Prison Song
View chords used in this chart
Intro: Cm Fm Cm G Cm Fm Cm G Fm Gm Cm
Verse I:
Cm Fm
One day a friend took me aside, and said I have to leave you
Cm G7
For buying something from a friend, they say I've done wrong
Cm Fm
For protecting the name of a man, they say I'll have to leave you
Cm G Fm Gm Cm
So now I'm bidding you farewell, for much too long
Chorus:
Cm Fm
And here's a song to sing, for every man inside,
Cm G7
If he can hear you sing, it's an open door.
Cm Fm
There's not a rich man there, who couldn't pay his way
Cm G Fm Gm Cm
And buy the freedom that's a high price for the poor.
Bridge:
Cm Fm Cm G7
Kids in Texas, smoking grass, ten year sentence, comes to pass
Cm Fm Cm G Fm Gm Cm
Misdemeanor in Ann Arbor, ask the judges Why?
Verse II:
Cm Fm
Another friend said to her kids, I'm gonna have to leave you
Cm G7
For selling something to the man, I guess I did wrong
Cm Fm
And although I did the best I could, I'm gonna have to leave you
Cm G Fm Gm Cm
So now I'm kissing you farewell for much too long.
Chorus:
Outro: Cm Fm Cm G Cm Fm Cm G Fm Gm Cm
How to play Prison Song
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 Cm. 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.