Chain Gang

Chords4.87 votes
Listen on
YouTubeSpotifyApple Music
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Key:
[Intro]
A D E A
[Verse 1]
A D
I was just a kid roaming around
E A
Traveling thru a little old town
A D
A man walked up and said come with me
A E A
Your broken son that's vagrancy
A D
A care-free lad that loved to roam but
E A
Lord I wish I'd-a stayed at home
A D
The way it looks I'll probably hang
A E A
Cause there ain't no hope on a chain gang
[Chorus]
D A
I dig that ditch I chop that corn
E A
I curse the day that I was born
A D
I believe it's better for a man to hang
D E A
Than to work like a dog on a chain gang
[Break 1]
A D E A
[Verse 2]
A D
The guard stands there with a great big gun
E A
I bet he'd love to see me run
A D
And I guess I probably will someday
A E A
I'd rather be dead than to live this way
A D
He's well-fed and he's six-foot tall
E A
And he's the meanest of them all
A D
He cracks that whip and he swings that cane
A E A
That sun must've touched his brain
[Chorus]
D A
I dig that ditch I chop that corn
E A
I curse the day that I was born
A D
I believe it's better for a man to hang
D E A
Than to work like a dog on a chain gang
[Break 2]
A D E A D E A
[Verse 3]
A D
I got a gal back home that's sweet and kind
E A
But she's been waiting a long long time
A D
I just told her to forget my name
A E A
I won't ever live down the shame
A D
Lord deliver me from his hole
E A
Before I lose my mind and soul
A D
The flesh gets weak and the back gets broke
A E A
There ain't no cause to laugh and joke
[Chorus]
D A
I dig that ditch I chop that corn
E A
I curse the day that I was born
A D
I believe it's better for a man to hang
D E A
Than to work like a dog on a chain gang
E A
Work like a dog on a chain gang
E A
Work like a dog on a chain gang

Chain Gang chords and lyrics

Free chords for Chain Gang by Johnny Cash. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

Key: 
[Intro]
A  D  E  A
[Verse 1]
[Chorus]
[Break 1]
A  D  E  A
[Verse 2]
[Chorus]
[Break 2]
A  D  E  A  D  E  A
[Verse 3]
[Chorus]

Chain Gang Chords by Johnny Cash

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

Frequently asked questions about Chain Gang

How do I play "Chain Gang" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Chain Gang" 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 "Chain Gang" by Johnny Cash free?

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

Can I transpose "Chain Gang" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Chain Gang"?

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

Is "Chain Gang" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Chain Gang" 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 "Chain Gang" in?

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