I Walk the Line chords

by Johnny Cash

Original Published Key: F Major

Time Signature: 2/2

Tempo: 116 bpm


Guitar Tuning: E A D G B e

Skill Level: Beginner

Guitar Chords in E Major: E, E7, A, A7, B7, D, G

Capo: 1st fret (to play along with the video in F Major)

Chord Chart Legend
E Major E7 A Major A7 G Major B7 D Major
Lefties Chord Chart Legend
E Major-LH E7-LH A Major-LH A7-LH G Major-LH B7-LH D Major-LH

I Walk the Line

Song Key is highlighted - Transpose to any other key 
  
Intro: 2/2 
   E  F#  G#    A       D       A       E7       B7       E
|  Bass Notes |   | % |   | % |   | % |    | % |    | % |   | % |
1  &  2   &                                                    (I keep a)

            B7                           E
1. I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
             B7                      E
   I keep my eyes wide o-pen all the time
              A                         E
   I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
                   B7                E
    Be-cause you're mine   I walk the line |  %  |

   (Key Change)
       A
    |     |  %  |  %  |  %  |  %  |  %  | 
                                       (I find it)

             E7                      A
2. I find it ve-ry ve-ry ea-sy to be true
             E7                          A
   I find my-self a-lone when each day's through
               D                       A
   Yes I'll ad-mit that I'm a fool for you 
                   E7                A
   Be-cause you're mine   I walk the line |  %  |
   
   (Key Change)
      D
   |     |  %  |  %  |  %  |  %  |  %  |
                                     (As sure as)
              A7                       D
3. As sure as night is dark and day is light
              A7                      D
   I keep you on my mind both day and night
              G                                  D
   And hap-pi-ness I have known proves that it's right
                   A7                D
   Be-cause you're mine   I walk the line |  %  |

   (Key Change)
      A
   |     |  %  |  %  |  %  |  %  |  %  |
                                    (You've got a)

                E7                      A
4. You've got a way to keep me on your side
               E7                            A
   You give me clothes for love that I can't hide
             D                             A
   For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
                   E7                A
   Be-cause you're mine   I walk the line |  %  |
     
   (Key Change)
      E
   |     |  %  |  %  |  %  |  %  |  %  |
      M-m-m...                        (I keep a)

            B7                           E
5. I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
             B7                      E
   I keep my eyes wide o-pen all the time
              A                         E
   I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
                   B7                E
   Be-cause you're mine   I walk the line |  %  |
                   B7                E         E
   Be-cause you're mine   I walk the line |    ↑ |
                                          (1& 2&)...

Arrangement Details:

  • Key Signatures: F Major → Bb Major → Eb Major → F Major
  • Starting Key Signature: F Major- 1 flat (Bb)
  • Chords in F Major: F, F7, Bb, Bb7, C7, Eb, Ab
  • Time Signature: 2/2 — Two half-note beats per measure
  • Tempo: Moderately fast
  • Metronome: h = 116 (h represents a half-note)
  • Voice Range: C3 - D5

Song Details:

Album Cover
Johnny Cash
  • Songwriter: Johnny Cash
  • Date: 1956
  • Lyrics Begin: I keep a close watch on this heart of mine.
  • Genre: Country
  • Featured Artist: Johnny Cash
  • Single:
    Recorded: April 2, 1956
    Released: May 5, 1956
    B-side: Get Rhythm
  • Album: Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!
    Recorded: September 1954 – August 4, 1957
    Released: October 11, 1957
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