Johnson Family
View chords used in this chart
Bm Em
Born to a good father I have no excuse
F# Bm
I could say I blame someone but what would be the use
Bm Em
When I learn to travel now is when I learn to steal
F# Bm F# Bm
To ride without a ticket now along the lines of steel
E A
Oh you don't know the things I have seen
D D7 G F#
Twenty years out on the road with the Johnson Family
E A
Oh you don't know the cages I have seen
D D7 G F#
Twenty years in and out of the Johnson Family
I'd harnessed stones and took them to the fence
I found my heart by moved the shop and always made the rent
When I met old George now he showed me to the box
Fresh out the night oh from the day now the money never stops
Oh you can't know the cages I have seen
In and out over the years of the Johnson Family
Oh you can't know the troubles I have seen
Twenty years out on the road with the Johnson Family
Call me a thief and a liar now you know you would be right
Straight as an arrow I sit here tonight
All my debts too heavy boys I cannot pay them down
I pawn my watch and take a walk down to the sea to drown
Oh you can't know the things I have seen
Twenty years out on the road with the Johnson Family
Oh you can't know the cages I have seen
Twenty years out on the road with the Johnson Family
How to play Johnson Family
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Bm. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.