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Cocaine Blues

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[Verse 1]
C#Early one mornin' while makin' the rounds, I took a shot of cocaine and I
G#shot my woman down. I went right home and I went to bed.
C#I stuck that lovin' .44 beneath my head
[Verse 2]
C#Got up next mornin' and I grabbed that gun, took a shot of cocaine and
G#away I run. Made a good run but I run too slow
C#They overtook me down in Juarez, Mexico.
[Verse 3]
C#Late in the hot joints takin' the pills, in walked the sheriff from
G#Jericho Hill. He said Willy Lee your name is not Jack Brown.
C#You're the dirty hack that shot your woman down.
[Verse 4]
C#Said yes, oh yes my name is Willy Lee, if you've got the warrant just
G#a-read it to me. Shot her down because she made me slow.
C#I thought I was her daddy but she had five more.
[Verse 5]
C#When I was arrested I was dressed in black, they put me on a train and they
G#took me back. Had no friend for to go my bail.
C#They slapped my dried up carcass in that county jail
[Verse 6]
C#Early next mornin' about a half past nine, I spied the sheriff coming
G#down the line. Talked and he coughed as he cleared his throat, he said
C#come on you dirty heck into that district court.
[Verse 7]
C#Into the courtroom my trial began where I was handled by
G#twelve honest men. Just before the jury started out
C#I saw the little judge commence to look about.
[Verse 8]
C#In about five minutes in walked a man, Holding the verdict in
G#his right hand. The verdict read in the first degree.
C#I hollered Lawdy Lawdy, have a mercy on me.
[Verse 9]
C#The judge he smiled as he picked up his pen 99 years in the
G#Folsom pen. 99 years underneath that ground.
C#I can't forget the day I shot that bad bitch down.
[Verse 10]
C#Come on you've gotta listen
F#unto me, D#lay off that whiskey and G#let that cocaine C#be.
End
C#
All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

Johnny Cash's music often explores themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, delivered with his distinctive deep, calm, bass-baritone voice. He was known for his rebellious spirit, coupled with an increasingly somber and humble demeanor, and his famous free prison concerts. This song, appearing on a later release, taps into that raw, storytelling tradition that defined his career. It plays like a stark narrative, reflecting the darker corners of life that Cash so often illuminated.

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

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About Cocaine Blues Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play Cocaine Blues by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Cocaine Blues chords”, “Cocaine Blues guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash Cocaine 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 Cocaine Blues chords and for experienced players who want accurate Cocaine Blues lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C#, G#, F#, D#.

FAQ — Cocaine Blues by Johnny Cash

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

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Can I transpose "Cocaine Blues" to a different key?

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Can I see chord diagrams for "Cocaine Blues"?

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Is "Cocaine Blues" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Cocaine Blues" in?

The chords for "Cocaine Blues" show the original chord names (including C#, G#, F#, D#). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.