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If It Wasnt For The Wabash River

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[Verse]
Fish ain't Bbitin' 
But I don't really Bcare I'm in no hurryB  
Like that Wabash River there I'd be Edrinkin'
Or Elaying dead someBwhere 
If it Bwasn't for the F#Wabash BRiver
[Chorus]
If it Bwasn't for the WaBbash River 
And this Bwillow tree and Bmy pole and a lineF#  
E/BI'd be goin' crazy as an BIndiana Ecyclone
EDrownin' memories of her and Bcryin' Bcryin' F#cryin'
If it Ewasn't for the Wabash BRiver 
I'd be goin' F#out of my Bmind
[Verse]
It's so Bpeaceful 
Sittin' Bhere beneath my tree Lord I Bneed her
Like she Boften needed me life ain't Eworth it
Just as Efar as I can Bsee
If it Bwasn't for the F#Wabash BRiver
[Chorus]
If it Bwasn't for the WaBbash River 
And this Bwillow tree and Bmy pole and a lineF#  
E/BI'd be goin' crazy as an BIndiana Ecyclone
EDrownin' memories of her and Bcryin' Bcryin' F#cryin'
If it Ewasn't for the Wabash BRiver 
I'd be goin' F#out of my Bmind

All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

This song evokes the themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption often found in Johnny Cash's music. It's a reflection of his distinctive style, known for its deep, calm voice and storytelling that often explores the human condition. Playing this song channels the spirit of a musical artist who blended a rebellious edge with a somber and humble demeanor. At its heart, it plays like a narrative deeply rooted in personal experience and reflection.

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

🎸 Tips from players

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If It Wasnt For The Wabash River

by Johnny Cash

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

E/B

[Verse]

Fish ain't bitin'

B B

But I don't really care I'm in no hurry

Like that Wabash River there I'd be drinkin'

E B

Or laying dead somewhere

B F# B

If it wasn't for the Wabash River

[Chorus]

B B

If it wasn't for the Wabash River

B B F#

And this willow tree and my pole and a line

E/B B E

I'd be goin' crazy as an Indiana cyclone

E B B F#

Drownin' memories of her and cryin' cryin' cryin'

E B

If it wasn't for the Wabash River

F# B

I'd be goin' out of my mind

[Verse]

It's so peaceful

B B

Sittin' here beneath my tree Lord I need her

B E

Like she often needed me life ain't worth it

E B

Just as far as I can see

B F# B

If it wasn't for the Wabash River

[Chorus]

B B

If it wasn't for the Wabash River

B B F#

And this willow tree and my pole and a line

E/B B E

I'd be goin' crazy as an Indiana cyclone

E B B F#

Drownin' memories of her and cryin' cryin' cryin'

E B

If it wasn't for the Wabash River

F# B

I'd be goin' out of my mind

About If It Wasnt For The Wabash River Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play If It Wasnt For The Wabash River by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “If It Wasnt For The Wabash River chords”, “If It Wasnt For The Wabash River guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash If It Wasnt For The Wabash River 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 If It Wasnt For The Wabash River chords and for experienced players who want accurate If It Wasnt For The Wabash River lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include B, E, F#, E/B.

FAQ — If It Wasnt For The Wabash River by Johnny Cash

How do I play "If It Wasnt For The Wabash River" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "If It Wasnt For The Wabash River" 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 "If It Wasnt For The Wabash River" by Johnny Cash free?

Yes. The chords for "If It Wasnt For The Wabash River" by Johnny Cash are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "If It Wasnt For The Wabash River" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "If It Wasnt For The Wabash River" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "If It Wasnt For The Wabash River"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "If It Wasnt For The Wabash River" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "If It Wasnt For The Wabash River" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "If It Wasnt For The Wabash River" 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 "If It Wasnt For The Wabash River" in?

The chords for "If It Wasnt For The Wabash River" show the original chord names (including B, E, F#, E/B). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.