Johnny 99

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For questions or corrections: ssteinwender@gmx.at
[Intro]
B B F# B
B B
Well they closed down the auto plant in Mahwah late that month
B F#
Ralph went out lookin' for a job but he couldn't find none
B B
He came home too drunk from mixin'Tanqueray and wine
B F# B
He got a gun shot a night clerk now they call him Johnny 99
Down in the part of town where when you hit a red light you don't stop
B F#
Johnny's wavin' his gun around and threatenin' to blow his top
B
When an off duty cop snuck up on him from behind
B F# B
Out in front of the Club Tip Top they slapped the cuffs on Johnny 99
E B
Well the city supplied a public defender but the judge was Mean John Brown
B F#
He came into the courtroom and stared poor Johnny down
B
Well the evidence is clear gonna let the sentence son fit the crime
B F# B
Prison for 98 and a year and we'll call it even Johnny 99
B B E B B B F#B
[HARMONICA:]
E B
A fistfight broke out in the courtroom they had to drag Johnny's girl away
F#
His mama stood up and shouted Judge don't take my boy this way
B
Well son you got any statement you'd like to make
B F# B
Before the bailiff comes to forever take you away
Now judge judge I had debts no honest man could pay
B F#
The bank was holdin' my mortgage and they was takin' my house away
B
Now I ain't sayin' that makes me an innocent man
B F# B
But it was more 'n all this that put that gun in my hand
Well your honour I do believe I'd be better off dead
F#
And if you can take a man's life for the thoughts that's in his head
B
Then won't you sit back in that chair and think it over judge one more time
B F# B
And let 'em shave off my hair and put me on that execution line
[Outro]
E B F# B B B F# B

Johnny 99 chords and lyrics

Free chords for Johnny 99 by Bruce Springsteen. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

For questions or corrections: ssteinwender@gmx.at
[Intro]
B  B  F#  B
Down in the part of town where when you hit a red light you don't stop
[HARMONICA:]  B  B  E  B    B  B  F#  B
Now judge judge I had debts no honest man could pay
Well your honour I do believe I'd be better off dead
[Outro]
 E  B  F#  B     B  B  F#  B

Johnny 99 Chords by Bruce Springsteen

Learn how to play Johnny 99 by Bruce Springsteen with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Johnny 99 chords”, “Johnny 99 guitar chords”, or “Bruce Springsteen Johnny 99 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 Johnny 99 chords and for experienced players who want accurate Johnny 99 lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include B, F#, E, A.

Frequently asked questions about Johnny 99

How do I play "Johnny 99" by Bruce Springsteen on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Johnny 99" by Bruce Springsteen 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 "Johnny 99" by Bruce Springsteen free?

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Can I transpose "Johnny 99" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Johnny 99" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Johnny 99"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Johnny 99" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Johnny 99" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Johnny 99" by Bruce Springsteen with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Bruce Springsteen below.

What key is "Johnny 99" in?

The chords for "Johnny 99" show the original chord names (including B, F#, E, A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.