Tune down a whole step or transpose -2 to match recording.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDktBZzQIiU

Intro

Verse 1

I hear the train a comin', it's rollin' round the bend

and I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when

I'm stuck in Folsom Prison and time keeps draggin' on

D7G

But that train keeps a rollin' on down to San Antone

Verse 2

When I was just a baby my Mama told me "Son

always be a good boy; don't ever play with guns".

But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die

D7G

When I hear that whistle blowin' I hang my head and cry

Solo

GGGGGGGG |

CCCCGGGG |

DDDDGG

Verse 3

I bet there's rich folks eating from a fancy dining car

They're probably drinking coffee and smokin' big cigars

Well, I know I had it comin', I know I can't be free

D7G

But those people keep a movin' and that's what tortures me

Solo

GGGGGGGG |

CCCCGGGG |

DDDDGG

Verse 4

Well, if they freed me from this prison, if that railroad train was mine

I bet I'd move it on a little farther down the line

Far from Folsom Prison, that's where I want to stay

D7G

And I'd let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away

End

How to play Folsom Prison Blues chords

This Chordsurf arrangement of Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash is presented in the key of G. Use the transpose controls above the sheet to move every chord together while keeping the lyric-change positions aligned.

The page is set up for practice as well as quick reference: adjust the text size, use auto scroll when your hands are busy, or switch to focus mode for a cleaner playing view. The published arrangement uses 5 distinct chord shapes, including G, G7, C, D7, D. You can also explore related material through All-time classics, Classic rock, Singer-songwriter & folk.