A Boy Named Sue

by Johnny Cash
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How to Play This Song

Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

Well, my daddy left home when I was three, and (Eb)didn’t leave much for Ma and me.

Just (F7)old guitar and an empty bottle of (Bb)booze.

Now, I don’t blame him because he run and hid, but (Eb)meanest thing that he ever did was be (F7)fore he left, he went and named me (Bb)Sue.

Well, he must have thought it quite a joke, and (Eb)got lots of laughs from lot of folks.

It (F7)seemed I had to fight my whole life (Bb)through.

Some gal would giggle and I’d get red.

And (Eb)some guy would and I’d his head, I (F7)tell you, life ain’t easy for boy named (Bb)Sue.

Well, daddy left home when I was three, and (Eb)didn’t leave much for Ma and me.

Just (F7)old guitar and an empty bottle of (Bb)booze.

Now, I don’t blame him because he run and hid, but (Eb)meanest thing that he ever did was be (F7)fore he left, he went and named me (Bb)Sue.

Well, he must have thought it quite a joke, and (Eb)got lots of laughs from lot of folks.

It (F7)seemed I had to fight my whole life (Bb)through.

Some gal would giggle and I’d get red.

And (Eb)some guy would and I’d his head, I (F7)tell you, life ain’t easy for boy named (Bb)Sue.

Well, (Bb)Sue.

A Boy Named Sue — Piano Lead Sheet

31 people have learned this song

"A Boy Named Sue" lead sheet with chords, melody, and lyrics. Play the melody while following chord symbols above. Perfect for sing-along or accompaniment. Key of Bb, 188 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

About “A Boy Named Sue”

Where are the chord symbols for "A Boy Named Sue" displayed?
Lead Sheet shows chord symbols (like Am, G7, C) above the melody line with lyrics below. Every chord change highlights in real time as the song plays, so you can play the melody with the right hand and follow chord shapes with the left. "A Boy Named Sue" is in Bb.
What key is "A Boy Named Sue" by Johnny Cash played in?
A Boy Named Sue is arranged in the key of Bb on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "A Boy Named Sue"?
The arrangement plays at 188 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "A Boy Named Sue" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "A Boy Named Sue"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "A Boy Named Sue"?
"A Boy Named Sue" was originally performed by Johnny Cash. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Johnny Cash can I play here?
Try "GOD'S GONNA CUT YOU DOWN", "IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND", "HELP ME". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Does "A Boy Named Sue" have chords and lyrics?
Yes! The Lead Sheet shows the melody with chord symbols (like Am, G, C) and full lyrics. Perfect for singing along or playing with a band. "A Boy Named Sue" is in the key of Bb at 188 BPM.
What chords are in "A Boy Named Sue"?
Open the Lead Sheet to see all chord symbols displayed above the melody line. The song is in the key of Bb, so you'll find chords common to that key. Each chord highlights in real time as the song plays.