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Hey Porter

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Johnny Cash - Hey Porter
Capo 1st Fret
CHORDS
    E022100
  F#7242322
   B7x21202
    Ax02220
[Intro]
E E E E
Hey Porter, Hey Porter! Would you tell me the time?
How much longer will it be 'til we cross that F#7Mason Dixon B7Line?
At dEaylight will you tell that engineer to slow it Adown;
Or better still, just Estop the train 'cB7ause I want to look aEround.
Hey Porter! Hey Porter! What time did you say?
How much longer will it be 'til I can see the F#7light of B7day?
When Ewe hit Dixie will you tell that engineer to ring his bAell;
And ask everybody that aEin't asleep to sB7tand right up and Eyell.
[Solo 1]
E E E E E E F#7 B7 E E E A A E B7 E
EHey Porter! Hey Porter! It's getting light outside.
This old train is puffin' smoke and I F#7have to strain my B7eyes.
But aEsk that engineer if he will blow his whistle pAlease,
Cause I smell frost on cEotton leaves, and I B7feel that Southern Ebreeze.
Hey, Porter! Hey, Porter! Please get my bags for me,
I need nobody to tell me now that F#7we're in TennesB7see
Go tEell that engineer to make that lonesome whistle sAcream.
We're not so far from hoEme so take it B7easy on the sEteam
[Solo 2]
E E E E E E F#7 B7 E E E A A E B7 E
EHey Porter! Hey Porter! Please open up the door
When they stop this train I'm gonna get off first
cause F#7I can't wait no B7more.
Tell that Eengineer I said, "Thanks a lot and I didn't mind the fAare
I'm gonna set my feet on ESouthern soil and B7breathe that Southern aEir."
[Outro]
E E E E E E

All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

This song captures the pure excitement of a man on a train, eagerly heading home to Tennessee from overseas. He can barely contain his joy, repeatedly asking the porter for updates on their journey, counting down the miles until he reaches his native South. It was Johnny Cash's first recording, written after he was asked for a fast song rather than a gospel tune. At its heart, it's a celebration of homecoming and the simple thrill of anticipation.

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

🎸 Tips from players

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Chord Book

670,000+ free guitar chords · free-chords.com

Hey Porter

by Johnny Cash

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

F#7

Johnny Cash - Hey Porter

Capo 1st Fret

CHORDS

022100

F#7

242322

x21202

x02220

[Intro]

E E E E

Hey Porter, Hey Porter! Would you tell me the time?

F#7 B7

How much longer will it be 'til we cross that Mason Dixon Line?

E A

At daylight will you tell that engineer to slow it down;

E B7 E

Or better still, just stop the train 'cause I want to look around.

Hey Porter! Hey Porter! What time did you say?

F#7 B7

How much longer will it be 'til I can see the light of day?

E A

When we hit Dixie will you tell that engineer to ring his bell;

E B7 E

And ask everybody that ain't asleep to stand right up and yell.

[Solo 1]

E E E E E E F#7 B7 E E E A A E B7 E

Hey Porter! Hey Porter! It's getting light outside.

F#7 B7

This old train is puffin' smoke and I have to strain my eyes.

E A

But ask that engineer if he will blow his whistle please,

E B7 E

Cause I smell frost on cotton leaves, and I feel that Southern breeze.

Hey, Porter! Hey, Porter! Please get my bags for me,

F#7 B7

I need nobody to tell me now that we're in Tennessee

E A

Go tell that engineer to make that lonesome whistle scream.

E B7 E

We're not so far from home so take it easy on the steam

[Solo 2]

E E E E E E F#7 B7 E E E A A E B7 E

Hey Porter! Hey Porter! Please open up the door

When they stop this train I'm gonna get off first

F#7 B7

cause I can't wait no more.

E A

Tell that engineer I said, "Thanks a lot and I didn't mind the fare

E B7 E

I'm gonna set my feet on Southern soil and breathe that Southern air."

[Outro]

E E E E E E

About Hey Porter Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play Hey Porter by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Hey Porter chords”, “Hey Porter guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash Hey Porter 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 Hey Porter chords and for experienced players who want accurate Hey Porter lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include E, F#7, B7, A.

FAQ — Hey Porter by Johnny Cash

How do I play "Hey Porter" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Hey Porter" 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 "Hey Porter" by Johnny Cash free?

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

Can I transpose "Hey Porter" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Hey Porter"?

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

Is "Hey Porter" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Hey Porter" 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 "Hey Porter" in?

The chords for "Hey Porter" show the original chord names (including E, F#7, B7, A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.