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Folsom Prison Blues

Chords

4.79,025 votes

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Font15

KeyOriginal

Chords

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

1/9

Tempo 80 BPMVol

Sound:

Position

Step 1 / 9Position: 1

1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO openSpace = play/pause

[Intro & Outro]
e|----------------------|
B|----------------------|
G|----------------------|
D|-------1-1------------|
A|-2-2-2-----2----------|
E|------------2b3-0-----|
[Verse 1]
I Ehear the train a-coming, it's rolling round the bend
and I ain't seen the sunshine since E7I don't know when
I'm Astuck in Folsom Prison, and time keeps draggin' Eon
But that B7train keeps a-rollin' on down to San AnEtone
[Verse 2]
When EI was just a baby, my Mama told me 'Son,
always be a good boy; don't E7ever play with guns.'
But I Ashot a man in Reno, just to watch him Edie
when I B7hear that whistle blowin' I hang my head and Ecry
[Solo]
 E|  E7|  E| E7  
 A|  A|  E| E  
B7| B7|  E|
[Verse 3]
I Ebet there's rich folks eatin' in a fancy dining car
They're probably drinking coffee and E7smoking big cigars
Well, I Aknow I had it coming, I know I can't be Efree
But those B7people keep a moving, and that's what tortures Eme
[Solo]
 E|  E7|  E| E7  
 A|  A|  E| E  
B7| B7|  E|
[Verse 4]
Well, if they Efreed me from this prison, if that railroad train was mine
I bet I'd move it on a little E7farther down the line
AFar from Folsom Prison, that's where I want to Estay
And I'd B7let that lonesome whistle blow my blues aEway

All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

"Folsom Prison Blues" is one of Johnny Cash's signature songs, combining the popular folk styles of the train song and the prison song, which he continued to use throughout his career. Written in 1953 and first recorded in 1955, it captures themes of sorrow and moral tribulation. Cash was known for his deep voice, train-like guitar rhythms, and his free prison concerts, where he often performed this song. It plays like an anthem for those feeling trapped, longing for freedom.

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

🎸 Tips from players

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Chord Book

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

Folsom Prison Blues

by Johnny Cash

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

[Intro & Outro]

e|----------------------|

B|----------------------|

G|----------------------|

D|-------1-1------------|

A|-2-2-2-----2----------|

E|------------2b3-0-----|

[Verse 1]

I hear the train a-coming, it's rolling round the bend

and I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when

A E

I'm stuck in Folsom Prison, and time keeps draggin' on

B7 E

But that train keeps a-rollin' on down to San Antone

[Verse 2]

When I was just a baby, my Mama told me 'Son,

always be a good boy; don't ever play with guns.'

A E

But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die

B7 E

when I hear that whistle blowin' I hang my head and cry

[Solo]

E E7 E E7

| | |

A A E E

| | |

B7 B7 E

| | |

[Verse 3]

I bet there's rich folks eatin' in a fancy dining car

They're probably drinking coffee and smoking big cigars

A E

Well, I know I had it coming, I know I can't be free

B7 E

But those people keep a moving, and that's what tortures me

[Solo]

E E7 E E7

| | |

A A E E

| | |

B7 B7 E

| | |

[Verse 4]

Well, if they freed me from this prison, if that railroad train was mine

I bet I'd move it on a little farther down the line

A E

Far from Folsom Prison, that's where I want to stay

B7 E

And I'd let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away

About Folsom Prison Blues Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Folsom Prison Blues chords”, “Folsom Prison Blues guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash Folsom Prison Blues 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 Folsom Prison Blues chords and for experienced players who want accurate Folsom Prison Blues lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include B, G, D, A, E, E7.

FAQ — Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash

How do I play "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Folsom Prison Blues" 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 "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash free?

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

Can I transpose "Folsom Prison Blues" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Folsom Prison Blues"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Folsom Prison Blues" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Folsom Prison Blues" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Folsom Prison Blues" 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 "Folsom Prison Blues" in?

The chords for "Folsom Prison Blues" show the original chord names (including B, G, D, A, E, E7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.