Big River

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1/19
Sound:
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Step 1 / 19Position: 2
1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO open
Capo 1st fret to match Cash's recording.
[Intro]
e|----------------------------------------------------------------|
B|----------------------------------------------------------------|
G|----------------------------------------------------------------|
D|----------------------------------------------------------------|
A|---2-2-2------5--5--5--------2-2-2-2-----5--5--5----------------|
E|---------2-0--3--3--3-0-------------2-0--3--3--3-0--------------|
[Verse 1]
E
Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry,
F# B7
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky.
E A
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River.
E B7 E
Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die
[Verse 2]
E
I met her accidentally in St. Paul (Minnesota).
F# B7
And it tore me up every time I heard her drawl, southern drawl.
E A
Then I heard my dream was back downstream cavortin' in Davenport,
E B7 E
And I followed you, Big River, when you called.
(Instrumental)
[Verse 3]
E
Then you took me to St. Louis later on (down the river).
F# B7
A freighter said she's been here but she's gone, boy, she's gone.
E A
I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the bluff.
E B7 E
She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone.
[Verse 4]
E
Now, won't you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on.
F# B7
Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans.
E A
Go on, I've had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf.
E B7 E
She loves you, Big River, more than me.
(Instrumental)
[Verse 5]
E
Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry, cry, cry,
F# B7
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky.
E A
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River.
E B7 E E7
Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die.

Big River chords and lyrics

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

Capo 1st fret to match Cash's recording.
[Intro]
[Verse 1]
[Verse 2]
(Instrumental)
[Verse 3]
[Verse 4]
(Instrumental)
[Verse 5]

Big River Chords by Johnny Cash

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

Frequently asked questions about Big River

How do I play "Big River" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Big River" 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 "Big River" by Johnny Cash free?

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

Can I transpose "Big River" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Big River"?

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

Is "Big River" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Big River" 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 "Big River" in?

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