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Desperado

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[Intro]
A  A7  D  Dm  A  F#m  B7  E7
[Verse 1]
    A     A7              D             Dm
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses
          A           F#m      B7      E7
You been out riding fences for so long now
              A        A7
Oh, you're a hard one
                  D             Dm
But I know that you've got your reasons
       A              F#m
These things that are pleasing you
    B7        E7 A    E
Can hurt you somehow
[Chorus 1]
          F#m                C#m
Don't you draw the queen of diamonds, boy
        D                 A
She'll beat you if she's able
             F#m                  D               A   E
You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet
       F#m               C#m
Now it seems to me, some fine things
           D              A
Have been laid upon your table
        F#m             B7                  Bm    E
But you only want the things that you can't get
[Verse 2]
      A    A7            D          Dm
Desperado, oh, you ain't getting no younger
      A            F#m             B7           E7
Your pain and your hunger, they're driving you home
    A           A7
And freedom, oh freedom
                  D           Dm
Well, that's just some people talking
     A         F#m
Your prison is walking
              B7   E7    A     E
Through this world all alone
[Chorus 2]
               F#m                   C#m
And don't your feet get cold in the winter time
    D                    A
The sky won't snow, the sun won't shine
      F#m              D                   A    E
It's hard to tell the night time from the day
        F#m             C#m
You're losing all your highs and lows
          D            A             Bm   E   E7
Ain't it funny how the feeling goes away
[Verse 3]
     A                    D             Dm
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses
      A              F#m         B7       E7
Come down from your fences, and open the gate
            A     A7              D       Dm
It may be raining, but there's a rainbow above you
            A            F#m
You better let somebody love you
            D            Bm
You better let somebody love you
            A       C#7  F#m
You better let somebody love you
  Bm         E7  A
Before it's too late

Desperado chords and lyrics

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

[Intro]
A  A7  D  Dm  A  F#m  B7  E7
[Verse 1]
[Chorus 1]
[Verse 2]
[Chorus 2]
[Verse 3]

Desperado Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play Desperado by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Desperado chords”, “Desperado guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash Desperado 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 Desperado chords and for experienced players who want accurate Desperado lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, A7, D, Dm, F#m, B7.

Frequently asked questions about Desperado

How do I play "Desperado" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Desperado" 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 "Desperado" by Johnny Cash free?

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

Can I transpose "Desperado" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Desperado"?

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

Is "Desperado" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Desperado" 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 "Desperado" in?

The chords for "Desperado" show the original chord names (including A, A7, D, Dm, F#m, B7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.