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Going To Memphis

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

N.C.
Bring a drink of water Leroy bring a drink of water (no)  
N.C.
If I could get to mercy man he's give me some I know  
N.C.
I got a gal in Vicksburg Bertha is her name  
N.C.
Wish I's tied to Bertha instead of this ball and chain  
N.C.         A  
I'm goin' to Memphis (that's right Lord) yeah (uh huh)  
AA due took all my money wouldn't let me see the cards  
AI owe the boss about a hundred years for Esleepin' in his backAyard  
AI'm goin' to Memphis (yeah Memphis) yeah I'm goin' to Memphis (now)  
ALike a bitter weed I'm a Dbad seed 
DBut Awhen that levee's thru and I am too  
ALet the honky tonk roll on come Emornin' I'll be Agone  
AI'm goin' to Memphis yeah Memphis  
AI never been to Chicago but it must be a mighty fine place (that's right)  
AI couldn't get past Tennessee with MissiEssippi all over my Aface (uh huh)  
AI'm goin' to Memphis (that's right Lord Memphis)  
         A/                 A/       E/             A/
Well the freezin' ground at night is my own foldin' bed  
A/               A/                    E/               A
Polk salad is my bread and meat and it will be till I'm dead  
AWell I brought me a little water in a Mr Prince Albert can  
ABut the bossman caught me drinkin' it and I Ebelieve he broke my Ahand (hm hm)  
AThey all call me crazy for sassin' Mr Scott  
AMy brother was killed for a deed I did but I Edisremember Awhat (yeah)  
AWell another boy is down the shovel burned him out  
ALet me stand on his body to Esee what the shoutin's Aabout  
AI'm goin' to Memphis yeah I'm goin' to Memphis hmm  
ALike a bitter weed I'm a Dbad seed 
DBut Awhen the levee's thru and I am too  
ALet the honky tonk roll on come Emornin' I'll be Agone  
AI'm goin' to Memphis yeah Memphis  

All chords in this song (3)

The story behind the song

"Going To Memphis" embodies the spirit of Johnny Cash's early career, when he rose to fame in the vibrant rockabilly scene of Memphis. His music often explored themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, delivered with his distinctive deep, calm voice and the train-like chugging rhythms of his backing band. This song channels the energy and journey towards a place that held significant meaning for the "Man in Black." It plays like a musical journey to a pivotal point in an artist's life.

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

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

Going To Memphis

by Johnny Cash

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

N.C.

Bring a drink of water Leroy bring a drink of water (no)

N.C.

If I could get to mercy man he's give me some I know

N.C.

I got a gal in Vicksburg Bertha is her name

N.C.

Wish I's tied to Bertha instead of this ball and chain

N.C.

I'm goin' to Memphis (that's right Lord) yeah (uh huh)

A due took all my money wouldn't let me see the cards

A E A

I owe the boss about a hundred years for sleepin' in his backyard

I'm goin' to Memphis (yeah Memphis) yeah I'm goin' to Memphis (now)

A D

Like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed

D A

But when that levee's thru and I am too

A E A

Let the honky tonk roll on come mornin' I'll be gone

I'm goin' to Memphis yeah Memphis

I never been to Chicago but it must be a mighty fine place (that's right)

A E A

I couldn't get past Tennessee with Mississippi all over my face (uh huh)

I'm goin' to Memphis (that's right Lord Memphis)

A/ A/ E/ A/

Well the freezin' ground at night is my own foldin' bed

A/ A/ E/ A

Polk salad is my bread and meat and it will be till I'm dead

Well I brought me a little water in a Mr Prince Albert can

A E A

But the bossman caught me drinkin' it and I believe he broke my hand (hm hm)

They all call me crazy for sassin' Mr Scott

A E A

My brother was killed for a deed I did but I disremember what (yeah)

Well another boy is down the shovel burned him out

A E A

Let me stand on his body to see what the shoutin's about

I'm goin' to Memphis yeah I'm goin' to Memphis hmm

A D

Like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed

D A

But when the levee's thru and I am too

A E A

Let the honky tonk roll on come mornin' I'll be gone

I'm goin' to Memphis yeah Memphis

About Going To Memphis Chords by Johnny Cash

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

FAQ — Going To Memphis by Johnny Cash

How do I play "Going To Memphis" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Going To Memphis" 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 "Going To Memphis" by Johnny Cash free?

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

Can I transpose "Going To Memphis" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Going To Memphis"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Going To Memphis" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Going To Memphis" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Going To Memphis" 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 "Going To Memphis" in?

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