The Good Earth Chords
by Johnny Cash
The Good Earth by Johnny Cash is a moderately challenging guitar song played in the key of C. It uses the chords C, Am, F, G, G7 and D. Use the transpose and diagram tools on this page to change the key, see each shape, or simplify the chords.
Verse
C Am
The good earth swallows up the seed and swallows life as well
F G G7
From long before the day you're born till heaven comes or hell
C Am
It binds your hands with chains of clay those are so hard to break
F G C
But when I left good earth behind I made a big mistake
Am C
I've traveled far and traveled wide I've seen a lot of things
Verse
D G G7
But looking back on all the years I don't know what they mean
C Am
Like steel I'm probably stronger From going through the fire
F G C
I kept on climbin' lower Diggin' deeper to get higher
C Am
I turned around one evening when the sun was going down
F G G7
I heard the Bible told a preacher who had just pulled into town
C Am
At last I'm back on good earth where I should have always been
F G C
Lord forgive me if I ever try to leave good earth again
Am C
Well the good earth was my mama and my daddy too
Verse
D G G7
Now I'm working my hands in soil tryin' to pay my due
C Am
And when I'll breathe my last breath which may not be too long
F
Just shovel a little good earth over my head
G C
Till everybody open up the hymn book and sing a happy song
Am
Shall we gather at the river in the sweet by and by
F G G7
Just as I am Jesus loves me one of these days I'll fly
C Am
I'm standing on the promises Lord build the place for me
F G C
In the good earth over Jordan by the Sea of Galilee mhm