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San Quentin

Chords

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

San AQuentin, you'vDe been livin' hell Ato me
You'Ave hosted me since Dnineteen sixty Athree
I've Dseen 'em come and go Aand I've seen them die
EAnd long ago I stopped askinA' why
A G  A  D
San AQuentin, I hatDe every inch of youA.
You'Ave cut me and have Dscarred me thru Aan' thru.
And DI'll walk out a wiser Aweaker man;
EMister Congressman why can't you Aunderstand.
A G  A  D
San AQuentin, what Dgood do you think yAou do?
Do yAou think I'll be diDfferent when yoAu're through?
You Dbent my heart and mind Aand you rob my soul,
EAnd your stone walls turn my blood a little Acold.
A G  A  D
San AQuentin, may yDou rot and burn in Ahell.
May Ayour walls fall and Dmay I live to Atell.
May Dall the world forget yAou ever stood.
EAnd may all the world regret Ayou did no good.
(2x) 
GSan Quentin, you've been Alivin' hell tDo me.

All chords in this song (4)

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San Quentin

by Johnny Cash

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

A D A

San Quentin, you've been livin' hell to me

A D A

You've hosted me since nineteen sixty three

D A

I've seen 'em come and go and I've seen them die

E A

And long ago I stopped askin' why

A G A D

A D A

San Quentin, I hate every inch of you.

A D A

You've cut me and have scarred me thru an' thru.

D A

And I'll walk out a wiser weaker man;

E A

Mister Congressman why can't you understand.

A G A D

A D A

San Quentin, what good do you think you do?

A D A

Do you think I'll be different when you're through?

D A

You bent my heart and mind and you rob my soul,

E A

And your stone walls turn my blood a little cold.

A G A D

A D A

San Quentin, may you rot and burn in hell.

A D A

May your walls fall and may I live to tell.

D A

May all the world forget you ever stood.

E A

And may all the world regret you did no good.

(2x)

G A D

San Quentin, you've been livin' hell to me.

About San Quentin Chords by Johnny Cash

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

FAQ — San Quentin by Johnny Cash

How do I play "San Quentin" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "San Quentin" 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 "San Quentin" by Johnny Cash free?

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

Can I transpose "San Quentin" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "San Quentin"?

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

Is "San Quentin" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "San Quentin" 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 "San Quentin" in?

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