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Rock Island Line

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[Verse 1]
E
Now this here's a story about the Rock Island Line
E
Well the Rock Island Line she runs down into New Orleans
E
There's a big tollgate down there and you know
E
If you got certain things on board when you go through the tollgate
E
Well you don't have to pay the man no toll
E
Well a train driver he pulled up to the tollgate
E
And a man hollered and asked him what all he had on board and he said
E
I got livestock
E
I got livestock
E
I got cows
E
I got pigs
E
I got sheep
E
I got mules
E
I got all live stock
E
Well he said you're alright boy you don't have to pay no toll
E
You can just go right on through so he went on through the tollgate
E
And as he went through he started pickin' up a little bit of speed
E
Pickin' up a little bit of steam
E
He got on through he turned and looked back at the man he said
E
Well I fooled you
E
I fooled you
E
I got pigiron
E
I got pigiron
E
I got old pigiron
[Chorus]
E
Down the Rock Island Line is a mighty good road,
                        B7
Rock Island Line is the road to ride
E
Rock Island Line is a mighty good road
Well if you ride, you got to ride it like you find it
                                      B7          E
Get your ticket at the station on the Rock Island Line
[Verse 2]
E
Looked cloudy in the west and it looked like rain
B7
Round the curve came a passenger train
B7
North bound train on a southbound track
NC
He's alright a leavin' but he won't be back
[Chorus]
E
Down the Rock Island Line is a mighty good road,
                        B7
Rock Island Line is the road to ride
E
Rock Island Line is a mighty good road
Well if you ride, you got to ride it like you find it
                                      B7          E
Get your ticket at the station on the Rock Island Line
[Verse 3]
E
Oh I may be right and I may be wrong
     B7                           E
But you're gonna miss me when I'm gone
E
Well the engineer said before he died
           B7
There were two more drinks that he'd like to try
B7
The conductor said what could they be
NC
A hot cup of coffee and a cold glass of tea
[Chorus]
E
Down the Rock Island Line is a mighty good road,
                        B7
Rock Island Line is the road to ride
E
Rock Island Line is a mighty good road
Well if you ride, you got to ride it like you find it
                                      B7          E
Get your ticket at the station on the Rock Island Line

Rock Island Line chords and lyrics

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

[Verse 1]
[Chorus]
Well if you ride, you got to ride it like you find it
[Verse 2]
NC
He's alright a leavin' but he won't be back
[Chorus]
Well if you ride, you got to ride it like you find it
[Verse 3]
NC
A hot cup of coffee and a cold glass of tea
[Chorus]
Well if you ride, you got to ride it like you find it

Rock Island Line Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play Rock Island Line by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Rock Island Line chords”, “Rock Island Line guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash Rock Island 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 Rock Island Line chords and for experienced players who want accurate Rock Island Line lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include E, B7, A.

Frequently asked questions about Rock Island Line

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

Open the free chords for "Rock Island 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 "Rock Island Line" by Johnny Cash free?

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

Can I transpose "Rock Island Line" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Rock Island Line"?

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

Is "Rock Island Line" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Rock Island 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 "Rock Island Line" in?

The chords for "Rock Island Line" show the original chord names (including E, B7, A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.