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Johnny 99

Chords

4.615 votes

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[Intro]
D
D    A    D
[Verse 1]
Well they Dclosed down the auto plant in Mahwah late last month
Ralph went out lookin' for a job but he couldn't find Anone
He came Dhome too drunk from mixin' Tanqueray and wine
He got a gun shot a night clerk now Athey call him Johnny D99
Dawn in tDhat part of town where when you hit red light you don't stop
Johnny's wavin' his gun around and threatin' to blow his Atop
When an Doff duty cop snuck up on him on from behind
Out in front of the club Tip Top they slapped the Acuffs on Johnny 9D9
[Verse 2]
Well the city Gsupplied a public defender but the Djudge was mean John Brown
He came into the courtroom and stared poor Johnny Adown
Well the Devidence is clear gonna let the sentence fit the crime
Prison for 98 and a year will make it Aeven Johnny D99
[Solo]
    D      Ax2
[Verse 3]
A fist Gfight broke out in the courtroom they had to Ddrag Johnny's girl away
His mama stood up and shouted judge don't take my boy this Away
Well Dson you got any statement you'd like to make
Before the bailiff comes to Aforever take you DawayE  
Yes Ejudge I got debts no honest man could pay
The bank was holdin' my mortgage they was takin' my house Baway
Now I ain't Esayin' that makes me an innocent man
But it was more than all this Bthat put that gun in my Ehand
And your honor I Edo believe I'd be better off dead
If you can take a man's life for the thoughts that are in his Bhead
Then won't Eyou sit back in that chair and think it over one more time
And let 'em shave off my hair and Bburn Johnny E99
[Outro]
E
E    B    E

All chords in this song (5)

The story behind the song

"Johnny 99" tells the stark story of an auto worker laid off and driven to desperation, leading to a tragic act and a 99-year prison sentence. Despite its bleak themes of unemployment, poverty, and murder, the song carries an ironically jaunty, shuffling rockabilly beat. It captures a sense of complete despair, echoing themes of insurmountable debt and desperate acts found in other songs from its original album. At its heart, it plays like a cautionary tale of how economic hardship can push a person to the brink.

AI-written from these sources:Johnny 99 (song) — Wikipedia ↗Johnny Cash — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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Johnny 99

by Johnny Cash

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

[Intro]

D A D

[Verse 1]

Well they closed down the auto plant in Mahwah late last month

Ralph went out lookin' for a job but he couldn't find none

He came home too drunk from mixin' Tanqueray and wine

A D

He got a gun shot a night clerk now they call him Johnny 99

Dawn in that part of town where when you hit red light you don't stop

Johnny's wavin' his gun around and threatin' to blow his top

When an off duty cop snuck up on him on from behind

A D

Out in front of the club Tip Top they slapped the cuffs on Johnny 99

[Verse 2]

G D

Well the city supplied a public defender but the judge was mean John Brown

He came into the courtroom and stared poor Johnny down

Well the evidence is clear gonna let the sentence fit the crime

A D

Prison for 98 and a year will make it even Johnny 99

[Solo]

D A

[Verse 3]

G D

A fist fight broke out in the courtroom they had to drag Johnny's girl away

His mama stood up and shouted judge don't take my boy this way

Well son you got any statement you'd like to make

A D E

Before the bailiff comes to forever take you away

Yes judge I got debts no honest man could pay

The bank was holdin' my mortgage they was takin' my house away

Now I ain't sayin' that makes me an innocent man

B E

But it was more than all this that put that gun in my hand

And your honor I do believe I'd be better off dead

If you can take a man's life for the thoughts that are in his head

Then won't you sit back in that chair and think it over one more time

B E

And let 'em shave off my hair and burn Johnny 99

[Outro]

E B E

About Johnny 99 Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play Johnny 99 by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Johnny 99 chords”, “Johnny 99 guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash Johnny 99 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 Johnny 99 chords and for experienced players who want accurate Johnny 99 lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, A, G, E, B.

FAQ — Johnny 99 by Johnny Cash

How do I play "Johnny 99" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Johnny 99" 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 "Johnny 99" by Johnny Cash free?

Yes. The chords for "Johnny 99" by Johnny Cash are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Johnny 99" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Johnny 99" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Johnny 99"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Johnny 99" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Johnny 99" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Johnny 99" 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 "Johnny 99" in?

The chords for "Johnny 99" show the original chord names (including D, A, G, E, B). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.