Busted

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

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Other arrangements of Busted

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Sheet MusicBar NotationSimple SheetLead SheetKaraoke · LyricsEasy NotesFalling Notes
Lyrics

My (C)bills are all due and the (C7)ba by needs shoes and I’m was (G7)bust ed.

Cot ton is down to a quar with ter a pound but I’m (C)bust ed.

I got my cow that went dry and a (C7)hen that won’t lay, a (F)big stack of bills that gets big ger each day.

The (G7)coun ty’s gon na haul ing my be long ings a way ’cause I’m (C)bust ed.

I (C)went to my broth er to (C7)ask for a loan ’cause I was (G7)bust ed.

I hate to beg like a dog with out his bone but I’m (C)bust ed.

I got The broth er said, “There ain’t a (C7)thing I can do; my (F)wife and my kids are all down with the flu; and (G7)I was just na think ing a bout call ing on you!

And I’m (C)bust ed.”

Well,

Busted — Easy Piano Notes for Beginners

6 people have learned this song

Learn "Busted" on piano with easy notes — perfect for absolute beginners. Large color-coded note names show exactly which keys to press. No music reading required. Key of C, 102 BPM.

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

Try other practice modes:

Falling NotesLead SheetBar SheetSimple SheetKaraoke

About “Busted”

Can I play "Busted" without reading sheet music?
Yes — Easy Notes mode prints the letter name (C, D, E…) directly on each note in big color-coded labels, so you can match colors to your keyboard without any traditional notation. The whole arrangement of "Busted" is playable in minutes, even for first-time players.
What key is "Busted" by Johnny Cash played in?
Busted is arranged in the key of C on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Busted"?
The arrangement plays at 102 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Busted" 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 "Busted"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Busted"?
"Busted" 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.
Can a complete beginner play "Busted"?
Absolutely! The Beginner mode shows large color-coded notes with letter names (C, D, E...). Just match the colors to your keyboard — no music reading needed. "Busted" is perfect for first-time players.
Do I need to read music to play "Busted"?
No! Our Beginner mode replaces traditional notation with color-coded letter names. Each note shows exactly which key to press. You can start playing "Busted" in minutes, even if you've never touched a piano before.