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Welfare Line

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Welfare Line
          D
Well, now boys, I've been to Bethlehem.
                          G
Rode there on a big steam train.
                        D
Lost two fingers in the steel mills.
      A                D
And I ain't goin' back again.
  D
I fought for my country,
                     G
Lord knows, I did my best.
                     D
Crawlin' 'cross some foreign field,
     A                     D
They pinned a ribbon to my chest.
Chorus:
G                                                       D
So, pass around the bottle, boys, Let's talk about old times.
        D                             A                   E
Night's rollin' in, it's cold as sin, Here on the welfare line.
D
Served on the Georgia Road Gang.
                         G
Couldn't pay the debts I owed.
                       D
'Cause I ain't made of silver,
      A                   D
And I ain't never seen no gold.
D
I still remember Rachael,
                 G
Soft as a velvet gown.
                      D
They layed her in the pauper's grave,
       A             D
On the other side of town.
Chorus:
G                                                       D
So, pass around the bottle, boys, Let's talk about old times.
        D                             A                   E
Night's rollin' in, it's cold as sin, Here on the welfare line.
    D
Now some folks are born to money,
                     G
You know I wish them well.
                         D
If the devil should ever want my soul,
  A               D
I swear I'd never sell. 

Welfare Line chords and lyrics

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

Welfare Line
Chorus:
Chorus:

Welfare Line Chords by Johnny Cash

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

Frequently asked questions about Welfare Line

How do I play "Welfare Line" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Welfare Line" 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 "Welfare Line" by Johnny Cash free?

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

Can I transpose "Welfare Line" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Welfare Line"?

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

Is "Welfare Line" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Welfare Line" 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 "Welfare Line" in?

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