some man who may not know who I might be
If you Dever see me coming and if Emyou know who I am
A  G. D.
Don't you breathe it to nobody 'cause you know I'm on the lam.
[Verse 3]
Wanted Dman by Lucy Watson, wanted Emman by Jeannie Brown
A  G. D.
Wanted man by Nellie Johnson, wanted man in this next town
I've Dhad all that I wanted of a Emlot of things I've had
A  G. D.
And a lot more than I needed of some things that turned out bad.
[Instrumental]
D   Em   A  G. D. (x2)
[Verse 4]
I got Dsidetracked in El Paso, stopped to Emget myself a map
A  G. D.
Went the wrong way in Juarez with Juanita on my lap.
Then I Dwent to sleep in Shreveport, woke Emup in Abilene
A  G. D.
Wonderin' why the hell I'm wanted at some town half way between.
[Verse 5]
Wanted Dman in Albuquerque, wanted Emman in Syracuse
A  G. D.
Wanted man in Tallahassee, wanted man in Baton Rouge
There's Dsomebody set to grab me anyEmwhere that I might be
A  G. D.
And wherever you might look tonight, you might get a glimpse of me
All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

This song plunges into the life of a fugitive, who directly addresses the listener with a plea not to reveal his whereabouts if they happen to spot him. He rattles off various cities and states where he's wanted, hinting at a life on the run with a past that includes women who might turn him in. Written by Bob Dylan, this track was famously released by Johnny Cash on his 1969 live album At San Quentin, recorded within the walls of a prison. It captures the essence of a life lived on the edge, constantly looking over one's shoulder.

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About Wanted Man Chords by Johnny Cash

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

FAQ — Wanted Man by Johnny Cash

How do I play "Wanted Man" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

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Can I transpose "Wanted Man" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Wanted Man"?

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

Is "Wanted Man" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Wanted Man" 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 "Wanted Man" in?

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