I Walk the Line as performed by Johnny Cash on the album,
"Pocket Full Of Country" - Capitol Records/EMI
Written by Johnny Cash. Publishing information unknown.
This song has been previously transcribed by: "TPLBA"
The version I know changes key with each verse. I was unable to contact
"TPLBA" so I have taken the liberty of substituting my chords over the words
which he wrote. Any comments, questions, or corrections can be directed to me.
- Darragh Egan
INTRO: A D A E B7 E (keep playing E until first verse)
[Key of E]
B7 E
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
B7 E
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
A E
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
B7 E [bass run] A (keep playing A)
Because you're mine, I walk the line
[Key of A]
E7 A
I find it very, very easy to be true
E7 A
I find myself alone when each day's through
D A
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
E7 A [bass run] D (keep playing D)
Because you're mine, I walk the line
[Key of D]
A7 D
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 happiness I've known proves that it's right
A7 D [bass run] A (keep playing A)
Because you're mine, I walk the line
[Key of A]
E7 A
You've got a way to keep me on your side
E7 A
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
D A
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
E7 A [bass run] E (keep playing E)
Because you're mine, I walk the line
[Key of E]
B7 E
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
B7 E
I keep my eyes wide open all the time.
A E
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
B7 E
Because you're mine, I walk the line
After each change in key (at the end of each verse) there's quite a few bars
of the tonic chord before the next verse starts. Like most of Johnny Cash's
songs, this one features a strong alternating bass pattern and uses standard
bass runs when changing keys.
I might do a tab for this song at some point in the future because it's such
a great example of the alternating bass technique and features a number of
simple bass runs which can be used in so many songs. In the meantime, you
can get general information from my lessons which appeared in COWPIE News in
January and February 1998 (Volume 5, Issues ???).
- Darragh Egan
P.S. As of the time that I'm submitting this, I'm unable to download the
old newsletters from early 1998. They come out garbled, possibly due to the
compression. I'm not sure if this is something specific to my system, or a
more general fault that others may also experience. If you have this
problem and would like copies of my lessons, just e-mail me and I'll send
them directly to you.
