[Intro]
| C Cmaj7 | C7sus2 | F | F |
[Verse 1]
C Cmaj7 C Cmaj7
Hey, if I could I'd sit you down buy you a drink and ask you how
F
You got a cowboy ridin' to slow on down and walk the line and
C Cmaj7 C Cmaj7
I'd wanna hear it from the start, how many times did he break your heart?
F
From what I'm readin', why didn't you leave him
[Chorus]
C Cmaj7
When he came home late on booze and pills
C7sus2 F
Lyin' through that perfume smell comin' off his shirt?
F
What made you wanna make it work?
C Cmaj7 C7sus2
Did you always know he'd come around, change his ways and settle down?
F
Did your friends call you crazy too?
F C Cmaj7 C7sus2 F
It'd sure help if I knew, hey June, why Johnny?
[Verse 2]
C Cmaj7 C Cmaj7
Did you know deep down inside your bones he'd be yours and yours alone?
F
Or were you just hoping? And how did you keep hoping?
C Cmaj7 C Cmaj7
I think I've got a Johnny of my own, but will he change? Hell if I know
F
Yes, I'm just hoping, but how do I keep hoping
[Chorus]
C Cmaj7
When he came home late on booze and pills
C7sus2 F
Lyin' through that perfume smell comin' off his shirt?
F
What made you wanna make it work?
C Cmaj7 C7sus2
Did you always know he'd come around, change his ways and settle down?
F
Did your friends call you crazy too?
F C Cmaj7 C7sus2 F
It'd sure help if I knew, hey June, why Johnny?
[Bridge]
C Cmaj7
Why Johnny? And how June
C7sus2 F
Did you make him realize it was always you?
F
Did you ever wanna find somebody new?
[Chorus]
C Cmaj7
When he came home late on booze and pills
C7sus2 F
Lyin' through that perfume smell comin' off his shirt?
F
What made you wanna make it work?
C Cmaj7 C7sus2
Did you always know he'd come around, change his ways and settle down?
F
Did your friends call you crazy too? Bet you could've had anyone you wanted to
C Cmaj7 C7sus2 F
So, hey, June, why Johnny?
[Outro]
C
Why Johnny? How, June?
How to play "Why Johnny" on guitar
[Intro and Verse Chord Progression]
- The intro and verses use a chord progression of C, Cmaj7, C7sus2, F.
Begin with gentle strumming to match the reflective and inquisitive
tone of the lyrics.
- The transition from C to Cmaj7 to C7sus2 adds a smooth, flowing feel,
leading into the more stable F chord.
[Chorus Dynamics]
- In the chorus, continue with C, Cmaj7, but the introduction of C7sus2
before moving to F adds a subtle tension, reflecting the emotional
content of the lyrics.
- Increase the intensity of your strumming here to highlight the
emotional questioning and the urgency in the narrative.
[Bridge Technique]
- The bridge reduces the progression complexity, focusing on asking
direct questions. Maintain a softer strumming pattern here to
emphasize the introspective lyrics.
- Use the dynamics of your strumming to draw attention to the key
lyrical questions about June’s decisions and feelings.
[Outro]
- For the outro, return to the simplicity of the intro, reducing
strumming intensity for a thoughtful and unresolved ending.
- Let the final chord linger, mirroring the unresolved questions
posed throughout the song.
Common mistakes:
- Not varying strumming dynamics between the verse, chorus, and bridge.
Adjust your strumming to match the lyrical and emotional shifts.
- Overlooking the emotional impact of the chord changes, especially the
transition to C7sus2. Practice these transitions to ensure they are
smooth and enhance the song’s reflective mood.
Song Facts and Artist Bio:
"Why Johnny" by Megan Moroney is a poignant song that explores the
complex emotions and questions surrounding a troubled relationship,
drawing parallels with the iconic figures of Johnny Cash and June
Carter. The song's thoughtful lyrics question the reasons behind
staying in a challenging relationship, using a conversational style
that connects deeply with listeners. Megan Moroney's style combines
modern country music storytelling with traditional influences,
creating songs that are both relatable and deeply personal.