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San Quentin

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    A             D                  A
San Quentin, you've been livin' hell to me
    A                  D              A
You've hosted me since nineteen sixty three
    D                     A
I've seen 'em come and go and I've seen them die
E                           A
And long ago I stopped askin' why
A G  A  D
    A             D                  A
San Quentin, I hate every inch of you.
    A                  D              A
You've cut me and have scarred me thru an' thru.
    D                     A
And I'll walk out a wiser weaker man;
E                                A
Mister Congressman why can't you understand.
A G  A  D
    A             D                  A
San Quentin, what good do you think you do?
    A                  D              A
Do you think I'll be different when you're through?
    D                     A
You bent my heart and mind and you rob my soul,
E                                           A
And your stone walls turn my blood a little cold.
A G  A  D
    A             D                  A
San Quentin, may you rot and burn in hell.
    A                  D              A
May your walls fall and may I live to tell.
    D                     A
May all the world forget you ever stood.
E                           A
And may all the world regret you did no good.
(2x) 
G                       A             D
San Quentin, you've been livin' hell to me.

San Quentin chords and lyrics

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

A G  A  D
A G  A  D
A G  A  D
(2x)

San Quentin Chords by Johnny Cash

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

Frequently asked questions about San Quentin

How do I play "San Quentin" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "San Quentin" 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 "San Quentin" by Johnny Cash free?

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

Can I transpose "San Quentin" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "San Quentin"?

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

Is "San Quentin" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "San Quentin" 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 "San Quentin" in?

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