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The Good Earth

Chords

4.45 votes

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[Verse]
CThe good earth swallows up the seed and sAmwallows life as well 
FFrom long before the day you're born till hGeaven comes or hG7ell 
CIt binds your hands with chains of clay tAmhose are so hard to break 
But whFen I left good earth behind I maGde a big mistaCke 
IAm've traveled far and traveled wide IC've seen a lot of things 
[Verse]
BDut looking back on all the years I doGn't know what they mG7ean 
LCike steel I'm probably stronger From goAming through the fire 
I keFpt on climbin' lower Diggin' deeGper to get hiCgher 
I tuCrned around one evening when the sAmun was going down 
I heFard the Bible told a preacher who had jGust pulled into tG7own 
At lCast I'm back on good earth where I shAmould have always been 
LFord forgive me if I ever try to leGave good earth agCain 
WAmell the good earth was my mama aCnd my daddy too 
[Verse]
NDow I'm working my hands in soil trGyin' to pay my dG7ue 
ACnd when I'll breathe my last breath wAmhich may not be too long 
JFust shovel a little good earth over my head 
Till everybody open up the hymn book and sGing a happy sCong 
Shall we gather at the river iAmn the sweet by and by 
JFust as I am Jesus loves me oGne of these days I'll fG7ly 
IC'm standing on the promises LAmord build the place for me 
IFn the good earth over Jordan by the SGea of GalCilee mhm

All chords in this song (6)

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The Good Earth

by Johnny Cash

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

[Verse]

C Am

The good earth swallows up the seed and swallows life as well

F G G7

From long before the day you're born till heaven comes or hell

C Am

It binds your hands with chains of clay those are so hard to break

F G C

But when I left good earth behind I made a big mistake

Am C

I've traveled far and traveled wide I've seen a lot of things

[Verse]

D G G7

But looking back on all the years I don't know what they mean

C Am

Like steel I'm probably stronger From going through the fire

F G C

I kept on climbin' lower Diggin' deeper to get higher

C Am

I turned around one evening when the sun was going down

F G G7

I heard the Bible told a preacher who had just pulled into town

C Am

At last I'm back on good earth where I should have always been

F G C

Lord forgive me if I ever try to leave good earth again

Am C

Well the good earth was my mama and my daddy too

[Verse]

D G G7

Now I'm working my hands in soil tryin' to pay my due

C Am

And when I'll breathe my last breath which may not be too long

Just shovel a little good earth over my head

G C

Till everybody open up the hymn book and sing a happy song

Shall we gather at the river in the sweet by and by

F G G7

Just as I am Jesus loves me one of these days I'll fly

C Am

I'm standing on the promises Lord build the place for me

F G C

In the good earth over Jordan by the Sea of Galilee mhm

About The Good Earth Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play The Good Earth by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Good Earth chords”, “The Good Earth guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash The Good Earth 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 The Good Earth chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Good Earth lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C, Am, F, G, G7, D.

FAQ — The Good Earth by Johnny Cash

How do I play "The Good Earth" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The Good Earth" 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 "The Good Earth" by Johnny Cash free?

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

Can I transpose "The Good Earth" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "The Good Earth"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "The Good Earth" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "The Good Earth" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "The Good Earth" 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 "The Good Earth" in?

The chords for "The Good Earth" show the original chord names (including C, Am, F, G, G7, D). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.