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Best Friend

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[Intro]
EHmm an old man on his death bed once saAid to me
You are the Emaster of your desAtiny
[Chorus]
A diDamond is a diamond and a stAone is a stone
But a mEan's not all good nor aAll bad
When the cEhips're all down and your bAack's at the wall
You're the bEest friend that you've ever Amhad
You're the bEest friend that you've ever Amhad
[Verse]
So you laugh when it's tiDme to laugh and you cEry when it's time to Amcry
Live while it's tiDme to live cause you'll dEie when it's time to die Amhmm
EThen he closed his eyes and he lAeft me alone
This old mEan's wisdom brought his meaning hAome
[Chorus]
A diDamond is a diamond and a stAone is a stone
But a mEan's not all good nor aAll bad
When the cEhips're all down and your bAack's at the wall
You're the bEest friend that you've ever Amhad
You're the bEest friend that you've ever Amhad
[Verse]
So you laugh when it's tiDme to laugh and you cEry when it's time to Amcry
Live while it's tiDme to live cause you'll dEie when it's time to die Amhmm
WEell now that I'm older I found tAhis is true
The thing that reEmains is the good that you Ado
[Chorus]
A diDamond is a diamond and a stAone is a stone
But a mEan's not all good nor aAll bad
When the cEhips're all down and your bAack's at the wall
You're the bEest friend that you've ever Amhad
You're the bEest friend that you've ever Amhad

All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

Johnny Cash was an American singer-songwriter known for his deep, calm, bass-baritone voice and a distinctive sound characterized by train-like chugging guitar rhythms. His music often explored themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, particularly in the later stages of his career. "Best Friend" appears on the 1973 release Any Old Wind That Blows. Playing this song means channeling the spirit of a man who found fame in the rockabilly scene but became known for his increasingly somber and humble demeanor, often performing free prison concerts.

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

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Best Friend

by Johnny Cash

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

[Intro]

E A

Hmm an old man on his death bed once said to me

E A

You are the master of your destiny

[Chorus]

D A

A diamond is a diamond and a stone is a stone

E A

But a man's not all good nor all bad

E A

When the chips're all down and your back's at the wall

E Am

You're the best friend that you've ever had

E Am

You're the best friend that you've ever had

[Verse]

D E Am

So you laugh when it's time to laugh and you cry when it's time to cry

D E Am

Live while it's time to live cause you'll die when it's time to die hmm

E A

Then he closed his eyes and he left me alone

E A

This old man's wisdom brought his meaning home

[Chorus]

D A

A diamond is a diamond and a stone is a stone

E A

But a man's not all good nor all bad

E A

When the chips're all down and your back's at the wall

E Am

You're the best friend that you've ever had

E Am

You're the best friend that you've ever had

[Verse]

D E Am

So you laugh when it's time to laugh and you cry when it's time to cry

D E Am

Live while it's time to live cause you'll die when it's time to die hmm

E A

Well now that I'm older I found this is true

E A

The thing that remains is the good that you do

[Chorus]

D A

A diamond is a diamond and a stone is a stone

E A

But a man's not all good nor all bad

E A

When the chips're all down and your back's at the wall

E Am

You're the best friend that you've ever had

E Am

You're the best friend that you've ever had

About Best Friend Chords by Johnny Cash

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

FAQ — Best Friend by Johnny Cash

How do I play "Best Friend" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Best Friend" 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 "Best Friend" by Johnny Cash free?

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

Can I transpose "Best Friend" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Best Friend"?

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

Is "Best Friend" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Best Friend" 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 "Best Friend" in?

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