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Big River Chords

Johnny Cash Beginner Key of E 3 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

E · A · B

Big River Chords – Guitar

Johnny Cash’s classic tale of chasing love down the Mississippi River. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.

Train Beat Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep a steady, driving rhythm to mimic the flow of the river.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

Now I taught the weepin’ willow how to cry, cry, cry

A E

And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky

E

And the tears I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, Big River

A E

Then I’m gonna sit right here until I die

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Verse 2

E

Then you took me to St. Louis later on, down the river

A E

A freighter said she’s been here but she’s gone, boy, she’s gone

E

I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the bluff

A E

She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Verse 3

E

Now, won’t you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on

A E

Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans

E

Go on, I’ve had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf

A E

She loves you, Big River, more than me

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Practice tip: Focus on the quick change from the E chord to the A chord, which drives the song’s rhythm. The B chord only appears once per chorus, so take your time to nail that transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Big River"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: E, A and B.

Is "Big River" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Big River" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Big River"?

It was written by Johnny Cash, and released in 1958.

Etap to play

Atap to play

Btap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

E · A · B

Big River Chords – Ukulele

Johnny Cash’s classic tale of chasing love down the Mississippi River. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.

Train Beat Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep a steady, driving rhythm to mimic the flow of the river.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

Now I taught the weepin’ willow how to cry, cry, cry

A E

And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky

E

And the tears I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, Big River

A E

Then I’m gonna sit right here until I die

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Verse 2

E

Then you took me to St. Louis later on, down the river

A E

A freighter said she’s been here but she’s gone, boy, she’s gone

E

I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the bluff

A E

She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Verse 3

E

Now, won’t you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on

A E

Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans

E

Go on, I’ve had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf

A E

She loves you, Big River, more than me

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Practice tip: Focus on the quick change from the E chord to the A chord, which drives the song’s rhythm. The B chord only appears once per chorus, so take your time to nail that transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Big River"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: E, A and B.

Is "Big River" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Big River" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Big River"?

It was written by Johnny Cash, and released in 1958.

Etap to play

Atap to play

Btap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

E · A · B

Big River Chords – Piano

Johnny Cash’s classic tale of chasing love down the Mississippi River. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.

Train Beat Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep a steady, driving rhythm to mimic the flow of the river.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

Now I taught the weepin’ willow how to cry, cry, cry

A E

And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky

E

And the tears I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, Big River

A E

Then I’m gonna sit right here until I die

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Verse 2

E

Then you took me to St. Louis later on, down the river

A E

A freighter said she’s been here but she’s gone, boy, she’s gone

E

I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the bluff

A E

She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Verse 3

E

Now, won’t you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on

A E

Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans

E

Go on, I’ve had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf

A E

She loves you, Big River, more than me

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Practice tip: Focus on the quick change from the E chord to the A chord, which drives the song’s rhythm. The B chord only appears once per chorus, so take your time to nail that transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Big River"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: E, A and B.

Is "Big River" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Big River" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Big River"?

It was written by Johnny Cash, and released in 1958.

Etap to play

Atap to play

Btap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

E · A · B

Big River Chords – Banjo

Johnny Cash’s classic tale of chasing love down the Mississippi River. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.

Train Beat Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep a steady, driving rhythm to mimic the flow of the river.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

Now I taught the weepin’ willow how to cry, cry, cry

A E

And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky

E

And the tears I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, Big River

A E

Then I’m gonna sit right here until I die

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Verse 2

E

Then you took me to St. Louis later on, down the river

A E

A freighter said she’s been here but she’s gone, boy, she’s gone

E

I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the bluff

A E

She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Verse 3

E

Now, won’t you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on

A E

Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans

E

Go on, I’ve had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf

A E

She loves you, Big River, more than me

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Practice tip: Focus on the quick change from the E chord to the A chord, which drives the song’s rhythm. The B chord only appears once per chorus, so take your time to nail that transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Big River"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: E, A and B.

Is "Big River" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Big River" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Big River"?

It was written by Johnny Cash, and released in 1958.

Etap to play

Atap to play

Btap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

E · A · B

Big River Chords – Mandolin

Johnny Cash’s classic tale of chasing love down the Mississippi River. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.

Train Beat Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep a steady, driving rhythm to mimic the flow of the river.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

Now I taught the weepin’ willow how to cry, cry, cry

A E

And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky

E

And the tears I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, Big River

A E

Then I’m gonna sit right here until I die

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Verse 2

E

Then you took me to St. Louis later on, down the river

A E

A freighter said she’s been here but she’s gone, boy, she’s gone

E

I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the bluff

A E

She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Verse 3

E

Now, won’t you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on

A E

Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans

E

Go on, I’ve had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf

A E

She loves you, Big River, more than me

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Practice tip: Focus on the quick change from the E chord to the A chord, which drives the song’s rhythm. The B chord only appears once per chorus, so take your time to nail that transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Big River"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: E, A and B.

Is "Big River" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Big River" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Big River"?

It was written by Johnny Cash, and released in 1958.

Etap to play

Atap to play

Btap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

E · A · B

Big River Chords – Harmonica

Johnny Cash’s classic tale of chasing love down the Mississippi River. Beginner difficulty in the key of E.

Train Beat Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep a steady, driving rhythm to mimic the flow of the river.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

Now I taught the weepin’ willow how to cry, cry, cry

A E

And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky

E

And the tears I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, Big River

A E

Then I’m gonna sit right here until I die

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Verse 2

E

Then you took me to St. Louis later on, down the river

A E

A freighter said she’s been here but she’s gone, boy, she’s gone

E

I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the bluff

A E

She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Verse 3

E

Now, won’t you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on

A E

Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans

E

Go on, I’ve had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf

A E

She loves you, Big River, more than me

Chorus

E A

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota

E A

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 B

And I followed you, Big River, when you called

Practice tip: Focus on the quick change from the E chord to the A chord, which drives the song’s rhythm. The B chord only appears once per chorus, so take your time to nail that transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Big River"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: E, A and B.

Is "Big River" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Big River" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Big River"?

It was written by Johnny Cash, and released in 1958.