Man In Black

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Man in Black - this is the song that cash said he felt deeply personal about for it was the way he saw things
in his life this is the version he first performed in early 1971 and the link to that performance is here
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3xHuVltaFo [go to 1:02 in]
Chords for this song (with capo on 2nd Fret)
G A C A7 D7
E|-2--0--0--3--2--|
B|-0--2--1--2--1--|
G|-0--2--0--2--2--|
D|-0--2--2--2--0--|
A|-2--0--3--0-----|
E|-3--------------|
[Intro]
G G G G
[Verse 1]
G G
Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,
G A
Why you never see bright colors on my back,
C G C G
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.
A7 D7
Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.
[Verse 2]
G G
I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
G A
Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
C G C G
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
A7 D7
But is there because he's a victim of the times.
[Verse 3]
G G
I wear the black for those who never read,
G A
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
C G C G
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
A7 D7
Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.
[Verse 4]
G G
Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose,
G A
In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes,
C G C G
But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back,
A7 D7
Up front there ought 'a be a Man In Black.
[Verse 5]
G G
I wear it for the sick and lonely old,
G A
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold,
C G C G
I wear the black in mournin' for the lives that could have been,
A7 D7
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.
[Chorus]
G G
And, I wear it for the thousands who have died,
G A
Believen' that the Lord is on their side,
C G C G
I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,
A7 D7
Believen' that we all were on their side.
[Verse 6]
G G
Well, there's things that never will be right I know,
G A
And things need changin' everywhere you go,
C G C G
But 'til we start to make a move to make a few things right,
A7 D7
You'll never see me wear a suit of white.
[Verse 7]
G G
Oh, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,
G A
And tell the world that everything's ok,
C G C G
But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,
A D G
Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black
[Outro]
D7 D7 G

Man In Black chords and lyrics

Free chords for Man In Black by Johnny Cash. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

Man in Black - this is the song that cash said he felt deeply personal about for it was the way he saw things 
in his life this is the version he first performed in early 1971 and the link to that performance is here 
 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3xHuVltaFo [go to 1:02 in]
[Intro]
G G G G
[Verse 1]
[Verse 2]
[Verse 3]
[Verse 4]
[Verse 5]
[Chorus]
[Verse 6]
[Verse 7]
[Outro]
D7 D7 G

Man In Black Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play Man In Black by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Man In Black chords”, “Man In Black guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash Man In Black 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 Man In Black chords and for experienced players who want accurate Man In Black lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, A, C, A7, D7, E.

Frequently asked questions about Man In Black

How do I play "Man In Black" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

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Can I transpose "Man In Black" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Man In Black"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Man In Black" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Man In Black" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Man In Black" in?

The chords for "Man In Black" show the original chord names (including G, A, C, A7, D7, E). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.