Song Lyrics & Charts

Hey, jammers. Here's over 320 song lyrics with Nashville Number charts—mostly bluegrass and oldtime, but a few surprises. Click on a title, and it will transport you magically to the song. And it's just as easy to return to the index. Enjoy!
—Yer pal,

Index

Act Naturally

They're gonna put me in the movies
They're gonna make a big star out of me
We'll make a film about a man that's sad and lonely
And all I got to do is act naturally

Well, I bet you I'm a gonna be a big star
Might win an Oscar you can never tell
The movie's gonna make me a big star,
'Cause I can play the part so well.

Well, I hope you come and see me in the movie
Then I'll know that you will plainly see
The biggest fool that's ever hit the big time
And all I got to do is act naturally.

We'll make a scene about a man that's sad and lonely
And begging down upon his bended knee
I'll play the part but I won't need rehearsing
All I have to do is act naturally.

Well, I bet you I'm a gonna be a big star
Might win an Oscar you can never tell
The movie's gonna make me a big star,
'Cause I can play the part so well.

Verse and Chorus:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I	V-I

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Ain't Gonna Marry

—Maria Muldaur's version

Chorus:
I ain't going to marry, I ain't going to settle down,
I ain't going to marry, I ain't going to settle down,
I'm gonna lay round here and run you men around.

Just when you think that your lovin' man is true,
Just when you think that your lovin' man is true,
He's my man, your man, and somebody else's too.

Big Fat woman with the meat shakin 'on her bones
Big fat woman with the meat shakin' on her bones
Every time she makes a shimmy skinny woman leave her home

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I7
IV	IV	I	I
V	IV	I	I

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Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow

Oh I'm gonna leave this country
Lord I'm going around this world
Oh I'm gonna leave this country
For the sake of one little girl

Chorus:
Oh I ain't gonna work tomorrow
I ain't gonna work this day
Lord I ain't gonna work tomorrow
For it may be a rainy day

Don't you hear my banjo ringing
Don't you hear that mournful sound
Don't you hear those pretty girls laughing
Standing on that cold cold ground

Oh I'll hang my head in sorrow
Oh I'll hang my head and cry
Oh I'll hang my head in sorrow
As my darling passes by

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I-V	I
IV	I	I-V	I

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Ain't I Been Good to You

Chorus:
Ain't I been good to you
Done all that I can do
So faithful and so true
Ain't I been good to you

I've tried and tried and tried
To keep you satisfied
But you found somebody new
Even though I was good to you

It's causin' me such pain
Sweetheart I can't explainl
I can't believe we're through
'Cause I've been so good to you

Verse and Chorus:

I	V	V	I
I	IV	I	V	I

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Ain't No More Cane

Chorus:
Ain't no more cane on the Brazos
Ooh, ooh, ooh
It's all been ground down to molasses
Ooh, ooh, ooh

You should've been on the river in nineteen and ten
Ooh, ooh, ooh
They were drivin' the women just like they drove the men
Ooh, ooh, ooh

Go down Old Hannah, don't you rise no more
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Don't you rise up 'til Judgment Day's for sure
Ooh, ooh, ooh

Captain, don't you do me like you done poor old Shine
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Well ya drove that bully 'til he went stone blind
Ooh, ooh, ooh

Wake up on a lifetime, hold up your own head
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Well, you may get a pardon and then you might drop dead
Ooh, ooh, ooh

Chorus:

I	IV	I	I	II	V
I	IV	I	VIm	V	I

Verse:

I	IV	I	I	II	V
I	IV	I	I	V	I

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Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me

—Jimmy Martin

Once I had a little sweetheart I love dearly
We planned the day when she would be my own
Another man he stole my darlin from me
And there ain't nobody gonna miss me when I'm gone

Chorus:
Oh there ain't nobody gonna miss me when I'm gone
There ain't nobody gonna mourn for me too long
Oh won't you write these words upon my tombstone
There ain't nobody gonna miss me when I'm gone

I had a lovin mother dear and daddy
They've gone to live where the angels love to dwell
They found eternal life up there in heaven
Where I'll find my reward none can tell

Now you've been faithful kind and true to me old Copper
You're the only one that's never done me wrong
I am weepin while I pat your head ol Copper
For there ain't nobody gonna miss me when I'm gone

Verse and Chorus:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

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All Prayed Up

Chorus:
I'm all prayed up, I'm ready to meet my Savior
Eternal life is waitin' in the by and by
I'm all prayed up, my faith will never waiver
Heaven's doors gonna swing wide open when I die

I made my peace with Jesus a long long time ago
I trusted Him and He would save my soul
I walked up there beside Him, He guides me on my way
I know He hears me when I kneel and pray

Now I ain't afraid of Satan, his wicked way of sin
Well he tempted me but he could not pull me in
When I've gone to live with Jesus, face my judgement day
He'll fulfill me for the promise that He made

Chorus: & Tag:
I'm all prayed up, my faith will never waiver
Heaven's doors gonna swing wide open when I die

Verse and Chorus:

I	IV	I	I	V
I	IV	I	V	I

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All The Good Times Are Past and Gone

—Bill Monroe

I wish to the lord I'd never been born
Or died when I was young
I never would have seen your sparkling blue eyes
Or heard your lying tongue

Chorus:
All the good times are past and gone
All the good times are o'er
All the good times are past and gone
Little darling don't weep no more

Don't you see that turtle dove
That flies from pine to pine
He's mourning for his own true love
Just like I mourn for mine

Come back, come back my own true love
And stay awhile with me
For if ever I've had a friend in this world
You've been that friend to me.

Verse and Chorus:

I	IV-I	I	I	V
I	IV	I	I	V	I

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Amber Tresses Tied in Blue

—The Carter Family

Far away in some deep mountain
Where the merry sunbeams play
There I wandered thru the clover
Singing to a village maid

Chorus:
She was dearer than the dearest
Ever loving kind and true
And she wore beneath her bonnet
Amber tressee tied in blue

Fact decreed that we parted
When the leaves of autumn fell
Then two hearts were seperated
That had loved each other well

She was all I had to cherish
Every loving king and true
Now I see in every vision
Amber tresses tied in blue

Verse:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	V	I

Chorus:

V	I	I	V
I	IV	V	I

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And We Bid You Goodnight

—Joseph Spence

Lay down my dear brothers, lay down and take your rest
Oh won't you lay your head upon your saviour's breast
I love you, oh but Jesus loves you the best
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight (X3)

(Repeat)

Walking in Jerusalem just like John
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

I remember right well, I remember right well
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

His rod and his staff shall comfort me
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Tell "A" for the ark, that wonderful boat
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Tell "B" for the beast at the ending of the wood
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Well it eat all the children that would not be good
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Walking in the valley of the shadow of death
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Lay down my dear brothers, lay down and take your rest
Oh won't you lay your head upon your saviour's breast
I love you, oh but Jesus loves you the best
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I	V
I	I	I	I
I	IV	V	I

Chant:

I	I	I	I
I	IV	V	I

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Angel Band

My latest sun is sinking fast
My race is nearly run
My longest trials now are passed
My triumph has begun

CHORUS :
Oh, come angel band
Come and around me stand
Bear me away on your snowy wings
To my immortal home
Bear me away on your snowy wings
To my immortal home

Oh, bear my loving heart to him
Who bled and died for me
Whose blood now cleanses from all sins
And gives me victory

I've almost reached my heavenly home
My spirit loudly sings
The holy ones,behold they come
I hear the noise of wings

Verse:

I	IV	I	I	V	I
I	IV	I	I	V	I

Chorus:

V	I	V	I
IV	I	V	I
IV	I	V	I

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Are You Tired of Me My Darlin'

—Lilly Brothers

Are you tired of me my darling
Did you mean those words you said
When you spoke in fond affection
On the day that we were wed

Chorus:
Tell me could you live life over
Would you make it otherwise
Are you tired of me my darling
Answer only with your eyes

Did you ever rue the springtime
When we first each other met
And you told me that you'd love me
Words my heart can n'er forget

Verse:

I	IV	I	I	V	I
I	IV	I	I	V	I

Chorus:

V	I	V	I
IV	I	V	I
IV	I	V	I

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Are You Waiting Just For Me

—Red Allen

Are you waiting just for me my darling
While I'm across the deep blue sea
Or have you found someone else my darling
Please tell me are you waiting just for me?

While I'm writing you tonight my darling
There's such a burning deep down in my breast
I know you promised that you would be faithful
Please tell me darling have you stood the test?

You've never given me of course I'm doubt you
You have always been so true and fine
But my spirit keeps on singing low
For appearing then a new love you might find

Verse:

I	IV	V	I
I	IV	V	I

Chorus:

V	I	IV	I
I	IV	V	I

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Arkansas Traveler

Oh once upon a time in Arkansas
An old man sat in his little cabin door
And fiddled at a tune that he liked to hear
A jolly old tune that he played by ear

It was raining hard but the fiddler didn't care
He sawed away at the popular air
Though his rooftop leaked like a waterfall
That didn't seem to bother the old man at all

A traveler was riding by that day
And stopped to hear him a—fiddling away
The cabin was afloat and his feet were wet
But the old man still didn't seem to fret

So the stranger said Now the way it seems to me
You'd better mend your roof said he
But the old man said as he played away
I couldn't mend it now it's a rainy day

The traveler replied that's all quite true
But this I think is the thing for you to do
Get busy on a day that is fair and bright
Then patch the old roof till it's good and tight

But the old man kept on a—playing at his reel
And tapped the ground with his leathery heel
Get along said he for you give me a pain
My cabin never leaks when it doesn't rain

Verse:

I	I	I	I
V	V	V	V
I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I	V
I	I	V	I

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Ashes of Love

Chorus:
Ashes of love cold as ice,
You made the debt and I'll pay the price.
Our love is gone there's no doubt,
Ashes of love the flame burned out.

The love light that gleamed in your eyes,
Has gone out to my surprise.
We said goodbye my heart bled;
I can't revive our love — it's dead.

I trusted dear our love would stand,
Your every wish was my command.
My heart tells me I must forget,
I loved you then I love yet.

Verse and Chorus:

|:   I	I	IV-I	V
V	V	V	I   :|

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Banks of the Ohio

I asked my love to take a walk
Just a walk a little way
And as we walk, oh, may we talk
All about our wedding day

Only say that you'll be mine
In our home we'll happy be
Down beside where the waters flow
On the banks of the Ohio

I held a knife against her breast
As into my arms she pressed
She said Willie, don't you murder me
I'm unprepared for eternity

I took her by her lily white hand
And dragged her down that bank of sand
There I throwed her in to drown
I watched her as she floated down

Was walking home tween twelve and one
Thinkin' of what I had done
I killed a girl, my love you see
Because she would not marry me

The very next morn about half past four
The Sheriff came knocked at my door
He said now young man come now and go
Down to the Banks of the Ohio

Verse and Chorus:

I	V	V	I
I	IV	I	V-I

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Big Ball in Brooklyn

Chorus:
Big ball in Brooklyn, big ball in town
Big ball in Brooklyn, we'll dance around

My love's in jail, boys, my love's in jail.
My love's in jail, boys, can't go her bail.

Goin' to Georgia, goin' to roam
Goin' to Georgia, to make it my home

Workin' on the railroad, sleepin' on the ground,
Eating soda crackers, ten cents a pound

Verse and Chorus:

|:  I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I  :|

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Big River

—Johnny Cash

Look at all the pretty girls walking down the street
Kicking up their heels they're happy on their feet
Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry, cry, cry
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky.
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River.
Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die.

I met her accidentally in St. Paul (Minnesota).
And it tore me up every time I heard her drawl, Southern drawl.
Then I heard my dream was back Downstream cavortin' in Davenport,
And I followed you, Big River, when you called.

Then you took me to St. Louis later on (down the river).
A freighter said she's been here but she's gone, boy, she's gone.
I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the block.
She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone.

Now, won't you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on.
Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans.
Go on, I've had enough; dump my blues down in the gulf.
She loves you, Big River, more than me.

Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry, cry, cry
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky.
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River.
Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die.

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	II	V
I	IV	I	V	I

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Big Rock Candy Mountain

Intro:
One evening as the sun went down and the jungle fire was burning
Down the track came a hobo hiking and he said boys I'm not turning
I'm headin for a land that's far away beside the crystal fountains
So come with me we'll go and see the Big Rock Candy Mountains

In the Big Rock Candy Mountains there's a land that's fair and bright
Where the handouts grow on bushes and you sleep out every night
Where the boxcars are all empty and the sun shines every day
On the birds and the bees and the cigarette trees
Where the lemonade springs where the bluebird sings
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains

In the Big Rock Candy Mountains all the cops have wooden legs
And the bulldogs all have rubber teeth and the hens lay soft boiled eggs
The farmer's trees are full of fruit and the barns are full of hay
Oh, I'm bound to go where there ain't no snow
Where the rain don't fall and the wind don't blow
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains

In the Big Rock Candy Mountains you never change your socks
And the little streams of alcohol come a—trickling down the rocks
The brakemen have to tip their hats and the railroad bulls are blind
There's a lake of stew and of whiskey too
You can paddle all around 'em in a big canoe
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains

In the Big Rock Candy Mountains the jails are made of tin
And you can walk right out again as soon as you are in
There ain't no short handled shovels, no axes saws or picks
I'm a goin to stay where you sleep all day
Where they hung the jerk that invented work
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains

I'll see you all this coming fall in the Big Rock Candy Mountains

Intro:

I	I	V	I
I	I	V	I
IV-I	IV-I	IV-I	V
I	I	V	I

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
IV	I	IV	V
I	I	IV	I
IV-I	IV-I	IV-I
IV-I	IV-I	V

Tag:

I

IV

I

IV

I

V

I

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Big Spike Hammer

—Flatt & Scruggs

Can't you hear the whistle of my big spike hammer
Lord it's busting my side
I've done all I can do to keep that woman happy
Still she's not satisfied

Hey hey Della Mae
Why do you treat me this way
Hey hey Della Mae
I'll get even some day

I'm the best hammer swinger on this big section gang
Big Bill Johnson is my name
Lord this hammer that I swing for a dollar and a half a day
I'll all for my Della Mae

Now I've been lots of places, not much I ain't done
There's still alot of things I'd like to see
Lord this hammer that I swing or the woman that I love
Yes, one's gonna be the death of me

Big Spike Hammer Big Spike Hammer

Verse:

I	VIm	IV	VIm
I	VIm	IV	VIm	V

Chorus:

I	VIm	I	I
I	VIm	I	I

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Bile Them Cabbages Down

Went up on the mountain
Just to give my horn a blow
Thought I heard my true love say
Yonder comes my beau

Bile them Cabbage down
Turn them hoecakes round
The only song that I can sing
Is bile them cabbage down

Took my gal to the blacksmith shop
To have her mouth made small
She turned around a time or two
And swallowd shop and all

Possum in a Simmon tree
Raccoon on the ground
Raccoon says you son—of—a—gun
Shake some Simmon's down

Someone stole my old 'coon dog
Wish they'd bring him back
He chased the big hogs through the fence
And the little ones through the crack

Met a possum in the road
Blind as he could be
Jumped the fence and whipped my dog
And bristled up at me

Once I had an old gray mule
His name was Simon Slick
He'd roll his eyes and back his ears
And how that mule would kick

How that mule would kick
He kicked with his dying breath
He shoved his hind feet down his throat
And kicked himself to death

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	IV	I	V-I

Chorus:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I	V	I

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Bill Cheatham

My old dog went rollin' in the pig pen
She come in the house and stunk up the kitchen
Kicked her out but she just come back again
Lying round the livin' room scratching out the fleas.

I'm sneezin' and a wheezin' from the hair in the air
She's crappin' in the corner and peein' everwhere
She's knocking down the baby and sleepin' on the stair
I yell and I holler but the dog don't care.

Verse:

I	IV	I	IV	V-I
I	IV	I	V-I

Chorus:

I	IV	V	I
I	IV	I	V
I	IV	V	I
I	IV	V	I

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Black Eyed Susie

—Holy Modal Rounders

My pretty little Susie's just half grown
Jumps on a man like a dog on a bone.
Refrain:
Hey, black—eyed Susie, hey, little black—eyed Susie, hey.

Come little Susie, let's go to the loft
The hay up there's always warm and soft
Refrain

If your mommy knew she'd tan your hide
Your daddy would hunt me dead or alive
Refrain

I gave your little brother a big silver dollar
If he sees your daddy coming he'll let out a holler.
Refrain

The only thing I like to do better than my doodling
Is put my head between your legs and do a little yodelling
Refrain

Verse:

I

IV

I

V

Refrain:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

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Black Eyed Susie

—Traditional

Black eyed Susie went to town
All she wore was a gingham gown

Hey Black eyed Susie
Ho Black eyed Susie
Hey Black eyed Susie Jane.

I may get drunk I may get woozy
But I'm comin' home to Black eyed Susie

Black eyed Susie's long and tall
Sleeps in the kitchen with her feet in the hall

Hey old man I want your daughter
To chop my wood and carry my water

Black eyed Susie lives in a holler
She won't come and I won't call her

All I want in this creation
Pretty little wife on a big plantation.

All I need to make me happy
Two little boys to call me Pappy.

One name Sop and the other name Gravy
One sop it up and the other gonna save it.

Up Red Oak and down salt water
Some old man gonna lose his daughter.

Black eyed Susie went huckleberry pickin'
Came home late and took a lickin'.

Love my wife and love my baby
Love my biscuits sopped in gravy.

Goin' back home with a pocket full of money
Somebody there to call me honey.

Verse:

I

IV

I

V

Refrain:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

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Blackjack David

—Incredible String Band version

Blackjack David is the name that I bear
Been alone in the forest for a long time
But the time is come, and when a lady I find
I will love her and hold her, singing through the green green trees

The skin on my hands is like leather, alright.
My face is so hard from the cold wind
But my heart's so warm with the song that I sing
Will charm a fair lady, singing through the green green trees

Fair Eloise rode out that day
From her fine fine home in the morning
In the flush of dawn, came a sound to her ear
Drifting, floating, singing through the green green trees

Last night she slept on a fine feather bed
Far far from Blackjack David
Tonight she'll sleep on the cold cold ground
And love him and hold him, singing through the green green trees

Now sixteen summers was all that she'd seen
And her skin was soft a velvet
But she's forsaken her fine fine home
And Blackjack David is singing through the green green trees

Saddle me up my fine grey mare
Cried the lord of the house next morning
My servants tell me that my daughter is gone
With Blackjack David, singing through the green green trees

Well he rode all day and he rode all night
But he never did find his daughter
But he heard from afar, come drift on the wind
Two voices, laughing, singing through the green green trees

Oh, Blackjack David is the name that I bear
Been alone in the forest for a long time
But now I've found me a lady so fair
And I love her, hold her, singing through the green green trees

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-IV	I	V	I

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Blaze of Glory

—Larry Keith, Johnny Slate, Danny Morrison

Chorus:
Let's go out in a blaze of glory.
All good things must end.
Like two heroes in a story,
let's go out like we came in
In a blaze of glory.

Here we are broken hearted.
We thought our love would never end.
We fell hard when we got started.
We're fallin' out like we fell in.

Let's don't lie and hurt each other.
That would be our worst mistake.
Once again let's act like lovers.
One more time for old time's shake

Chorus:

I	I	I	V
IV	I	I	V	I

Verse:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I	V	I

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Blue Moon of Kentucky

—Bill Monroe

Blue moon of Kentucky keep on shining
Shine on the one that's gone and proved untrue
Blue moon of Kentucky keep on shining
Shine on the one that's gone and left me blue

It was on a moonlight night
The stars were shining bright
And they whispered from on high
Your love has said good—bye

Blue moon of Kentucky keep on shining
Shine on the one that's gone and said good—bye

Verse:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	V	I-I7

IV	I	IV	I-V
I	IV	I-V	I

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Blue Night

—Bill Monroe

Blue night I got you on my mind
Blue night I can't keep from crying
You met someone that was new
You quit someone that you knew was true
Blue night I got you on my mind

Blue night blue as I can be
I don't know what'll become of me
Where we used to walk I walk alone
With an aching heart because my love is gone
Blue night blue as I can be

Blue night 'cause I'm all alone
I used to call you on the telephone
I used to call and it made you glad
Now I call and it makes you mad
Blue night 'cause I'm all alone

Blue night all by myself
Since you put me on that shelf
There's just one thing that you must know
You're gonna reap just what you sow
Blue night, all by myself
Blue night, all by myself

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I	IV
I	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I

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Blue Railroad Train

—the Delmore Brothers

Blue railroad train going down the railroad tracks
It makes me feel so doggone blue to listen to that old smokestack
Come back again let me hear the whistle blow
You're taking the sun and leaving the rain
And I hate to see you go

Blue railroad train leaving me far behind
Gimme back the good old days and let me ramble down the line
Blue railroad train leaving me her alone
You treat me good you treat me bad
You're making me think of home

I've got the blues I'm longing for your company
It's many miles from where I am to the only one for me
It's lonely here waiting for the manifest
I hope that engineer is kind enough to let me be his guest

I'm not as bad as you might think I am
I hobo here I hobo there I've traveled these states around
Blue railroad train a good old pal to me
You take me where I want to go and my transportation's free

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	IV	I

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Blue Ridge Cabin Home

—Flatt and Scruggs

There's a well beaten path in the old mountainside
Where I wandered when I was a lad
And I wandered alone to the place I call home
In those Blueridge hills far away

Chorus:
Oh I love those hills of old Virginia
From those Blueridge hills I did roam
When I die won't you bury me on the mountain
Far away near my Blueridge mountain home

Now my thoughts wander back to that ramshackle shack
In those blue ridge hills far away
Where my mother and dad were laid there to rest
They are sleeping in peace together there

I return to that old cabin home with the sigh
I've been longing for days gone by
When I die won't you bury me on that old mountain side
Make my resting place upon the hills so high

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I

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Blue Yodel #3

—Jimmie Rogers, as sung by Monroe

She's long she's tall she's six feet from the ground (X2)
She's tailor made Lord she ain't no hand me down
Yodel layee oh a layee oh alayee.

She's got eyes like diamonds and her teeth shine just the same (X2)
She's got sweet ruby lips and hair like a horse's mane
Yodel layee oh a layee oh alayee.

Everytime I see you mamma you're always on the street (X2)
You hang out on the corner like a police on his beat
Yodel layee oh a layee oh alayee.

Everytime I need you mamma Lord I always find you gone (X2)
Listen here sweet mamma you better put your air brakes on
Yodel layee oh a layee oh alayee.

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	IV	I
V	V	V	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Blues in a Bottle

—Prince Albert Hunt

Blues in a bottle, blues in a bottle,
Where do you think you're at pretty mama,
Blues in a bottle, where do you think you're at?
You went and kicked my dog, and
Now you drowned my cat. (sat on my hat)

Going to Chattanoogy, Going to Chattanoogy,
See my ponies run, pretty mama.
Going to Chattanoody, to see my ponies run.
If I win a prize, going to give my baby some.

Rooster chews tobacco, rooster chews tobacco,
The hen uses snuff, pretty mama.
The rooster chews tobacco, and the hen uses snuff.
The baby chickens don't use nothing, they just strut their stuff.

Goin to a silly party, goin to a silly party
Sorry I can't take you, pretty mama.
Going to a silly party, sorry I can't take you.
I just can't abide no woman goes 'round sniffin' glue.

more verses:

Blues in a bottle, blues in a bottle,
Stopper in my hand, pretty mama.
Blues in a bottle, stopper in my hand.
I'm going back to Fort Worth, find me another man.

Dig your 'taters, go dig your 'taters,
It's 'tater digging time, pretty mama.
Go dig your 'taters, it's 'tater digging time.
Old man Jack Frost done and killed your vine.

Asked my baby, asked my baby,
Could she stand to see me cry, pretty mama.
Asked my baby, could she stand to see me cry.
Says, "Old black daddy, I can stand to see you die."

Verse:

I	I	I	I7
IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Bring Your Clothes Back Home

—John Hartford

Mama killed a rooster, thought it was a duck
Put it on the table with its legs pokin' up
Oh, babe — 'bout to lose my mind
Bring your clothes back home and try me one more time

You know about kissing and loving on down
You're the dreamiest gal I've ever been around
Oh, babe — 'bout to lose my mind
Bring your clothes back home and try me one more time

She's coming down the stairs going "oop shoop a—doobie"
I'm looking up thinking 'bout that flip—flop—floobie
Oh, babe — 'bout to lose my mind
Bring your clothes back home and try me one more time

Verse:

I	I	I	I-I7
IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Bringing in the Georgia Mail

See the engine puffing, boy she's making time
That old trains wearing out the rail, rail, rail
Heading for the mountain that she's got to climb
Bringing in the Georgia mail

Ninety miles an hour and she's gaining speed
Listen to the whistle moan and wail, wail, wail
Has she got the power I'll say yes indeed
Bringing in the Georgia mail

See the driver's travel watch her spin the track
Ought to put that engineer in jail, jail, jail
Has he got her rolling watch her ball the jack
Bringing in the Georgia mail

Rocking and a reeling spouting off the steam
Stoke the fire and hope the brakes don't fail, fail, fail
Serving all the people listen to her scream
Bringing in the Georgia mail

Verse:

I	I	V	V
I	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

Buffalo Gals

Buffalo gals won't you come out tonight
Come out tonight Come out tonight
Buffalo gals wont you come out tonight
And dance by the light of the moon

Now I got a gal with a wart on her chin
Toes turned out and her eyes turned in
Prteey good gal for the shape she's in
Tell me is she coming out tonight

Give you five dollars if you come out tonight
Come out tonight Come out tonight
Give you five dollars if you come out tonight
And dance by the light of the moon

I got a gal at the top of the hill
Top of the hill Top of the hill
She's a moonshiner's daughter
But I love her still
Tell me is she coming out tonight

Me and my gal we sit on the stoop
Sit on the stoop Sit on the stoop
Here dad came out and made me loop the loop
Tell me is she coming out tonight

Verse:

I	I	V	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Bully of the Town

—Holy Modal Rounders, originally Charles E. Trevathan late 1800's

Have you heard about the bully that's just come into town?
He's rounding up the people and layin' their bodies down.
And I'm looking for the bully of the town.

I just got here from Tennessee, and I can't allow
No redneck rebel roustabout with me to raise a row
And I'm looking for that Bully to make him bow.

Chorus:
As I walk this levee round, round, round, round,
Every night I can't be found, found, found, found
As I walk this levee round, just lookin' for that bully, and he must be found.

I'm goin' to the corner with my ax in my hand,
I'm gonna find that bully, and I'll sweep him off the land.
And I'm lookin' for that bully, to make him stand.

I'm goin' to the corner, to get my razor blade,
I'm gonna find that bully and lay him in the shade
And I'm lookin for the bully of the town.

Now when you see me comin' heist your window high;
And when you see me goin' hang your head and cry;
And I'm lookin' for that bully and he must die.

My madness keeps a—risin' I ain't gonna get left,
I'm gettin' so evil I'm scared of myself.
And I'm gonna put that bully on a shelf.

Verse:

I	Ib	I	I
IV	IV	IV	II
V	V	V	I

Chorus:

I	I	V	V
V	V	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I

Extra Verses:

When I got done with that bully, a doctor and a nurse
Weren't no good to him, so they put him in a hearse,
A cyclone couldn't have tore him up much worse.

You don't hear 'bout that fella that treated folks so mean,
Go down to the levee and his face just won't be seen.
Now there's only one boss bully, and that one's me.

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Bully of the Town

—Stringbean's Version

I'm looking for that bully, the bully of your town
I'm looking for that bully, the bully can't be found.
I'm looking for that bully of your town

Chorus:
Oh out on the levee walkin' round, round, round
Every day I may be found, found, found,
When you see me walkin' this round
I'm looking for that bully of your town

When I met that bully way down in southern town
When I met that bully we both went round and round
I by the bully of your town

Well I've been east and I've been west
And I've been all around
I'm huntin' for that bully, that bully can't be found
I'm looking for that bully of your town

I'm looking for that bully, the bully of your town
I'm looking for that bully, the bully can't be found.
I'm looking for that bully of your town

Verse:

I	Ib	I	I
IV	IV	IV	II
V	V	V	I

Chorus:

I	I	V	V
V	V	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Bury Me Beneath the Willow

—Monroe Brothers

My heart is sad and I'm in sorrow
Weeping for the one I love
When shall I see her oh no never
'Til we meet in heaven above

Chorus:
Bury me beneath the willow
Under the weeping willow tree
When she hears that I am sleeping
Maybe then she'll weep for me

Tomorrow was to be our wedding
God oh God where can she be
She's gone a courting with another
And no longer cares for me

She told me that she did not love me
I could not believe it was true
Until an angel softly whispered
She no longer cares for you

Place on my grave a snow white lily
To prove my love for her was true
To show the world I died of grieving
For her love I could not win

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	IV
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Busted

—Harlan Howard 1962

My bills are all due and the baby needs shoes and I'm busted
Cotton is down to a quarter a pound, but I'm busted
I got a cow that went dry and a hen that won't lay
A big stack of bills that gets bigger each day
The county's gonna haul my belongings away cause I'm busted.

I went to my brother to ask for a loan cause I was busted
I hate to beg like a dog without his bone, but I'm busted
My brother said there ain't a thing I can do,
My wife and my kids are all down with the flu,
And I was just thinking about calling on you 'cause I'm busted.

Well, I am no thief, but a man can go wrong when he's busted
The food that we canned last summer is gone and I'm busted
The fields are all bare and the cotton won't grow,
Me and my family got to pack up and go,
But I'll make a living, just where I don't know cause I'm busted.

¾

Verse:

I	I	V	V
V	V	I	I
I	I-I7	IV	IV
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

But That's All Right

—Autry Inman

I gave my heart I gave my all
you built me up then you let me fall
You wore my ring upon your hand
but then you changed your mind
But that's all right
I looked around and found true love

You made me laugh you made me cry
I wished that day that I could die
You never dreamed that by and by
I'd be glad you changed your mind
Yes that's all right
I looked around and found true love

¾

and crooked
Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I7
IV	IV	IV	IV
I	I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Can't Get No Better

—John Hartford

Well he caressed her breast she hie di died his thigh
And the pill lit on the pillow amongst the wine bottles and the cheese
Took a Polaroid picture that was naughty and it slipped yes it did
And just when I thought it couldn't get no better then it did

Chorus:
Just when you think it can't get no better then it does
It's always so much better than it ever was
Seems like all the good things come at once, yes they do
And just when you think it can't get no better then it does

Well they knew what they liked they ain't neither one of them naive
She said I'll probably get in trouble but this time I don't care
Well I should go to work but I'd rather be with you instead
And just when I thought it couldn't get no better then it did

She taught school and he played the five string banjo
She lived here in town and he traveled the whole world wide
Well she packed the lunch brought the wine he drove the car and scored a lid
And just when I thought it couldn't get no better then it did

It was a perfect day for dalliance and a picnic
And a riverbank was an excellent place to love
Well the sun was a shining and the birds were singing overhead
And just when I thought it couldn't get no better then it did

Everything:

I

III7

VI

I7

IV

V

I

Back To Index

Can't You Hear Me Calling

—Bill Monroe

The days are long the nights are lonely
Since you left me all alone
I miss you so my little darling
I worried so since you've been gone

Chorus:
Sweetheart of mine can't you hear me calling
A million times I love you best
I mistreated you, lord and I'm sorry
Come back to me is my request

I remember dear the night we parted
A big mistake had caused it all
If you come back sunshine will follow
If you stay away twill be my fall

The nights are long my little darling
Oh how I need your sweet embrace
When I awoke the sun was shining
I looked up and I saw your face

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
IV	V	I	I

Back To Index

Careless Love

Love oh love careless love
Love oh love careless love
Love oh love oh careless love
See what careless love has done

Once I wore my apron low (3x)
I couldn't keep you from my door

What oh what will mama say (3x)
When she learns I've gone astray

I love my mama and papa too (3x)
See what I get for lovin' you

Now I wear my apron high (3x)
You pass my door you walk on by

Verse and Chorus:

I	V	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Carve That Possum

—Sam Lucas via Dave Macon

My dog treed, I went to see, (On children, on)
There was a possum up that tree, (On children, on)
And that possum began to grin, (On children, on)
I reached up and took him in, (On children, on)

Chorus:
Carve that possum
Carve that possum, children
Carve that possum children
Oh, come children come.

Carried him home and dressed him on,
Hung him out that night to frost,
One way to cook the possum down,
First par boil then bake him brown

Possum meat am good to eat,
Always fat and good and sweet,
Grease potatoes in the pan,
Greatest eatin in the land.

Some eat early and some eat soon,
Some like a possum and some like coon,
That possum's just the thing for me,
Old Rattler's got another'n up a tree.

Verse:

I

I

V

I

I

I

(X4)

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	IV	IV
I	I	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Cash on the Barrelhead

—Louvin Brothers

Got in a little trouble at the county seat
Lord they put me in the jailhouse, for loafing on the street
When the judge heard the verdict, I was a guilty man
He said forty—five dollars, or thirty days in the can

Chorus:
And that'll be cash on the barrelhead, son
You can take your choice, you're twenty—one
No money down, no credit plan
No time to chase you, 'cause I'm a busy man

Found a telephone number, on a laundry slip
Had a kind—hearted jailer, with a six—gun hip
He let me call long—distance, She said, "Number, please?"
No sooner than I told her, she hollered out at me

Chorus:
That'll be cash on the barrelhead, son
Not part, not half, but the entire sum
No money down, no credit plan
'Cause a little bird tells me that you're a traveling man

Thirty days in the jailhouse, four days on the road
I was feeling mighty hungry, my feet a heavy load
Saw a Greyhound a coming, stuck up my thumb
Just as I'd been seated, the driver caught my arm

Chorus:
That'll be cash on the barrelhead son
This old gray dog, gets paid to run
When engine starts, oh the wheels won't roll
That'll be cash on the barrelhead, I'll take you down the road

Verse:

I

I

I

I

(X4)

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Chump Man Blues

I'm going down to the river, take a great big jump.
I'm going down to the river, take a great big jump.
I used to be a wise man, but this woman made me a chump.

Now, it sure is funny how hard a man can fall.
Now, it sure is funny how hard a man can fall.
When he gets to thinkin' that one woman has got it all.

Well, she threw me out; I went walkin' down the track.
She threw me out! I went walkin' down the track.
But I turned right around, (Lord have mercy),
and begged her to take me back.

Well, she ain't no good, but I can't leave her somehow.
Naw, she ain't no good, but I can't leave her somehow.
I used to be a wild cat, but this woman has chained me down.

Now she don't act sweet, she's that mean and naggin' kind.
Naw she don't act sweet, she's that mean and naggin' kind.
But she's got this little quiver, make a strong man lose his mind.

So, I'm goin' down to the river, take a great big jump.
Right after I get done singin' right here tonight, I'm gonna jump.
I used to be a wise man, but this woman made me a chump.

Verse:

I	IV	I	I7
IV	IV	I	I
V	IV	I	I

Back To Index

Clementine

Chorus:
Oh my darling, oh my darling
Oh my darling, Clementine
You are lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine

In a cavern, in a canyon
Excavating for a mine
Dwelt a miner, forty-niner
And his daughter, Clementine

Light she was and like a fairy
And her shoes were number nine
Herring boxes, without topses
Sandals were for Clementine

Drove she ducklings to the water
Ev'ry morning just at nine
Hit her foot against a splinter
Fell into the foaming brine

Ruby lips above the water
Blowing bubbles, soft and fine
But, alas, I was no swimmer
So I lost my Clementine

How I missed her! How I missed her
How I missed my Clementine
But I kissed her little sister
I forgot my Clementine

Verse:

I	I	I	V
IV	I	V	I

Back To Index

Cluck Old Hen

I had an old hen she had a wooden leg
Best old hen that never laid an egg
Laid more eggs than any hen around the barn
Another drink of whiskey wouldn't do me any harm

Chorus:
Cluck old hen cluck and sing
Ain't seen an egg since way last Spring
Cluck old hen cluck and squall,
Ain't laid an egg since way last fall

My old hen's a good old hen
She lays eggs for the railroad men
Sometimes one sometimes two
Sometimes enough for the whole damn crew

Chorus:
Cluck old hen cluck when I tell you
Cluck old hen or I'm gonna sell you
Last time she cackled cackled in the lot
Next time she cackles cackle in the pot

My old hen's a good old hen
She lays eggs for the railroad men
Sometimes 8 and sometimes ten
That's enough for the railroad men

Verse:

|: I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I :|

Chorus:

|: I	VII	I	VII
I	VII	V	I :|

Back To Index

Columbus Stockade Blues

—Jimmie Davis and Eva Sargent

Way down in Columbus, Georgia
Want to be back in Tennessee

Way down in Columbus Stockade
Friends all turned their backs on me

Bridge:
Well go away and leave me if you wish to
Never let me cross your mind

In your heart you love another
Leave me little darling I don't mind

Verse:

I	I	I	I
V	V	I	I

Bridge:

IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	V	V

Back To Index

Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies

Chorus:
Go and leave me if you wish to
Never let it cross your mind
If in your heart you love another
Leave me little darling, I don't mind

Last night as I lay sleeping
I dreamt I held you in my arms
When I awoke I was mistaken
I was peering through the bars

Many a night with you I've rambled
Many an hour with you I've spent
Thought I had your heart forever
Now I find it's only lent

Come all ye fair and tender ladies.
Be careful how you court young men.
They're like a star on a summer's morning.
They'll first appear and then they're gone.

They'll tell you some loving story
They'll declare to you their love is true
Then they will go and court some other
And that's the love they have for you

Do you remember our days of courting
When your head lay upon my breast
You could make me believe with falling of your arm
That the sun rose in the West

I wish I was a little sparrow,
And I had wings with which to fly
Right over to see my false true-lover,
And when he's talking I'd be nigh.

But I'm not a little sparrow,
I have no wings with which to fly
So I sit here in grief and sorrow,
To weep and pass my troubles by.

If I had known before I courted
that love was such a killing thing
I'd a-locked my heart in a box of golden
and fastened it up with a silver pin.

Verse:

IIm

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
IIm	I	I
IIm	IIm	I	I

Back To Index

Coney Isle

Just out on the mountain sitting on a log,
Finger on the trigger and an eye on a hog,
I'm on my way, I'm going back to Coney Isle.

I pulled the trigger and the gun says zip,
Jumped on the hog with all of my grip,
I'm on my way, I'm going back to Coney Isle.

It's hello Sal, I know you,
The one old slipper and a run down shoe,
I'm on my way, I'm going back to Coney Isle.

Now talk about a people having a devil of a time,
Eating up the chicken and a drinking the wine,
I'm on my way, I'm going back to Coney Isle.

Said, I went down to the Turkish feast
People was eatin' like big wild geese
I'm on my way, I'm goin' back, Coney Isle

Bake that flapjack, bake him brown
Swing them flapjacks around, around
I'm on my way, I'm goin' back, Coney Isle

Make that featherbed and make it up a-right
Old Miner Brown are gonna stay all night
I'm on my way, I'm goin' back, Coney Isle

Makes no difference how the time may be
Everything in the world sure suits me
I'm on my way, I'm goin' back, Coney Isle

When I get ready to leave this Earth
I look a-back, say my money's worth
I'm on my way, I'm goin' back, Coney Isle

Verse, approximately:

VI	VI	VI	VI
II	V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Corn Liquor

—Buck Owens

Well when I was a little bitty boy no bigger than an old polecat
Well I used to wonder like all kids what made this do that

Now I'd seen what happened to my pa when he'd take a drink from a jug
Yeah he'd start with a smile and then after awhile he'd be out on the floor like rug

Chorus:
Corn liquor (corn liquor) corn liquor (corn liquor) what makes you do what you do
Well they feel no pain when you touch their brain corn liquor they love you

Well now one day in the afternoon my folks were away for awhile
Yeah I got the jug down from the shelf to see what made 'em smile

Now I slowly sipped in then nearly flipped that one drink was enough
For the life of me I just can't see why they love that awful stuff

Well as I grew older I thought about that first sip that I had
Yeah I really burned but soon I learned it wasn't all that bad

Now to ease the pressures of this world here's the way I've got it figured
Well the thing to do for me and you is drink lotsa good corn liquor

Yeah I feel no pain when you touch my brain corn liquor I love you

Verse:

I	I	IV	IV
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Crawdad Song

You get a line and I'll get a pole honey
You get line and I'll get a pole babe
You get a line I'll get a pole
We'll go down to the crawdad hole
Honey baby mine

Yonder comes a man with a sack on his back honey
Yonder comes a man with a sack on his back babe
Yonder comes a man with a sack on his back
He's got more crawdads than he could pack
Honey baby mine

Man fell down and he burst his sack honey
Man fell down and he burst his sack babe
Man fell down and he burst his sack
You oughta see the crawdad backin' back
Honey baby mine

What you gonna do when the pond's gone dry honey
What you gonna do when the pond's gone dry babe
What you gonna do when the pond's gone dry
Sit on the banks and watch the crawdads die
Honey baby mine

Sit on the bank til my feet get cold honey
Sit on the bank til my feet get cold babe
Sit on the bank til my feet get cold we'll go down
To the crawdad hole honey, sugar baby mine

Hurry up babe, you slept too late, honey
Hurry up babe, you slept too late, babe
Hurry up honey, you slept too late
The crawdad man done passed your gate
Honey, babe of mine

Sell your crawdads three for a dime, honey
Sell your crawdads three for a dime, babe
Sell your crawdads three for a dime
Your crawdads ain't good as mine
Honey, babe of mine

What're you gonna do when the lake goes dry, honey
What're you gonna do when the lake goes dry, babe
What're you gonna do when the lake goes dry
Sit on the bank watch the crawdads die
Honey, babe of mine

I heard the duck say to the drake, honey
I heard the duck say to the drake, babe
I heard the duck say to the drake
Ain't no crawdads in this lake
Honey, babe of mine

There's a little bitty baby, nine days old, honey
Little bitty baby, nine days old, sweet thang
Little bitty baby, nine days old
Stuck his finger in a crawdad hole
Honey, babe of mine

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Cripple Creek

I got a girl and she loves me
She's as sweet as sweet can be
She's got eyes of baby blue
Makes my gun shoot straight and true.

Chorus:
Goin' up Cripple Creek goin' in a run
Goin' up Cripple Creek to have some fun.

Cripple Creek's wide and Cripple Creek's deep
I'll wade old Cripple Creek before I sleep
Roll my breeches to my knees
I'll wade ol' Cripple Creek when I please

I went down to Cripple Creek
To see what them girls had to eat
I got drunk and fell against the wall
Old corn likker was the cause of it all

Verse:

|: I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I :|

Chorus:

I

I

I

V-I

Back To Index

Cry, Cry Darling

—J.D. Miller and Jimmy C. Newman

Cry, cry darling, that's what I'll do
If you should leave me with the blues
Cry, cry darling, that's all I do
cause you're the one that's in my heart

For me there'll be no moonlight
If ever we should part
Cry, cry darling, that's all I do
Cause you're the one that's in my heart

Cry, cry darling, my eyes will cry
and never dry if you should go
Cry cry darling, when shadows creep
I'll just weep all night I know

You know how much I'd miss you
If ever we should part
Cry, cry darling, that's all I do
cause you're the one that's in my heart

¾

Verse and Chorus:

I	I7	IV	IV
I	I	V	V7
I	I7	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Crying Holy

Chorus:
Crying holy unto the Lord
Crying holy unto the Lord
If I could I surely would
Stand on the rock where Moses stood

Lord I ain't no stranger now
Lord I ain't no stranger now
I've been introduced to the Father and the Son
Lord I ain't no stranger now

Sinners run hide your face
Sinners run hide your face
Sinners run to the Lord and hide your face
Lord cried out "No hiding place"

Chorus and Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Cumberland Gap

—Spencer & Rains:

Come on boys lets take a little nap
We'll all go down to the Cumberland Gap
Cumberland Gap, Cumberland Gap
We'll all go down to the Cumberland Gap

Cumberland Gap is a mighty fine place,
There's streams of whiskey to wash your face
Lay down boys and take your ease
Gonna have a battle with the ticks and fleas.

Refrain:
Cumberland Gap, Cumberland Gap
We'll all go down to the Cumberland Gap
Cumberland Gap, Cumberland Gap
We'll all go down to the Cumberland Gap

Well ox to the wagon and everything's packed
We'll all go down to the Cumberland Gap
Cumberland Gap, oh Cumberland Gap
We'll all go down to the Cumberland Gap

When I die I'll make my will
I want to be buried on a Cumberland hill,
Cumberland Gap is now my home
Gonna leave old Cumberland alone.

Refrain

Verse:

|: I

vi or IV

vi or IV

I :|

Refrain:

|: V

I – vi or IV

vi or IV

I :|

Back To Index

Cumberland Gap

—Dirk Powell:

Me and my wife and my wife's pap
All come back to the Cumberland Gap
Cumberland Gap, Cumberland Gap
All come down to the Cumberland Gap

I fell down and took a little nap
Wake up sober in the Cumberland Gap
Cumberland Gap, Cumberland Gap
Wake up sober in the Cumberland Gap

Cumberland Gap is a rough old place
There ain't enough water for to wash your face
Cumberland Gap it ain't my home
I'm gonna leave old Cumberland alone

Old Aunt Theda, I like Sal
I'm gonna marry that pretty little gal
Pretty little gal, pretty little gal
I'm gonna marry that pretty little gal.

Dear Aunt Sal if you don't care,
I'll leave my demijohn a-sittin right there
If it ain't there when I get back,
I'll raise hell in Cumberland Gap.

Me and my wife and my wife's pap
All come down to the Cumberland Gap
He likes gin and I like rum
I tell you boys we'll have our fun

All:

|: I

IV or vi

I

V – I :|

Back To Index

Daddy's Gone To Knoxville

—Mark Knopfler

Oh, you're gonna miss your daddy when he's gone, when he's gone
Yeah, you're gonna miss your daddy when he's gone, when he's gone
Daddy's gone down that Gallatin road
The hen never laid and the corn never growed
Oh, you're gonna miss your daddy when he's gone

Oh, I'd rather have a dollar than a dime, than a dime
Yeah, I'd rather have a dollar than a dime, than a dime
Daddy's gone down that Crossville track
If he can't make a dollar then he ain't comin' back
Oh, I'd rather have a dollar than a dime

Oh, you better love your daddy while you can, while you can
Yeah, you better love your daddy while you can, while you can
Daddy's gone south on the Natchez trace
If the can't show the money then he don't show his face
Oh, you'd better love your daddy while you can

Oh, your daddy's gone to Knoxville now, Knoxville now
Yeah, your daddy's gone to Knoxville now, Knoxville now
Daddy's gone down that Knoxville road
The dog never barked and the cock never crowed
Oh, your daddy's gone to Knoxville now

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	II	V
I	III	IV	IVm#
I-VI	II	V	I

Back To Index

Dark as a Dungeon

Come and listen, young fellers, so young and so fine
And seek not your fortune in the dark dreary mines
It will form as a habit and seep in your soul
'Til the stream of your blood runs as black as the coal

Chorus:
Where it's dark as a dungeon and damp as the dew
Where the dangers are double and the pleasures are few
Where the rain never falls and the sun never shines
It's dark as a dungeon way down in the mines

There's many a man who I've known in my day
Who lived just to labor his whole life away
Like a fiend with his dope or a drunkard his wine
A man will have lust for the lure of the mines

Well I hope when I'm gone and the ages shall roll
My body will blacken and turn into coal
Then I'll look from the door of my heavenly home
And pity the miner that's digging my bones

Verse:

|: I	I	IV	V
I	I	IV	I :|

Chorus:

V	IV-I	V	IV-I
I	I	IV-V
I	I	IV	I

Back To Index

Dark Hollow

—Joe Val

I'd rather be in some dark hollow
Where the sun don't never shine
Than to be here alone just knowin' that you're gone
It would cause me to lose my mind

Chorus:
So blow your whistle freight train
Blow it far on down the track
I'm going away, I'm leavin' today
I'm going but I ain't comin' back

I'd rather be in some dark hollow
Where the sun don't never shine
Than to be here in some big city
In a small room with you on my mind

Verse and Chorus:

I	V	I	I
I	IV	I	I
I	VII	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Darling Corey (Dig a Hole in the Meadow)

Chorus:
Dig a hole, dig a hole in the meadow
Dig a hole in the cold ground
Dig a hole, dig a hole in the meadow
Gonna lay darling Corey down

Well the first time I seen darling Corey
She was standing by the sea
Had a forty-four strapped across her bosom
And a banjo on her knee

Wake up, wake up, darling Corey
What makes you sleep so sound?
The revenue officers are coming
Gonna tear your still house down

Wake up, wake up, darling Corey
And go get my my gun
I ain't no man for trouble
But I'll die before I run

Go away, go away, darling Corey
Quit hanging around my bed
Bad liquor ruined my body
Pretty women gone to my head

Can't you hear them bluebirds singing
Don't you hear that mournful sound
Preachin' darlin' Corey's funeral
It's the lonesome graveyard ground

Verse and Chorus:

|: I	I	I	I
I	I	I-V-I :|

Back To Index

Deadheads & Suckers

—Crockett Ward

Chorus:
Oh its Deadheads and Suckers, how can you live
How can you live, darling, how can you live
Deadheads and Suckers, how can you live
When there's good men dying every day

Oh I'm going round the mountain, I'm bound to leave you now
Bound to leave you now, darlin', bound to leave you now
Oh I'm going round the mountain, I'm bound to leave you now
And darlin', I don't know what to do

Light in the graveyard that outshines the sun,
Outshines the sun, darlin', outshines the sun,
Light in the graveyard that outshines the sun,
And darlin' I don't know what to do.

High Sheriff and police running after me
Running after me, running after me
High Sheriff and police running after me
And Lordy, I don't know what to do

Mighty happy meeting, and don't you want to go
Don't you want to go, don't you want to go
Mighty happy meeting, and don't you want to go
Yes, We'll all go

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	I	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Deep Elem Blues

—originally Black Bottom Blues by The Georgia Crackers, 1927

When you go down in Deep Elem just to have a little fun
Have your ten dollars ready when that policeman comes

Chorus:
Oh sweet mama Daddy's got them Deep Elem blues
Oh sweet mama Daddy's got them Deep Elem blues

If you go down in Deep Elem put you money in your shoes
Women in Deep Elem got them Deep Elem blues.

When you go down in Deep Elem put you money in your pants
Cause the women in Deep Elem they don't give a man a chance

When you go down to Deep Elem put your money in your socks
Them Deep Elem women they will throw you on the rocks

I used to know a preacher preached the Bible through and through
He went down to Deep Elem now his preachin' days are through.

Now once I had a sweetheart she meant the world to me
She went down to Deep Elem she ain't what she used to be.

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I7
IV	IV	IV	IV

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
V	V	V	V-I

alternate verses:

Her papa's a policeman, and her mama walks the street;
Her papa met her mama when they both were on the beat.

Well, I had a good little woman, and I taken her to the fair,
She would have won the premium, but she had bad hair.

Well, I went down to Black Bottom just to get a little booze,
And now I'm on the chain gang, wearing them brogan shoes.

If you've got a good little woman, better keep her by your side,
That old __ take your baby and ride.

Back To Index

Deep River Blues

Let it rain, let it pour,
let it rain a whole lot more
'Cause I got them deep river blues
Let the rain drive right on,
let the waves sweep along
'Cause I got them deep river blues

My old gal's a good old pal
and she walks like a water fowl
When I get them deep river blues
Ain't no one to cry for me
and the fish all go out on a spree
When I get them deep river blues

Give me back my old boat,
I'm gonna sail it if she floats
'Cause I got them deep river blues
I'm going back to mussel shoals,
times are better there I'm told
'Cause I got them deep river blues

If my boat sinks with me
I'll go down, don't you see
'Cause I got them deep river blues
Now I'm going to say goodbye
and if I sink just let me die
'Cause I got them deep river blues

Verse:

I	Idim	I	IV
I	I	V	V
I	Idim	I	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Diddie Wah Diddie

—Blind Blake

There's a great big mystery,
And it sure is worryin' me.
It's the Diddie Wah Diddie,
It's the Diddie Wah Diddie.
I sure wish someone would tell me what
Diddie Wah Diddie means!

This little girl's about four feet four,
Come here to papa and give me some more.
It's the Diddie Wah Diddie,
It's the Diddie Wah Diddie.
I sure wish someone would tell me what
Diddie Wah Diddie means!

I went out and walked around,
Somebody yelled look who's in town.
Mister Diddie Wah Diddie,
Mister Diddie Wah Diddie.
I sure wish someone would tell me what
Diddie Wah Diddie means!

Ran to church put my hat on the seat,
Ladies said sugar daddy you sure is sweet!
Mister Diddie Wah Diddie,
Mister Diddie Wah Diddie.
I sure wish someone would tell me what
Diddie Wah Diddie means!

I said sister I'll soon be home,
Just give me that thing you said you own.
My Diddie Wah Diddie,
My Diddie Wah Diddie.
I wish somebody would tell me what
Diddie Wah Diddie means!

Man I got right out of church,
Because they talk about Diddie Wah Diddie too much.
It's the Diddie Wah Diddie,
It's the Diddie Wah Diddie.
I wish someone would tell me what
Diddie Wah Diddie means!

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Dink's Song (Fare Thee Well)

—Recorded by Alan Lomax 1909

If I had wings like Noah's dove
I'd fly the river to the one that I love
Fare thee well, my honey, fare thee well

I had a man, who was long and tall
He moved his body like a cannon ball
Fare thee well, my honey, fare thee well

I remember one evening in the pouring rain
And in my heart there was an aching pain
Fare thee well, my honey, fare thee well

Muddy river runs muddy and wild
You can't give a bloody for my unborn child
Fare thee well, my honey, fare thee well

Just as sure as the birds fly high above
Life ain't worth living without the one you love
Fare thee well, my honey, fare thee well

tag: Fare thee well, my honey, fare thee well

Verse:

I	I	I-IV	I
I	VIm	IV-I	I
I	IV-I	V	I

Back To Index

Dixie Darlin'

—by A.P. Carter

Chorus:
My Dixie darlin', listen to the song I sing
Beneath the silver moon, with my banjo right in tune
My heart is ever true, I love no one but you,
My Dixie darlin', my Dixie queen.

Way down below the Mason-Dixie line
Down where the honeysuckles are entwined
There's where the southern winds are blowing
There's where the daisies growing

The girls of the North in the gay fin-e-ree
Whirling around in so-ci-e-tee
Singin' the song of Dixie darlin'
Where I long to be

Goin' down South to have a big time
To see my girl in old Caroline,
I'll drink my booze and do as I please
For all those girls I long to squeeze

Singin' the song of Dixie darlin'
There's where I long to be goin'
Down where the jelly roll's rolling
With my Dixie queen

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	V	V	I

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I
V	V	V	V
I	I	I	I

Back To Index

Do Re Mi

—Woody Guthrie

Lots of folks back East, they say, is leavin' home every day,
Beatin' the hot old dusty way to the California line.
Cross the desert sands they roll, gettin' out of that old dust bowl,
They think they're goin' to a sugar bowl, but here's what they find
Now, the police at the port of entry say,
You're number fourteen thousand for today.

Chorus:
Oh, if you ain't got the do re mi, folks, you ain't got the do re mi,
Why, you better go back to beautiful Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Georgia, Tennessee.
California is a garden of Eden, a paradise to live in or see;
But believe it or not, you won't find it so hot
If you ain't got the do re mi.

You want to buy you a home or a farm, that can't deal nobody harm,
Or take your vacation by the mountains or sea.
Don't swap your old cow for a car, you better stay right where you are,
Better take this little tip from me.
'Cause I look through the want ads every day
But the headlines on the papers always say…

Verse:

I	IV	V	I
I	IV	V	I
V	V	V	V7

Chorus:

I	I	I	V
V	V	V	I
I	I	I-I7	IV
IV	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

Don't Let Your Deal Go Down

Oh I've been all around this whole wide world
Been down to sunny Alabam
My momma always told me son
Never let your deal go down

Chorus:
Don't let your deal go down
Don't let your deal go down
Don't let your deal go down
Till your last gold dollar is gone

Well, the last time I seen that gal of mine
She was standing in the door
She said honey I'll be a long time gone
You'll never see your gal no more

Well, I'm going sown the railroad track
Gonna take my rocking chair
If there doggone blues don't leave my mind
I'm gonna run away from here

Verse and Chorus:

VI	II	V	I
VI	II	V	I

Back To Index

Don't Think Twice

—Bob Dylan

It ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe
It don't matter, anyhow
And it ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe
If you don't know by now
When your rooster crows at the break of dawn
Look out your window and I'll be gone
You're the reason I'm travelin' on
Don't think twice, it's all right

It ain't no use in turnin' on your light, babe
That light I never knowed
And it ain't no use in turnin' on your light, babe
I'm on the dark side of the road
Still I wish there was somethin' you would do or say
To try and make me change my mind and stay
We never did too much talkin' anyway
So don't think twice, it's all right

It ain't no use in callin' out my name, gal
Like you never did before
It ain't no use in callin' out my name, gal
I can't hear you any more
I'm a—thinkin' and a—wond'rin' all the way down the road
I once loved a woman, a child I'm told
I give her my heart but she wanted my soul
But don't think twice, it's all right

I'm walkin' down that long, lonesome road, babe
Where I'm bound, I can't tell
But goodbye's too good a word, gal
So I'll just say fare thee well
I ain't sayin' you treated me unkind
You could have done better but I don't mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time
But don't think twice, it's all right

Verse:

I	V	VIm	VIm
IV	IV	I	I
I	V	VIm	VIm
II	II	V	V7
I	I	I7	I7
IV	IV	II7	II7
I	V	VIm	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Don't This Road Look Rough and Rocky

Darling, I have come to tell you
Though it almost breaks my heart
But before the morning darling
We'll be many miles apart

Chorus:
Don't this road look rough and rocky
Don't that sea look wide and deep
Don't my baby look the sweetest
When she's in my arms asleep

Can't you hear the night birds crying
Far across the deep blue sea
While of others you are thinking
Won't you sometimes think of me

One more kiss before I leave you
One more kiss before we part
You have caused me lots of trouble
Darling you have broke my heart

Verse:

I	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Dooley

Dooley was a good old man, he lived below the mill
Dooley had two daughters and a forty gallon still
One gal watched the boiler the other watched the spout
Mama corked the bottles when old Dooley fetched them out

Chorus:
Dooley, slipping up the holler
Dooley, trying to make a dollar
Dooley, give me a swaller and I'll pay you back some day

The revenuers came for him a slipping through the woods
Dooley kept behind them all and never lost his goods
Dooley was a trader when into town he'd come
Sugar by the bushel and molasses by the ton

I remember very well the day old Dooley died
The women folk looked sorry and the men stood 'round and cried
Now Dooley's on the mountain he lies there all alone
They put a jug beside him and a barrel for a stone
Down In The Willow Garden Bill Monroe

Verse:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I
I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	IV	IV
I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Down in the Valley

—Pete Seager version

Down in the valley valley so low
Hang your head over hear the wind blow
Hear the wind blow dear hear the wind blow
Hang your head over hear the wind blow

Roses love sunshine violets love dew
Angels in heaven know I love you
Know I love you dear know I love you
Angels in heaven know I love you

If you don't love me love whom you please
Throw your arms 'round me give my heart ease
Give my heart ease love give my heart ease
Throw your arms round me give my heart ease

Build me a castle forty feet high
So I can see him as he rides by
As he rides by love as he rides by
So I can see him as he rides by

Write me a letter send it by mail
Send it in care of Birmingham jail
Birmingham jail love Birmingham jail
Send it in care of Birmingham jail

Verse:

I	I	I	V
V	V	V	I
I	I	I	V
V	V	V	I

Back To Index

Down In the Willow Garden

Down in the willow garden where me and my love did meet
There we sat a—courting my love fell off to sleep
I had a bottle of burgundy wine which my true love did not know
And there I poisoned that dear little girl down by the banks below

I drew my saber through her which was a bloody knife
I threw her in the river which was an awful sight
My father often told me that money would set me free
If I would murder that dear little miss whose name was Rose Connelly

Now he sits by his old cabin door a wiping his tear—brimmed eyes
Mourning for his only son out on the scaffold high
My race is run beneath the sun the devil is waiting for me
For I did murder that dear little girl whose name was Rose Connelly

¾

Verse:

I	I	I	VIm
I	I	VIm	VIm
I	I	I	VIm
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	I	VIm	VIm
I	I	I	VIm
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Down the Road

Now down the road just a mile or two
Lives a little girl named Pearly Blue
About so high and her hair is brown
The Prettiest thing boys in this town

Now anytime you want to know
Where I'm going, down the road
Get my girl on the line
You'll find me there most any old time

Now everyday and Sunday too
I go to see my Pearly Blue
Before you hear that rooster crow
You'll see me headed down the road

Now old man Flatt he owned the farm
From the hog lot to the barn
From the barn to the rail
He made his living by carrying the mail

Now every time I get the blues
I walk the soles right off my shoes
I don't know why I love her so
That gal of mine lives down the road

Verse:

|: I	I	I	VIm
I	I	V	I :|

Back To Index

Down to the River to Pray

As I went down to the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord show me the way

Chorus:
Oh sisters let's go down
Let's go down come on down
Oh sisters let's go down
Down to the river to pray

Oh brothers let's go down…

Oh fathers let's go down…

Oh mothers let's go down…

Oh sinners let's go down…

Verse:

I	I-V	V-I
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

V	I	I-IV	IV-I
V	I	I-IV	I

Back To Index

Down Where The River Bends

It's hard to keep the tear out of my eyes
For this might be our last goodbye
Your country calls you to defend this great land
So do your part just like a man

Chorus:
Down where the river bends
With God's help we'll meet again
Under the same old sycamore tree
Proud of each other in the land of the free

I'll go down to the ocean blue
And get just as close as I can to you
Though the ocean wide may keep us apart
It won't keep you dear from out of my heart

If the worst should happen, and the poppies should wave
Over your far distant lonely grave
All the rest of my life I'll spend in prayer
I'll meet you in heaven, there'll be no wars there

Verse and Chorus:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Back To Index

Drifting Too Far From the Shore

Out on the perilous deep
Where danger silently creeps
And storms so vio—lent—ly sweep
You're drifting too far from the shore

Chorus:
Drifting too far from the shore
Drifting too far from the (peaceful) shore
Come to Jesus today, let him show you the way
You're drifting too far from the shore

Today the tempest rolls high
And clouds overshadow the sky
Sure death is hovering nigh
You're drifting too far from the shore

Why meet a terrible fate.
Mercies abundantly wait.
Turn back before it's too late.
You're drifting too far from the shore.

¾

Verse:

I	V	I	V	I
I	I7	IV	I	V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	V	I
I	I	I7	IV

Back To Index

Drink Up and Go Home

—Johnny Bond & Joe Maphis

You sat there a crying crying in your beer
You say you got troubles my friend listen here
Don't tell me your troubles I got enough of my own
Be thankful you're living drink up and go home

I'm fresh out of prison six years in the can
Lost my wife and family no one to call friend
Don't tell me your troubles I got enough of my own
Be thankful you're living drink up and go home

Now there stands a blind man a man that can't see
Yet he's not complaining why should you or me
Don't tell me your troubles I got enough of my own
Be thankful you're living drink up and go home

¾

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	V	V
IV	IV	I	I
IV	V	I	I

Back To Index

Driving Nails in My Coffin

—Ernest Tubb

My sweetheart has gone and I'm so lonesome
She said that she and I were through
So I started out drinkin' for pasttime
Drivin' nails in my coffin over you

Chorus:
I'm just drivin' nails in my coffin
Every time I drink a bottle of booze
I'm just drivin' nails in my coffin
Lordy, drivin' those nails over you

Ever since the day that we parted
I've been so sad and so blue
I'm always thinkin' of you love
And I just can't quit drinkin' that old booze

Now you turned me down, you don't want me
There's nothin' now I can lose
I'm just drivin' those nails in my coffin
And worryin' my darlin over you

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

Early This Morning

Early this morning my baby made me sore (X2)
She said I'm leaving you papa, I don't need you any more.

Tell me pretty mama where did you sleep last night (X2)
She said none of your business baby, if I do you right.

I said I love you mama, yeah that ain't no lie (X2)
And the day that you quit me, mama that's the day you die..

Just because you see me sleeping don't you think I'm drunk (2X)
I got one eye on my pistol and the other on your trunk

Verse:

I	IV	I	I7
IV	IV	I-IV	I-VI
II	V	I-IV	I

Back To Index

East Virginia Blues

—The Carter Family

I was born in East Virginia
North Carolina I did go
There I courted a fair young maiden
But her age I did not know

Oh her hair was dark and curly
And her cheeks were rosy red
On her breast she wore a lilly
Where I longed to lay my head

Molly dear, go ask your mother
If you my bride might ever be
If she says no, come back and tell me
And I'll run away with thee

No I'll not go ask my mother
Where she lies on her bed of rest
In her hand she holds a dagger
To kill the man that I love best

The ocean's deep and I can't wade it
And I have no wings to fly
I'll just get some blue—eyed boatman
For to row me o'er the tide

I'll go back to East Virginia
North Carolina ain't my home
I'll go back to East Virginia
Leave old North Carolina alone

I don't want your green back dollar
I don't want your watch and chain
All I want is you my darling
Say you'll take me back again

For you know I'd like to see you
At my door you're welcome in
At my gate I'll always greet you
For you're the girl I tried to win

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
IV	I	V	I

Back To Index

Eight More Miles to Louisville

—Louis "Grandpa" Jones

I've traveled o'er this country wide seeking fortune fair
Up and down the two coast lines I've traveled everywhere
From Portland East to Portland West back along the line
I'm going now to the place that's best that old hometown of mine

Eight more miles and Louisville will come into my view
Eight more miles on this old road and I'll never more be blue
I knew some day that I'd come back I knew it from the start
Eight more miles to Louisville the hometown of my heart

There's bound to be a gal somewhere that you like best of all
Mine lives down in Louisville she's long and she is tall
But she's the kind that you can't find a traveling through the land
I'm on my way this very day to win her heart and hand

Now I can picture in my mind a place we'll call our home
A humble little hut for two we'll never want to roam
The place that's right for that love sight is in those bluegrass hills
Where gently flows the Ohio by a place called Louisville

Verse:

I-V	I-IV	I-V	I
I-V	I-IV	I	V
IV	I	I	V
I-V	I-IV	I-V	I

Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	II	V
IV	I	I	V
I-V	I-IV	I-V	I

Back To Index

Every Humble Knee

—Traditional

There seems in a heaven a father
Once more and again
I'll be your handmaid servant
Bowed down before thee
Put your loving arms all around me
Prop every leanin' side
Every humble knee surely must bow,
Surely must bow.

Hear this, heavenly father
Once more and again
I'll be your handmaid servant
Bowed down before thee
Put your loving arms all around me
Prop every leanin' side
Every humble knee surely must bow
Surely must bow.

I wouldn't bow for form or fashion
That side showed to the world
I'd bow down before you
According to your holy word
Put your loving arms all around me
Prop every leanin' side
Every humble knee surely must bow.

Well you said you'd be a mother
For the motherless
You said you'd be a father
For the fatherless too
You said if I would serve you
You'd be my father too
Put your loving arms all around me
Prop every leanin' side
Every humble knee surely must bow.

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Everything is Broken

—Bob Dylan

Broken lines, broken strings, broken threads, broken springs
Broken idols, broken heads, people sleeping in broken beds
Ain't no use jivin', ain't no use jokin', everything is broken

Broken bottles, broken plates, broken switches, broken gates
Broken dishes, broken parts, streets are filled with broken hearts
Broken words are never meant to be spoken, everything is broken

Seems like every time you stop and turn around
Someone else has just hit the ground

Broken cutters, broken saws, broken buckles, broken laws
Broken bodies, broken bones, broken voices on broken phones
Take a deep breath, feel like you're chokin', everything is broken

Every time you leave and go off some place
Things fall to pieces in my face

Broken hands on broken plows, broken treaties, broken vows
Broken pipes, broken tools, people bending broken rules
Hound dog howlin', bullfrog croakin', everything is broken

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
V	IV	I	I

Bridge:

V

V

IV

IV

Back To Index

Fare Thee Well Blues

—Joe Callicott and Vol Stevens 1930

Told me early fall, you never had no man at all
Fare thee, baby, fare thee well
Told me early fall, you never had no man at all
Well you got more men than a two ton truck can haul

Told me to my face there's a good man in my place
Fare thee, baby, fare thee well
Told me to my face there's a good man in my place
Fare thee, baby, fare thee well

Told me this early spring when the birds began to sing
Fare thee, baby, fare thee well
Told me early spring when the birds began to sing
Well this the last chance, kid, to be round here with me

I told you early in June when the flowers began to bloom
Fare thee, baby, fare thee well
I told you early in June, when the flowers began to bloom
You can't do no better, then a good girl can take your room

When I asked you when I'll let your curtain down
Fare thee, baby, fare thee well
When I asked you when I let your curtain down
Well you kept tellin' me, please don't joke around

Go on, put on your nightgown, baby, lets we go lie down
Fare thee, baby, fare thee well
Go on, puttin' on your nightgown, baby, let's a—go lie down
Well it's the last chance shakin' in the day with you

Verse:

I	I7	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	I7	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Feast Here Tonight

There's a rabbit in the log and I ain't got my dog
How will I get him I know
I'll get me a briar and twist it in his hair
That way I'll get him I know

I know ( yes I know )
I know ( I surely know )
That's how I'll get him I know
I'll get me a briar and twist in his hair
That way I'll get him I know

I'll build me a fire and I'll cook that old hare
Roll him in the flames and make him brown
Have a feast here tonight while the moon is shining bright
And find me a place to lie down

To lie down ( to lie down )
To lay down ( to lay down )
Find me a place to lie down
Have a feast here tonight while the moon is shining bright
And find me a place to lie down

I'm going down the track and my coat ripped up my back
Soles on my shoes are nearly gone
A little ways ahead there's an old farmer's shed
That's where I'll rest my weary bones

Weary bones ( weary bones )
Lazy bones ( lazy bones )
That's where I'll rest my weary bones
A little way's ahead there's an old farmer's shed
That's where I'll rest my weary bones

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

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Fire Ball Mail

Here she comes, look at her go
There she goes, eaten that coal
Watch her fly, look at her sail,
Let her by, by, by, the Fireball Mail

Let her go, look at her steam,
Here the low, whistle and scream
Like a hound dog wagging its tail,
Let her by, by, by, the Fireball Mail

Engineer, making up time,
Tracks are clear, look at her climb
See that freight, clear the rail,
I'll bet she's late, late, late, the Fireball Mail

Watch her swerve, look at her sway,
Get that curve out of the way
Watch her fly, look at her sail,
Let her by, by, by, the Fireball Mail

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

Fishin' Blues

—Taj Mahal's version

Betcha goin' fishin' all of your time,
baby's goin' fishing too
Bet your life, your sweet life, catch more fish than you
Many fish bites if ya got good bait
Here's a little tip I would like to relate

Chorus:
Many fish bites if ya got a good bait
I'm a goin' fishin'
Yes, I'm goin' fishin'
And my baby's goin' fishin' too

I went down to my favorite fishin' hole
Baby grabbed me a pole and line
Throw my pole on in
Caught a nine pound catfish
now I brought him on home for supper time

Baby brother 'bout to run me outta my mind
Say can I go fishin' wit' you?
I took him on down to the fishin' hole
now what do you think he did do?
Pulled a great big fish outta the bottom of the pond
And he laughed and jumped 'cause he was real gone

Put 'em in the pot baby, put 'em in the pan
Honey cook 'em till' they're nice and brown
Make a batch of buttermilk ho cakes mama
And you chew them things
And you chomp 'em on down

Betcha goin' fishin' all of your time, baby's goin' fishing too
Bet your life, your sweet life, catch more fish than you
Many fish bites if ya got good bait
Here's a little tip I would like to relate

Verse:

I	I	I-V	I
I	I	II	V
I	I7	IV	I

Chorus:

I

I

I

I

I-V

I

Back To Index

Foggy Mountain Top

If I'd only listened to what my mama said
I would not be here today
A lying around this old jailhouse
Wasting my poor life away

Chorus:
If I was on some foggy mountain top
I'd sail away to the West
I'd sail all around this whole wide would
To the girl I love the best

Oh she caused me to weep and she caused me to mourn
She caused me to leave my home
Oh the lonesome pines and the good old times
I'm on my way back home

Now if you see that girl of mine
There's something you can tell her
She need not fool her time away
To court some other feller

Verse and Chorus:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Back To Index

Folsom Prison Blues

—Johnny Cash

I hear the train a comin'
It's rolling round the bend
And I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when,
I'm stuck in Folsom prison, and time keeps draggin' on
But that train keeps a rollin' on down to San Antone..

When I was just a baby my mama told me. Son,
Always be a good boy, don't ever play with guns.
But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die
When I hear that whistle blowing, I hang my head and cry..

I bet there's rich folks eating in a fancy dining car
They're probably drinkin' coffee and smoking big cigars.
Well I know I had it coming, I know I can't be free
But those people keep a movin'
And that's what tortures me…

Well if they freed me from this prison,
If that railroad train was mine
I bet I'd move it on a little farther down the line
Far from Folsom prison, that's where I want to stay
And I'd let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away…..

Verse and Chorus:

37016

I	I	I	I-I7
IV	IV	I	I

Back To Index

Footprints in the Snow

—Harry Wright 1880

Now some folks like the summertime when the they can walk about
Strolling through the meadow green it's pleasant there no doubt
But give me the wintertime when the snow is on the ground
For I found her when the snow on the ground

Chorus:
I traced her little footprints in the snow
I found her little footprints in the snow
I bless that happy day when Nellie lost her way
For I found her when the snow was on the ground

I dropped in to see her there was a big round moon
Her mother said she just stepped out but would be returning soon
I found her little footprints and I traced them in the snow
I found her when the snow was on the ground

Now she's up in heaven she's with the angel band
I know I'm going to meet her in that promised land
But every time the snow falls it brings back memories
For I found her when the snow was on the ground

Verse:

I	I	I	IV
V	V	V	I
I	I	I	IV
V	V	I	I

Chorus:

I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Fox on the Run

—Tony Hazzard

Chorus:
She walks through the corn leading down to the river
Her hair shone like gold in the hot morning sun
She took all the love that a poor boy could give her
And left me to die like a fox on the run
Like a fox, like a fox, like a fox, like a fox, on the run

Everybody knows, the reason for the fall
When woman tempted man down in paradise's hall
This woman tempted me, and took me for a ride
Like the lonely fox, I need a place to hide

We'll pour a glass of wine, to fortify our soul
We'll talk about the world and friends we used to know
I see a string of girls, who'll put me on the floor
The game is nearly over and the hounds are at my door

Chorus:

|: I	V	IIm	IV
IIm	V	IV	I :|
IV	IV	IV	I

Verse:

IV	I	V	I
IV	I	II	V
IV	I	V	I
IV	I	V	I

Back To Index

Freight Train

—Elizabeth Cotton

Chorus:
Freight train, freight train, going so fast
Freight train, freight train, going so fast
Please don't tell what train I'm on
So they won't know where I've gone

When I am dead and in my grave
No more good times here I'll crave
Place the stones at my head and feet
And tell them all that I'm gone to sleep

When I die, lord, bury me deep
Way down on old Chestnut Street
So I can hear old Number Nine
As she comes rolling by

Verse:

I	I	V	V
V	V	I	I
III7	III7	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Give Me Back My Five Dollars

—Dave Macon

We decided to get married, my little girl and I
The day I bought the licence, I let my freedom fly
We walked up to the preacher, said yes to all he said
And if I had to do it again, I'd shoot myself instead

Chorus:
Oh, give me back my five dollars I paid for a wife
I was a fool to pay someone to sentence me for life

The first month she was sweet as a melon on the vine
I thought it was my lucky day when I asked her to be mine
She looked so doggone pretty she like to've took my breath
But when I saw my mother—in—law, I darn nigh choked to death

I took her to our home up east, I told her to see the sights
She'd come in about daylight, oh 'Where did you spend your nights?'
She bought out half the city, silk dresses and gold braid
I could have bought the Brooklyn bridge with all the bills I paid

So now, young men, stay single for married life's baloney
It would break a millionaire to pay her alimony
Oh, single men, stay single don't marry you a wife
A bachelor's life is heaven compared to married life

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	V
V	V	V	I

Back To Index

Glad Rags

—Johnny Bond

Honey you do the dishes and I'll feed the old sow
Also the chickens and our one Jersey cow
Take down your curlers and powder your nose
Big time at Jones's place, so wear your best clothes.

Chorus:
There'll be no evening gowns, not even a tux
They'll come in wagons, buggies, and pickup trucks
We'll do square dancing under kerosene lights
We'll wear our glad rags tonight, my honey,
We'll wear our glad rags tonight.

Sylvester Cunningham will fiddle a tune
Red-headed kids will swipe away his spittoon
They'll run and hide behind a bale of hay
But that old settin' hen will scare them away.

Chorus:
Look for me beside the the old cider keg
I'll set my cup down and we'll both shake a leg
Never a ballroom had a prettier sight
We'll wear our glad rags tonight, my honey,
We'll wear our glad rags tonight.

Verse:

VI	VI	VI	VI
II	II	II	II
V	V	V	V
I	I	I	I

Chorus:

VI	VI	VI	VI
II	II	II	II
IV	IV#dim	I	VI
II	V	I	I

Back To Index

Going to the Races

Chorus:
I'm going to the races
To see my pony run
And if I win any greenbacks
We're sure gonna have some fun

They say we can't get married
They say I'm not worthy of you
They don't know what they're talking about
They don't know what we've gone through

Now when you see me coming
Better raise your window high
And when you see me leaving little girl
Hang down your head and cry

Now when you go a—courtin'
There's something you should do
That long tail blouse that you wear
Don't do a thing for you

I	I	IV	IV
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Gold Watch and Chain

—A.P. Carter

Darling, how can I stay here without you
I have nothing to cheer my poor heart
This old world would seem sad, love, without you
Tell me now that we're never to part

I will pawn you my gold watch and chain, love
I will pawn you my gold diamond ring
I will pawn you this heart in my bosom
Only say that you'll love me again

Take back all the gifts you have given
But a ring and a lock of your hair
And a card with your picture upon it
It's a face that is false, but is fair

Tell me why that you do not love me
Tell me why that your smile is not bright
Tell me why you have grown so cold—hearted
Is there no kiss for me, love, tonight

Verse and Chorus:

|: IV

I

V

I :|

Back To Index

Gone Home

—Bill Carlisle

All of my friends that I loved yesterday,
Gone home (they have gone home) (x2)
The songbirds that sing in the dell seem to say,
Gone home (they have gone home) (x2)

Chorus:
They've joined the heavenly fold,
They're walking the streets of pure gold,
They left one by one as their work here was done,
Gone home (they have gone home) (x2)

Life here is lonely since they've gone before,
Gone home (they have gone home) (x2)
The old weeping willow that stands by the door,
Sadly says (they have gone home) gone home (they …)

The trumpet for will sound on that Great Judgment day,
Gone home (they have gone home) (x2)
We'll see all our friends that have gone on that way,
Gone home (they have gone home) (x2)

¾

Verse:

I	IV	V	I
I	IV	V	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
II	II	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Gonna Paint the Town

She's from the hills of Kentucky
With waving long black hair
And lips as sweet as warm red wine
No others can compare

Chorus:
I'm going Honky tonkin'
Everything's turned upside down
But when I finds that gal of mine
We're really gonna paint this town

They say we can't get married
They say I'm not worthy of you
They don't know what they're talking about
They don't know what we've gone through

Now when you see me coming
Better raise your window high
And when you see me leavin' lord, lord
Hang down your head and cry

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	IV
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Goodbye Liza Jane

Swing Ma, swing Pa, goodbye, goodbye,
Swing that gal from Arkansas, Goodbye Liza Jane.

Chorus:
Oh how I loved her, ain't that a shame,
Oh how I loved her, Goodbye Liza Jane.

Charlotte Town is burning down, goodbye, goodbye.
Burning down to the ground, goodbye, Liza Jane.

Liza Jane had a dress of red, goodbye, goodbye,
Queen of hearts, or so she said, goodbye, Liza Jane.

Liza Jane countin' her toes
You can smell her feet wherever she goes.

I got a gal and a hound dog too,
She don't bite, but the hound dog do.

Liza Jane 'bout half grown,
Jumps on a man like a dog on a bone

Liza Jane, pretty as a rose,
Bites her nails and picks her nose.

Goin' down to Caro, goodbye, goodbye,
Goin' down to Caro, goodbye Liza Jane.

Well, I blacked my boots and I made 'em shine, goodbye, goodbye.
I blacked my boots and I made 'em shine, goodbye Liza Jane.

Take a chaw of tobacco, spit on the wall, goodbye, goodbye,
Swing that gal clear across the hall, Goodbye Liza Jane.

Three wheels 're off and the axel's draggin', goodbye, goodbye,
You can't ride the little red wagon, Goodbye Liza Jane.

Verse:

I	V	I	IV
I	I	V	V
I	V	I	IV
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

|: I	IV	I	I
I	V	I	I :|

Back To Index

Gospel Plow

—Mike Compton's version

Well, I got my hands on the gospel plow
and I wouldn't take nothin' for my journey now
Keep your hands on the plow of God

Chorus:
Hold on, hold on
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on

Well, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
All those prophets are dead and gone
Keep your hands on the plow of God

Well, I've never been to heaven but I've been told
The streets up there are made of gold
Keep your hands on the plow of God

Verse:

I	VII	I	I
I	VII	I	I
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

VII	VII	I	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Gotta Travel On

Chorus:
I've laid around and played around this old town too long
Summers almost gone, winters coming on
I've laid around and played around this old town too long
And I feel like I've gotta travel on

Poppa writes to Johnny but Johnny can't come home
Johnny can't come home, no, Johnny can't come home
Poppa writes to Johnny but Johnny can't come home
Cause he's been on the chain gang too long

High sheriff and police riding after me
Riding after me, yes, coming after me
High sheriff and police riding after me
And I feel like I've gotta travel on

Want to see my honey, want to see her bad
Want to see her bad, oh, want to see her bad
Want to see my honey, want to see her bad
She's the best gal this poor boy ever had

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	IV	I
I	I	I	I
IV	V	I	I

Back To Index

Ground Hog

—New Lost City Ramblers version

Call up your hounds and whistle up your dogs
Call up your hounds and whistle up your dogs
We're goin' to the mountain to catch a ground hog
Oh, ground hog

Old Joe Digger, Sam and Dave,(x2)
Went a hog huntin' as hard as they could say
Oh, ground hog

Too many rocks and too many logs,(x2)
Too many rocks to catch a ground hogs ,
Oh, ground hog

Stand back, boys, and let's be wise,(x2)
I think I see his beady little eyes,
Oh, ground hog

Work, boys, work just as hard as you can tear,(x2)
The meat'll do to eat and the hide'll do to wear,
Oh, ground hog

Sam aimed the gun and Dave pulled the trigger (X2)
But the man that killed the groundhog was Old Joe Digger
Oh, ground hog

Out come Sally with a snigger and a grin,(x2)
Ground hog gravy all over her chin,
Oh, ground hog

Now catch him boys he's about to fall, (X2)
He's eaten so his pants won't button at all
Oh, ground hog

Goin' down the road and the road is mighty muddy, (X2)
I'm so damn drunk and I can't stand steady
Oh, ground hog

He's in here boys, the hole's wore slick,(x2)
C'mon, Sam with your forked stick,
Oh, ground hog

Little piece of cornbread sittin' on the shelf,(x2)
If you want any more you can sing it yourself,
Oh, ground hog

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

Gum Tree Canoe

On the Tombigbee River so bright I was born
In a hut made of husks of the tall yellow corn
It was there I first met with my Julia so true
And I rowed her about in our gum tree canoe

Sing row away row o'er the water so blue
Like a feather we'll float in our gum tree canoe

All day in the field the soft cotton I'd hoe
I'd think of my Julia and sing as I go
I'll catch her a bird with a wing of true blue
And at night sail her round in our gum tree canoe

Sing row away row o'er the water so blue
Like a feather we'll float in our gum tree canoe

With my hands on the banjo and toe on the oar
I sing to the sound of the river's soft roar
While the stars they look down on my Julia so true
And dance in her eye in our gum tree canoe

Sing row away row o'er the water so blue
Like a feather we'll float in our gum tree canoe

One night the stream bore us so far away
That we couldn't come back, so we thought we'd just stay
We spied a tall ship with a flag of true blue
And she took us in tow in our gum tree canoe

Sing row away row o'er the water so blue
Like a feather we'll float in our gum tree canoe

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

|: I	I	IV	IV
V	V	V	I :|

Back To Index

Handsome Molly

Well I wish was in London
Or some other seaport town
Step my foot in a steamboat
And sail the ocean round

Chorus:
Sailing round the ocean
Sailing round the sea
I'd think of Handsome Molly
Wherever she may be

She went to church last Sunday
She passed me on by
I knew her mind was changing
By the roving of her eye

Her hair as black as a raven's
Her eyes were black as coal
Her teeth shown like lilies
Out in the morning cold

Now do you remember Molly
When you give me your right hand
Said if you ever married
I'd be your man

Now you've broke your promise
Go marry whom you please
My heart is broken
'Til I get some ease

Verse:

I	I	I	V
V	V	IV	I

Back To Index

Hard Hearted

Chorus:
Hard hearted heart breaker
Dream stealer, love maker
Hard hearted heart breaker
How many hearts have you broken today
How many hearts have you broken today

How many lives have you caused to go wrong
How many hearts have been broken in two
Just because your heart has proved untrue
How many lies have you told other guys

Just like the ones you told to me
Honey, someday you'll learn that the tide'll have to turn
Just keep on breaking hearts and you will see
How many hearts have you broken today

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
V	V	V	I

Verse:

V	V	I	I
V	V	I	I
V	V	I	I
II	II	V	V

Back To Index

Hard Pressed

—Tim O'Brien

Chorus:
Hard pressed we can find a way
Night is almost gone, it'll be another day
If we're hard pressed we can find a way

Fears, trials, and troubles have we all
The road is rough and rocky, you'll stumble and fall
Pray to him and he will hear your call
Refrain:
If we're hard pressed we can find a way

I'm proud to have a family of my own
I know I'm lucky to have my health and home
I don't have much but I won't be alone
Refrain:
If we're hard pressed we can find a way

So make me a pillow for my head
I'll remember words that my daddy once said
When he was trying to keep his family fed
Refrain:
If we're hard pressed we can find a way
If we're hard pressed we can find a way

Chorus:

I	V	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Refrain:

I

V

I

I

Back To Index

Hard Times

—Stephen Foster

Let us pause in life's pleasures
and count it's many tears
While we all sup sorrow with the poor.
There's a song that will linger forever in our ears,
Oh Hard Times come again no more.

Chorus:
'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary;
Hard TImes, Hard TImes, come again no more,
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door,
Oh! Hard TImes, come again no more.

While we seek mirth and beauty
and music light and gay,
There are frail forms fainting at the door,
Tho' their voices are silent their pleading looks still say,
Oh! Hard Times, come again no more.

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	II	V
I	I	IV	I
IV-I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Hear Jerusalem Moan

Well I got a home on the other shore
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan
I know I'll live there forever more
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan

Chorus:
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan
Thank God there's a Heaven and a
ringin' in my soul and my soul set free
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan

Well now Sister Mary she wears a chain
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan
And on every link is a Jesus' name
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan

The devil wears a hypocrite shoe
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan
You don't watch out he's gonna step 'em on you
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan

Now the Methodist preacher is a mighty fine man
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan
Showin' us the way to the promised land
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I-V	I
I	I	I	I
I	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

Hello Trouble

—Buck Owens

Woke up this morning, happy as could be
Looked out my window, and what did I see?
A comin' up my sidewalk just as plain as day
A well a here come trouble that I never thought I'd see
When you went away

Chorus:
Hello trouble, come on in
You talk about heartaches
Where'n the world ya been?
I ain't had the miseries
Since you been gone
Hello trouble, trouble, trouble
Welcome home

We'll make a pot of coffee
And you can rest your shoes
A you can tell me them sweet lies
And I'll listen to you
For I'm just a little part of
Of the life you've lived
But I'd rather have a little bit of trouble
Than to never know the love you give

Verse and Chorus:

I	I-IV	I	I
V	V	I	I
I	I-IV	I	I
IV	V	I	I

Back To Index

Hey Good Lookin

—Hank Williams

Chorus X2:
Hey Hey Good Lookin' whatcha got cooking
How's about cooking somethin' up with me
Hey sweet baby don't you think maybe
We could find us a brand new recipe

Verse:
I got a hot rod Ford and a two dollar bill
And I know a spot right over the hill
There's soda pop and the dancin's free
So if you wanna have fun come along with me

Chorus:
Say Hey Good Lookin' whatcha got cooking
How's about cooking somethin' up with me

Chorus X2:
I'm free and ready so we can go steady
How's about saving all your time for me
No more lookin' I know I've been tooken
How's about keepin' steady company

Verse:
I'm gonna throw my date book over the fence
And buy me one for five or ten cents
I'll keep it 'til it's covered with age
'Cause I'm writin' your name down on every page

Chorus:
Say Hey Good Lookin' whatcha got cooking
How's about cooking somethin' up with me

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
IV	V	I	I

Verse:

IV	I	IV	I
IV	I	II	V

Back To Index

Hickory Wind

—Bob Buchanan and Gram Parsons

In South Carolina there are many tall pines
I remember the oak tree that we used to climb
But now when I'm lonesome, I always pretend
That I'm getting the feel of hickory wind

I started out younger at most everything
All the riches and pleasures, what else could life bring?
But it makes me feel better each time it begins
Callin' me home, hickory wind

It's hard way to find out that trouble is real
In a far away city, with a far away feel
But it makes me feel better each time it begins
Callin' me home, hickory wind

Keeps callin' me home, hickory wind

Verse:

I	V	IV	I
I	V	IV	V
V	IV	V	I
I	IV	V	I

Back To Index

High on a Mountain Top

—Olabelle Reed

Chorus:
High on a mountain top wind blowing free
Thinking about the days that used to be
High on a mountain top standing all alone
Wondering where the years of my life have flown

As I looked at the valleys down below
They were green just as far as I could see
As my memory returned, oh how my heart did yearn
For you and the days that used to be

Oh I wonder if you ever think of me
Or if time has blotted out your memory
As I listen to the breeze blow gently through the trees
I'll always cherish what you meant to me

Chorus:

I	VII	I	IV
I	V	I	I
I	VII	I	IV
I	V	I	I

Verse:

I	VII	I	I
I	VII	I	I
I	VII	I	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Highway of Regret

Chorus:
Ain't talking, just walking
Down that highway of regret
Heart's burning, still yearning
For the best girl this poor boy's ever met

I never thought this thing could happen
I never thought you'd be untrue
Or go away with another
And break a heart that worshipped you

It makes no difference where I wander
You never seem to leave my mind
Your face is always there before me
I think about you all the time

Chorus:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Verse:

I	I	I	V
IV	I	V	I

Back To Index

Highway of Sorrow

—Bill Monroe

I once had a darling wife kind, true and sweet
Life was so bright and gay everything complete
But I fell for another who led my life astray
So I'll live in sorrow till my dying day

Chorus:
Down the highway of sorrow I'm traveling alone
I've lost all my true friends I've lost a happy home
I'm heading for destruction I'm on the wrong track
Down the highway of sorrow there's no turning back

I went back to my darling I got down on my knees
I begged her with tear rimmed eyes to give my poor heart ease
But she was hurt so deeply she could not forgive
So I'll live in sorrow as I long as I live

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	I	V
I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Hit Parade of Love

—Jimmy Martin

From what I've been a hearing dear you've really got it made
You've got a lot of fellers on your lover's hit parade
If I can't be your number one I don't know what I'll do
Gonna be plumb up to the top I'm so in love with you

Chorus:
On the hit parade of love I know I'll never stop
I've got a long long way to climb before I reach top
But if I do get there soon I'd really have it made
Then I'll know I'm number one your lover's hit parade

Now it's your heart I'm after 'cause it's so nice and kind
Another one to take your place would sure be hard to find
So put your arms around me dear and be my turtle dove
Then I'll feel like I'm number one on your hit parade of love

Now if we work together like all good lovers should
We can make a go of it everything will turn out good
We will can so much fun we'll really have it made
Then I'll know I'm number one on your lover's hit parade

Verse:

|: I	I	I	IV	IV
V	V	V	I	I :|

Chorus:

V	V	I	I	IIm
IIm	IIm	V	V
I	I	I	IV	IV
V	V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Hold Watcha Got

—Jimmy Martin

Chorus:
Hold whatcha got, I'm a—coming home baby
Hold whatcha got, and I don't mean maybe
Been a—thinking about you and I'm on my way
Don't sell the house, and don't wreck the car
Stay there, honey, right where you are
Hold whatcha got, I'm a coming home to stay

Well in my mind I can see
That's a pretty good sign that I need you
That's why I can't wait to get back home
So squeeze yourself real good and tight
I'll be there before daylight
If you hold whatcha got, I'm a coming home to stay

Well when I get back, honey, I ain't leaving
I been too long, a little too much grieving
When I get back this time I'm going to stay
Well we won't fuss and we won't fight
This time things is gonna be all right
If you hold whatcha got, I'm a—coming home to stay

Chorus and Verse:

|: I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I :|

Back To Index

Honey, Just Allow Me One More Chance

—Bob Dylan

Honey, just allow me one more chance to get along with you
Honey, just allow me one more chance I'll do anything for you
Well, I'm a—walkin' down the road with my head in my hand
I'm lookin' for a woman needs a worried man
Just a one kind favor I'll ask of you
Allow me just—a one more chance

Honey, just allow me one more chance to ride your aeroplane
Honey, just allow me one more chance to ride your passenger train
Well, I've been lookin' all over for a girl like you
I can't find nobody, so you'll have to do
Just a one kind favor I ask you
Allow me just—a one more chance

Honey, just allow me one more chance to get along with you
Honey, just allow me one more chance I'd do anything for you
Well, lookin' for a woman that ain't got no man
I'm just lookin' for a needle that is lost in the sand
Just a one kind favor I ask you
Allow me just—a one more chance

Just—a one kind favor I ask you,
Allow me just—a one more chance

Verse:

I	I	V	I
I	I	II	V
I	I7	IV	II7
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Hot Corn, Cold Corn

Well it's upstairs downstairs out in the kitchen (3x)
Fare thee well Uncle Bill (saw an old cook) just a raring and a pitching. Yes sir

Chorus:
Hot corn cold corn bring along the demijohn (3x)
Fare thee well Uncle Bill (pretty girl) see you in the morning. Yes sir

Well it's old Aunt Peggy won't you fill 'em up again (3x)
Ain't had a drink since the lord knows when, Yes sir

Well yonder comes the preacher and the children are crying (3x)
Chickens necks a wringin and toenails a flying yes sir

All I need to keep me happy, Is two little boys to call me Pappy
One named Paul and one named Davy.
One likes ham and the other loves gravy. Yes sir

Preacher's in the pulpit taking in the money
Children in the beehive getting all the honey
Old Aunt Peggy went and sold the farm
Another drink of whiskey can't do me any harm. Yes sir!

Had a little dog and his name was Ned
He run that chicken til he fell dead
He got choked on old cornbread
Sure am sorry that dog am dead. Yes sir!

Saw Uncle Gary with Long Tall Sally
Along came Nancy, Sally jumped back in the alley
Long Tall Sally, she's built for speed
But Nancy's got everything ol' Gary needs. Yes sir!

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	V	V
I	I	V	V	V-I	I

Back To Index

How Long Blues

—Frank Stokes

Oh, I never never never
can forget that day when you called me baby.
How long, how long
I ain't had no lovin' since my gal been gone

Have you seen my baby, baby.
Tell her to hurry home I ain't seen my good baby.
How long, how long
I ain't had no lovin' since my gal been gone

Now listen at me mama
why did you make me go—o—o baby
How long, how long
I ain't had no lovin' since my gal been gone

I hate that train, train
that carried my baby away and left me standin,'
How long, how long
I ain't had no lovin' since my gal been gone

Now listen at me mama
everything's alright with me, (now) run here baby,
How long, how long
I ain't had no lovin' since my gal been gone

No I never…
will see you any—moooor baby,
How long, how long
I ain't had no lovin' since my gal been gone

Verse:

I	I	I	IV
IV	I	I	V

Back To Index

How Mountain Girls Can Love

—Stanley Brothers

Chorus:
Get down boys, go back home
Back to the girl you love
Treat her right, never wrong
How mountain girls can love

Riding the night in the high cold winds
On the trail of the old lonesome pine
Thinking of you, feeling so blue
Wondering why you left me behind

Remember the night me strolled down the lane
Our hearts were gay and happy then
You whispered to me as I held your close
You hoped this night would never end

I	I	I	I
V	V	I	I
I	I	I	I
V	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

I Ain't Broke (But I'm Badly Bent)

— Fred Carter

I'm going back to the country, I can't pay the rent
No I'm not completely broke, but brother I'm badly bent
Can't understand, where my money went
I ain't broke, but brother I'm badly bent.

Well, I had a lot of money, but to the city I went
I met a lot of good lookin' girls, and that's where my money went
Now I know, just where it went
I ain't broke, but brother I'm badly bent.

When I get back to the country, I'll be livin' in a tent.
Mom and Dad will sure be mad at all the money I spent
Now I know just what they meant
I ain't broke, but brother I'm badly bent.

I	I	IV	I
IV	I	I	I7
IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

I Am a Pilgrim

Chorus:
I am a pilgrim and a stranger
Traveling through this wearisome land
And I've got a home in that yonder city, good Lord
And it's not (good Lordy it's not) not made by hand

I got a mother, a sister and a brother
Who have gone to that sweet home
And I am determined to go and see them, good Lord
Over on (good Lordy over on) that distant shore

I'm going down to that river Jordan
Just to bathe my weary soul
If I could touch but just the hem of His garment, good Lord
I believe (good Lordy I believe) that it would make me whole

Now when I'm dead, laying in my coffin
All of my friends all gather round
They can say that he's just laying there sleeping, good Lord
Sweet peace (Lordy sweet peace) his soul is found

Chorus and Verse:

V	V	I	I
IV	IV	I	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

I Did the Leaving for You

All you ever talk about's how bad you got it here,
Say that all I ever do is sit here drinking beer.
But if you'd listen to yourself, you might just drink one too,
You say you wanna leave me, well here's your chance to follow through.

Chorus:
I called your Mama, so you'd have a place to stay,
And there's some money packed inside your old suitcase.
You won't have to worry, or wonder what to do,
I packed your bags and did the leaving for you.

After twenty years of fightin', we just couldn't make it work,
No matter what I'd do for you, it only gets worse.
The car is all gassed up, and darlin' here's the key,
It's time for me to start over, and time for you to leave.

Verse:

I	I	IV	I	I
I	I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I	I
I	I	V	I	I

Chorus:

V	V	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV	IV
IV	I	V	I

Back To Index

I Don't Love Nobody

—originally Skillet Lickers

Chorus:
Well I don't nobody, nobody loves me
All they want's my money, they don't care for me
I just want to live single, happy and carefree
I don't love nobody, nobody loves me

One day I went out walking, walking down Johnson street
I met a little old lady, she smiled at me so sweet
Said hello my honey, how are you today
Just as I started to kiss her, these words I heard her say

Lord, I don't love nobody, nobody loves me
All they wants my money, they don't care for me
I want to live single, happy and carefree
I don't love nobody, nobody loves me

Next day I went out walking, walking down Johnson street
I met the same little lady, she was dressed up so neat
She smiled at me and said hello, how are you today
Tipped my hat and said hello and journeyed on my way

Cause I don't love nobody, nobody loves me
All they wants my money, they don't care for me
I want to live single, happy and carefree
I don't love nobody, nobody loves me

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	II	V
I	I	IV	I
IV	I	V	I

Back To Index

I Saw the Light

—Hank Williams

I wandered so aimless my heart filled with sin
I wouldn't let my dear Savior in
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night
Praise the Lord I saw the light

Chorus:
I saw the light I saw the light
No more darkness no more night
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light

Just like a blind man I wandered alone
Worries and fears I claimed for my own
Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	IV	I
I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

I Wonder How the Old Folks Are at Home

—F.W. Vandersloot

Well I wonder how the old folks are at home
I wonder if they miss me while I roam
I wonder if they pray for the boy who went away
And left his dear old parents all alone

Chorus:
You could hear the cattle lowing in the lane
You could see the fields of blue grass where I've grown
You could almost hear them cry as they kissed their boy goodbye
Well I wonder how the old folks are at home

Just a village and a homestead on the farm
And a mother's love to shield you from all harm
A mother's love so true a sweetheart that loves you
A village and a homestead on the farm

Verse:

I	IV	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
IV	IV	I	I
II	II	V	V

Chorus:

I	IV	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
IV	IV	I	I
II	V	I	I

Back To Index

I Wonder Where You Are Tonight

—Johnny Bond

Tonight I'm sad my heart is weary
Wondering if I'm wrong or right
To think about you though you left me
I wonder where you are tonight

Chorus:
The rain is cold and slowly falling
Upon my window pane tonight
And though your love seems even colder
I wonder where you are tonight

Your heart was cold you never loved me
Though you often said you cared
And now you've gone to find another
Someone who knows the love I shared

Then came the dawn the day you left me
I tried to smile with all my might
But you could see the pain within me
That lingers in my heart tonight

Verse:

I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

I'll Be Your Baby Tonight

—Bob Dylan

Close your eyes, close the door
You don't have to worry anymore
I'll be your baby tonight

Shut the light, shut the shade
You don't have to be afraid
I'll be your baby tonight

Bridge:
Well, that mockingbird's gonna sail away
We're gonna forget it
That big, fat moon is gonna shine like a spoon
But we're gonna let it, you won't regret it

Kick your shoes off, do not fear
Bring that bottle over here
I'll be your baby tonight

Verse:

I	I	I	I
II	II	II	II
IV	IV	V	V
I	I	I	I

Bridge:

IV	IV	I	I
II	II	V	V

Back To Index

I'll Cry Tomorrow

—Buzz Busby

I'll cry tomorrow, 'cause my love's gone away

I'll cry tomorrow, I won't cry today
Cause when I see you I want to be brave
You were out with another, I saw you last night
Standing there on your doorstep
You were holding him tight

Chorus:
I'll cry tomorrow, I won't cry today
I'll cry tomorrow, 'cause my loves gone away

A handshake, a kiss, a smile, a pleasant goodbye
Is better than false words and all alibis
And when you're gone, love you'll never know why
Today I won't weaken, tomorrow I'll cry

I'll cry tomorrow, I won't cry today
I'll cry tomorrow, 'cause your loves gone away

¾

Intro:

IV

I

I

V

I

I

Verse:

I	I	VIm	IV	I	I
I	II	II	II	V	V
V	I	VIm	IV	I	I
IV	I	VIm	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	IV	I	I
IV	I	I	V	I	I

Back To Index

I'll Fly Away

Some glad morning when this life is o'er,
I'll fly away;
To a home on God's celestial shore,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

Chorus:
I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone,
I'll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

Just a few more weary days and then,
I'll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome

—Hank Williams and Bill Monroe

The lonesome sigh of a train going by
Makes me want to stop and cry
I recall the day it took you away
I'm blue, I'm lonesome too

Chorus:
When I hear that whistle blow
I want to pack my trunk* and go
The lonesome sound of a train going by
Makes me want to stop and cry

In the still of the night, in the pale moonlight
The winds they moan and sigh
These awful blues I just can't lose
I'm blue I'm lonesome too

*also: suitcase, troubles

I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Chorus

V	V	I	I
II	II	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

I'm Eatin' High on the Hog

—Mac Wiseman

My girl's a honey, she's got the money
Honey and money, everything's sunny.
Her name is Katy and she's a lady
I'm eatin' high on the hog.

Yes she's my honey, she's got the money
A big limousine and a flyin' machine.
She's quite a baby and there's no maybe
I'm eatin high on the hog.

Delighting, exciting, very inviting
Sweeter than julep, cute as a tulip
She dresses neatly, kisses so sweetly
I'm eatin high on the hog.

She's quite romantic, she drives me frantic
Shot Cupid's dart straight through my heart
I'm shackled and tied, but I'm satisfied
I'm eatin high on the hog.

Peachy complexion picture perfection
Blue eyes that glisten lips that need kissin'
She's quite a beauty and she's my cutie
I'm eatin high on the hog.

I popped the question, was her suggestion
Said she'd be mine, said her daddy would sign
I'm looking over a four—leafed clover
I'm eatin high on the hog.

Verse:

V	V	V	V
I	IV	V	I

Back To Index

I'm Free from the Chain Gang Now

I got rid of the shackles that bound me
And the guards who were always around me
Like a bird in the tree I found my liberty
And I'm free from the chain gang now.

Long ago I was known and respected
Then one day I was wrongly suspected
And they put me in chains working out in the rain
But I'm free from the chain gang now.

I know my mother's poor heart was broken
For she knew an untruth was spoken
There were tears on the mail that she sent me in jail
But I'm free from the chain gang now.

All the years I was known by a number
Were just years that I spent without slumber
After long years of shame I have won back my name
And I'm free from the chain gang now.

Now I'm going back home to another
She's my sweetheart who's waiting with Mother
And I'll dry all the tears that's been shedding for years
'Cause I'm free from the chain gang now

¾

Verse:

I	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	IV	I	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky

—Bill Monroe

Chorus:
I'm going back to old Kentucky
There to see my Linda Lou
I'm going back to old Kentucky
Where the skies are always blue

When my left old Kentucky
Linda kissed me and she cried
I told her that I would not linger
I'd be back by and by

Linda Lou is she is a beauty
Those pretty brown eyes I loved so well
I'm going back to old Kentucky
Never more to say farewell

Linda Lou you know I love you
I long for you each night and day
When the roses bloom in old Kentucky
I'll be coming back to stay

Chorus and Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

I'm Gonna Sleep With One Eye Open

I just found out today the little game you play
I've been sleeping all my life away
You've been stepping so they say between midnight and day
So I'm gonna sleep with one eye open from now on

Chorus:
From now on (from now on) all night long (all night long)
You won't have a chance to treat your daddy wrong
You've been stepping so they say between midnight and day
So I'm gonna sleep with one eye open from now on

There's honky tonk down the road just a mile or so
I understand that's where you spend your time
Baby I got news for you your little game is through
From now on baby you're gonna toe the line

You thought you were being wise running around with other guys
And leaving me to spend my time alone
But you'll find out today it don't work out that way
You started a little game that two can play

Verse:

I	I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

I'm Just an Old Chunk of Coal

—Billy Joe Shaver

Chorus:
I'm just an old chunk of coal,
But I'm gonna be a diamond some day,
I'm gonna grow and glow 'til I'm so plu pure perfect,
I'm gonna put a smile on ev'rybody's face.

Verse:
I'm gonna kneel and pray ev'ry day,
Lest I should become vain along the way.
I'm just and old chunk of coal now Lord,
But I'm gonna be a diamond some day.

Chorus:
I'm gonna learn the best words to talk,
Gonna search and find a better way to walk, yeah!
I'm gonna spit and polish my old rough-edged self,
'Til I get rid of ev'ry single flaw.

Verse:
Well I'm gonna be the world's best friend,
Gonna go 'round shakin' ev'rybody's hand, yeah!
I'm just an old chunk of coal now Lord,
But I'm gonna be a diamond some day,

Oh, I'm gonna be the cotton-pickin' rage of the age,
I'm gonna be a diamond some day.

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
III7	III7	VIm	VIm
IV	IV	I	I
II	II	V	V

Verse:

I	I	I	I
III7	III7	VIm	VIm
IV	IV	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

I'm Just Here to Get My Baby Out of Jail

I'm not in your town to stay said a lady old and gray
To the warden of the penitentiary
I'm not in your town to stay and I'll soon be on my way
I'm just here to get my baby out of jail
Yes, warden, I'm just here to get my baby out of jail

I've tried to raise my baby right, I have prayed both day and night
that he'd never follow the footsteps of his dad
I have searched both far and wide, I had feared that he had died
And at last I find my baby here in jail
Yes, warden, but it's good to find my baby here in jail

I will pawn you my watch, I will pawn you my chain
I will pawn you my gold diamond ring
I will wash all your clothes, I will scrub all your floors
If that will get my baby out of jail
Yes, warden, you know I want my baby out of jail

Then I heard the warden say to the lady old and gray
I will send your baby boy to your side
Those wide gates swung wide apart,
she held her darling to her heart
She kissed her darling boy and then she died
But smiling in the arms of her boy there she died

Verse:

I	I	V	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

I'm Just Here to Get My Baby Out of Jail

—Red Allen's version

I will wash all your clothes, I will scrub all your floors,
If that will get my baby out of jail.
Yes warden, I'm just here to get my baby out of jail.

I will pawn you my watch, I will pawn you my chain
I will pawn you my gold diamond ring
Yes warden, I'm just here to get my baby out of jail.

If that train runs right I'll be home tomorrow night,
You know I want my baby out of jail.
Yes warden, I'm just here to get my baby out of jail.

When those gates swung wide apart she held her darling to her heart.
She kissed her baby boy and then she died.
Yes warden, in the arms of her dear boy there she died.

Verse:

I

I

I-V

I

Back To Index

I'm On My Way Back to the Old Home

Back in the days of my childhood
In the evening when everything was still
I used to sit and listen to the foxhounds
With my dad in the old Kentucky hills

Chorus:
I'm on my way back to the old home
The road winds on up the hill
But there's no light in the window
That shined long ago where I live

Soon my childhood days were over
I had to leave my old home
For dad and mother were called to heaven
I's left in this world all alone

High in the hills of old Kentucky
Stands the fondest spot in my memory
I'm on my way back to the old home
The light in the window I long to see

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	IV
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

I'm Satisfied With My Gal

—J. Trent and P. DeRose

Well now, She ain't got no (Yes, she does )
No, she don't (Yes, she does )
I'm satisfied with my gal

Well, she don't wear no (Yes, she does)
No, she don't (You aint' never seen 'em)
I'm satisfied with my gal (I don't know why)

Bridge:
She got great big legs, pretty teeth
and I love her little dimpled chin
Golden hair, what a smile
Oh, what a mama she has been

Now, will she let me? (No, she won't)
Yes, she will (No, she won't)
I'm satisfied with my gal

Verse:

I	I	I	VI
II	V	I	I

Bridge:

III7	III7	VI	VI
II	II	V/ V

Back To Index

I'm Talking 'Bout You

—Memphis Minnie

You can quit me, and do what you want to do
But some day you'll want me and I won't want you.

Chorus:
I'm a talking about you, I'm a talking about you
I'm a talking about you and I don't care what you do

You's a woman running round from hand to hand
I got me a woman, like you got your man.

I met when you're goin' from house to house
I knew you when your boyfriend throwed you out.

You can't be mine 'n someone else's too
I just can't stand the way that you do.

What you had for me the other night
You can put me down for tomorrow tonight.

You mistreat me, you don't treat me right
You can take it on back where you had it last night.

Well, look—a here, what you want me to do?
Won't be your daddy and your doctor, too

Verse:

IV	IV	IV	IV
I	I	I	I

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	V	V	I

Back To Index

I'm Troubled

—Blue Sky Boys

Chorus:
I'm troubled I'm troubled, I'm troubled in mind
If trouble don't kill me, I'll live a long time

Now courting is pleasure, and parting is grief
And a false—hearted lover, is worse than a thief
A thief can but rob you, and take what you've saved
But a false—hearted lover'll, take you to your grave

The grave will decay you, and turn you to dust
Not one girl in a million, that a poor boy can trust
They'll hug you, and kiss you, and tell you more lies
Than cross ties on a railroad, or stars in the sky

I'm going to Georgia, I'm going to roam
I'm going to Georgia, gonna make it my home
Gonna build me a cabin, on the mountain so high
So the wild birds and the, turtle doves can't hear my sad cry

Chorus and Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

I'm Walkin' the Dog

—Cliff & Tex Grimsley / Webb Pierce

I'm walking the dog and I'm never blue
I'm walking the dog I ain't thinking bout you
I don't need no one to tie me down
I'm walking the dog and I'm painting the town.

Chorus:
Such an easy life I never knew
Until the day that I left you
Well I'm a carefree lad that seen the light
I'm walking the dog all the day and all night

Well I'm full of pep I just can't grow old
I got a one track mind so I've been told
But I'm fancy free I don't worry no how
And I'm walking the dog all the law will allow

Final Chorus: ends:
Such an easy life I never knew
I can't believe it's really true…

Verse:

I	I	IV	IV
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
II	II	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

I'm Working On a Building

—Bill Monroe

Verse:
Well, if I was a sinner I'd a tell you what I would do
I would quit my sinnin' and I'd work on a buildin' too

Chorus:
I'm workin' on a buildin', I'm workin' on a buildin'
I'm workin' on a buildin' for my Lord, for my Lord
It's a Holy Ghost buildin', it's a holy ghost buildin'
It's a Holy Ghost buildin' for my Lord, for my Lord

Well, if I was a gambler I tell you what I would do
I would quit my gamblin' and work on a buildin' too

Well, if I was a drunkard I tell you what I would do
I would quit my drinkin' and work on a buildin' too

Well, if I was a preacher I tell you what I would do
I would go on preachin' and I'd work on a buildin' too

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	V	V-I	I
I	I	I	I
I	V	V-I	I

Back To Index

I've Been All Around This World

Up on the Blue Ridge Mountains, there I'll take my stand.
Up on the Blue Ridge Mountains, there I'll take my stand.
A rifle on my shoulder, six—shooter in my hand;
Oh Lord, I been all around this world.

Lulu, my Lulu come and open the door.
Lulu, my Lulu come and open the door.
Before I have to walk in with my old 'forty—four'.
Oh Lord, I been all around this world.

Mama and Papa, little sister makes three.
Mama and Papa, little sister makes three.
They're comin' in the mornin' ; that's the last you'll see of me.
Oh Lord, I been all around this world.

Hang me, oh, hang me, so I'll be dead and gone.
Hang me, oh, hang me, so I'll be dead and gone.
I wouldn't mind your hangin', boys but you wait in jail so long.
Oh Lord, I been all around this world.

Up on the Blue Ridge Mountains, there I'll take my stand.
Up on the Blue Ridge Mountains, there I'll take my stand.
A rifle on my shoulder, six shooter in my hand;
Oh Lord, I been all around this world.

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	IV	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

I've Endured

—Ola Belle Reed

Born in the mountains fifty years ago
I've trod the hills and valleys through the rain and snow
I've seen the lightning flashing I've heard the thunder roll
I've Endured I've Endured how long can one endure

Barefoot in the summer on into the fail
Too many mouths to feed they couldn't clothe us all
Sent to church on Sunday to learn the golden rule
I've Endured I've Endured how long can one endure

I've worked for the rich I've lived with the poor
I've see many a heartache there'll be many a more
Lived loved and sorrowed been to success's door
I've Endured I've Endured how long can one endure

Verse:

I	I	I	IV	IV
IV	IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
IV	V	I	I

Back To Index

I've Waited As Long As I Can

—Hylo Brown

I've waited for you and I've always been true
But this waiting no longer I can stand
I know you've had time dear to make up your mind
I've waited as long as I can

Chorus:
I'm waiting to hear you say you love me
And long for the day you take my hand
I asked again last night for your love so divine
I've waited as long as I can

Done all I can do said all I can say
Oh why can't I make you understand
I wanted you for mine but I'm wasting my time
I've waited as long as I can

Now I'll just say goodbye the tears fall from my eyes
For you have made it plain that I can't win
No one will ever know the pain that I've been through
I've waited as long as I can

Verse:

I	I	IV	IV
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

I	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Ida Red

—Lost and Found version

Well Ida Red lives in town
Weighs three hundred and forty pounds,
Ida Red, Ida Red,
I'm plum fool about Ida Red.

Well Ida Red is long and tall,
Sleeps in the kitchen with her feet in the hall,
Ida Red, Ida Red,
I'm plum fool about Ida Red.

If I'd 'a listened what Ida said,
I'd be sleepin' in Ida's bed,
Ida Red, Ida Red,
I'm plum fool about Ida Red

Well Ida Red, Ida Green,
Prettiest girl I ever seen,
Ida Red, Ida Red,
I'm plum fool about Ida Red

Verse:

I	I	I	V-I
I	I	I	V-I

Back To Index

If I Could Only Win Your Love

—Louvin Brothers

If I could only win your love
I'd make he most of everything
I'd proudly wear your wedding ring
My heart would never stray one dream away

Chorus:
Oh how can I ever say
How I crave your love when you're gone away
Oh how can I ever show
How I burn inside when you hold me tight

If I could only win your love
I'd give my all to make it live
You'll never know how much I'd give
If I could only win your love

If I could only win your love
I'd give my all to make it live
You'll never know how much I'd give
If I could only win your love.

First Verse:

I	V	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I
I	I	V	V

Other Verses:

I	V	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I
V	V	I	I

Chorus:

V	V	V	V
I	I	IV	I
V	V	V	V
I	I	V	V

Back To Index

If I Lose

I never thought I'd need you but now I found I'm wrong
Come on back sweet mama back where you belong
I've gambled all over town find that I can't win
So come on back and pick me up again

Chorus:
Now if I lose let me lose
I don't care how much I lose
If I lose a hundred dollars while I'm trying to win a dime
My baby she's got money all the time

Of all the other gals I know no one can take your place
Cause when I get into a jam they just ain't in the race
So now that you're back dear let's take another round
With you here by my side dear the deal just can't go down

Verse:

I	I	IV	IV
V	V	V	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I

Chorus:

V	V	I	I
V	V	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

If I Should Wander Back Tonight

For many years I've been a rolling stone, my darling
Like a gypsy I have roamed from place to place
Fortune never came to me
But how happy I would be
Just to look again upon your smiling face

Chorus:
Now if I should wander back tonight
Would you be waiting
Would your eyes be filled with love's own tender light
Would your arms be empty, dear
Would you thrill to find me near
Would you love me if I'd wander back tonight

When buddy flowers lend their fragrance in the springtime
I recall the roses training round your door
Fancy then I homeward stay
I seem to hear you say
That you love me as you did in days of yore

Last night I dreamed that you and I were back together
I held your hand so gently in my own
Heard you say we'd never part
As I pressed you to my heart
Then I woke in tears to find myself alone

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	IV
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

In Heaven We'll Never Grow Old

—James C. Moore 1914

In the Bible we read of a city,
With the streets that are paved with pure gold.
We shall live in that city forever.
And there we shall never grow old.

Chorus:
In heaven will never grow old,
In heaven will never grow old,
We shall live in that city forever,
And there we shall grow old.

In the Bible we read of a river,
That flows by the throne we are told.
We shall drink of it's life living waters
And there we shall never grow old.

In the Bible we read of earth's pilgrim.
In this world they were hungry and cold,
But have reached their harbor in safety,
And there they shall never grow old.

¾

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

In The Pines

—Bill Monroe Version:

The longest train I ever saw
Went down that Georgia Line
The engine passed at six o'clock
The caboose went by at nine

Chorus:
In the pines, in the pines, where the sun never shines
And you shiver when the cold wind blows
Whoo whoo hoo hooo……….
Whoo whoo hoo hooo……….

I asked my captain for the time of day
He said he throwed his watch away
It's a long steel rail and a short cross tie
And I'm on my way back home

Little girl, little girl, what have I done
To make you treat me so
You've caused me to weep, you've caused me to mourn
You've caused me to leave my home

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

In The Pines

—Leadbelly Version

Little girl, little girl, don't lie to me
Tell me where did you sleep last night?
In the pines, In the pines, Where the sun never shine
I shivered the whole night through.

Little girl, little girl, where will you go
I'm going where the cold wind blows
In the pines, In the pines, Where the sun never shine
I will shiver the whole night through.

Little girl, little girl, don't lie to me
Tell me where did you sleep last night?
In the pines, In the pines, Where the sun never shine
I shivered the whole night through.

My Husband was a Railroad man
Killed a mile and a half from here
His head, was found, In a drivers wheel
And his body hasn't never been found.

Little girl, little girl, where will you go
I'm going where the cold wind blows
You've caused me to weep, you've caused me to mourn
You've caused me to leave my home

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Is It Too Late Now

—Flatt & Scruggs

Chorus:
Is it too late now to tell you that I love you
Or is there still a chance for me somehow
Oh they tell me now that you have found another
Darlin' please don't say it's too late now

I know this heart of mine could never stand it
If I should have to give you up somehow
Oh won't you say you'll give me one qmore chance dear
Darlin' please don't say it's too late now

Now I confess I know I've done you wrong, dear
Oh can't you see my point of view somehow
All I ask of you is one more chance dear
Darlin' please don't say it's too late now

Verse and Chorus:

|: I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I :|

Back To Index

It Takes One to Know One

Little girl you stand out in the crowd
You're laughing and talking much too loud
But I see a little tear peaking through
It takes one to know one and I know you

Chorus:
It takes one to know one and I know you
The little tear through your smiles I see through
You've been hurt and your frightened you're so blue
It takes one to know one and I know you

Little girl please take hold of my hand
Just go right on and cry I'll understand
Pay no mind if start crying too
It takes one to know one and I know you

¾

Verse and Chorus:

|: I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I :|

Back To Index

It's Hard to be Humble

—Mac Davis

Chorus:
Oh Lord it's hard to be humble
When you're perfect in every way
I can't wait to look in the mirror
Cause I get better looking each day
To know me is to love me
I must be a hell of a man
Oh Lord It's hard to be humble,
But I'm doing the best that I can

I used to have a girlfriend,
But I guess she just couldn't compete,
With all of these love—starved women,
Who keep clamoring at my feet
Oh I probably could find me another,
But I guess they're all in awe of me
Who cares? I never get lonesome
Cause I treasure my own company

I guess you could say I'm a loner
A cowboy outlaw, tough, and proud
I could have lots of friends if I wanted
But then I wouldn't stand out from the crowd
Some folks say that I'm egotistical
Hell I don't even know what that means
I guess it has something to do with
The way that I fill out my skin tight blue jeans

We're doing the best that we can

¾

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	V
V	V	V	I
I	I	I7	IV
IV	I	V	I

Back To Index

It's Mighty Dark to Travel

—Bill Monroe

To me she was my little angel
Sent down to me from God above
When on that day when I first met her
And I told her of my love

It's mighty dark for me to travel
For my sweetheart she is gone
The road is rough and filled gravel
But I must journey on and on

Travelin' down the lonesome highway
Thinkin' of my love that's gone
Knowin' soon we'll be together
She's the only love I've known

Many nights we strolled together
Talkin' of our love so fair
My love for her will never vanish
For I know I'll meet her there

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Jack of Diamonds (Drunkard's Hiccups)

I've played cards in England, I've gambled in Spain
Goin back to Carolina (Rhode Island), gonna play my last game

Chorus:
Jack of diamonds, jack of diamonds, I've known you from old
You've robbed my poor pockets of silver and gold

Gonna eat when I'm hungry, gonna drink when I'm dry
Get to feelin much better, gonna sprout wings and fly
Gonna take down my fiddle, gonna rosin up the bow
Gonna make myself welcome, wherever I go

Gonna drink, gonna gamble, all my money is my own
Them that don't like me, can leave me alone
Gonna beat on the counter, gonna make the glass ring
More brandy, more brandy, more brandy to bring

If the river was whiskey, and I was a duck
I'd dive to the bottom, and never come up
But the river ain't whiskey, and I ain't no duck
I'll play these drunkard's hiccups, and trust to my luck

¾

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

I	IV	I	I
I	IV	V	I

Extra verses:

My shoes are all tore up, my toes are stickin' out
Gonna get some corn whiskey, I'm going up the spout.

I get up in the morning, I stagger and reel.
Goddamn you corn whiskey, How badly I feel.

It's a whiskey you villain you've been my downfall
You've kicked me you've cuffed me but I loves you for all

It's a whiskey rye whiskey rye whiskey I cry
If I don't get rye whiskey well I think I will die

Beefsteak when I'm hungry red liquor when I'm dry
Greenbacks when I'm hard up and religion when I die

I'll a go to yonder holler and I'll build me a still
I'll give you a gallon for a five dollar bill

Rye whiskey rye whiskey rye whiskey I cry
If a tree don't fall on me I'll live till I die

Back To Index

Jambalaya

—Hank Williams

Goodbye Joe, you gotta go, me oh my oh
Me gotta go-pole the pirogue down the bayou
My Yvonne the sweetest one, me oh my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

Chorus:
Jambalaya, crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
For tonight, I'm-a gonna see my ma cher a mi-o
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

Thibodaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin'
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
Dress in style and go hog wild, me oh my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

Settle down far from town, get me a pirogue
And I'll catch all the fish in the bayou
Swap my mon to buy Yvonne what she need-o
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

Verse and Chorus:

|: I	I	V	V
V	V	I	I :|

Back To Index

Jesse James

Jesse James was a lad
That killed many a man
He robbed the Glendale train
He stole from the rich
And he gave to the poor
He'd a hand and a heart and a brain

Well it was Robert Ford
That dirty little coward
I wonder now how he feels
For he ate of Jesse's bread
And he slept in Jesse's bed
And he laid poor Jesse in his grave

Chorus:
Well Jesse had a wife
To mourn for his life
Three children
Now they were brave
Well that dirty little coward
That shot Mr. Howard
And he laid poor Jesse in his grave

Well now Jesse was a man
A friend to the poor
He'd never rob a mother or a child
There never was a man with
the law in his hand
That could take Jesse James when alive

It was on a Saturday night
Yeah the moon was
shinin' bright
They robbed
the Glendale train
And the people they did say
o'er many miles away
It was those outlaws yeah Frank
and Jesse James

Now the people held
their breath
When they heard of
Jesse's death
They wondered how
he'd ever come to fall
Robert Ford it was a fact
He shot Jesse in the back
While Jesse hung a picture
on a wall

Now Jesse went to rest with
his hand on his breast
The devil upon his knee
he was born one day in
the County Clay
And he came from
a solitary race

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Jesus Is On the Main Line

—Mississippi Fred McDowell

Jesus is on the main line, tell him what you want
Jesus is on the main line, tell him what you want
Jesus is on the main line, tell him what you want
Wooo… call him up and tell him what you want

Yeah, he will come in a hurry, just tell him what you want
I said he will come in a hurry, just tell him what you want
Oh he will come in a hurry, just tell him what you want
Oh, call him up and tell him what you want

Jesus is on the main line, tell him what you want
Jesus is on the main line, tell him what you want
Jesus is on the main line, just tell him what you want
Oh, call him up and tell him what you want

If you're sick and you can't get well, just tell him what you want
Wooo, if you're sick and you can't get well, just tell him what you want
Yeah, if you're sick and you can't get well, tell him what you want
Wooo, call him up and tell him what you want

Jesus is on the main line, tell him what you want
Yeah, Jesus is on the main line, just tell him what you want
Jesus is on the main line, just tell him what you want
Ooh, call him up and tell him what you want

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	IV	I
I	I	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Jesus Walking on The Water

—Violent Femmes

Oh my, oh my, oh my, what if it was true?
And oh my, oh my, oh my, tell me is it true
Did He, did He, did He die upon that cross?
And did He, did He, did He come back across?

Chorus:
Jesus walking on the water
Sweet Jesus walking in the sky
Sinking sand He took my hand
He raised me up and he brought me up
I can hold my, my, my head high

Will I, will I, will I be true to my birth?
And will I, will I, will I give what I'm worth?
Oh yes sir, yes sir, yes sir, I come when you call
And yes sir, yes sir, yes sir, Jesus, my all—in—all

Oh my, oh my, oh my, what if it was true?
And oh my, oh my, oh my, tell me is it true
Did He, did He, did He die upon that cross?
And did He, did He, did He come back across?

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
VIm	VIm	IV	V

Back To Index

John Hardy

—The Carter Family

John Hardy was a desperate little man
He carried two guns every day
He shot down a man on that West Virginia line
You ought a seen John Hardy getting away
You ought to seen John Hardy getting away

John Hardy stood in that old barroom
So drunk that he could not see
And a man walked up and took him by the arm
He said Johnny, come and go along with me Poor boy
Johnny, come and walk along with me

John Hardy stood in his old jail cell
The tears running down from his eyes
He said I've been the death of many a poor boy
But my six—shooters never told a lie
No, my six—shooters never told a lie

The first one to visit John Hardy in his cell
Was a little girl dressed in blue
She came down to that old jail cell
She said Johnny, I've been true to you God knows
Johnny, I've been true to you

The next one to Visit John Hardy in his cell
Was a little girl dressed in red
She come down to that old jail cell
She said, Johnny, I had rather see you dead
Well, Johnny, I had rather see you dead

I've been to the East and I've been to the West
I've traveled this wide world around
I've been to that river and I've been baptized
So take me to my burying ground
So take me to my burying ground

John Hardy was a desperate little man
He carried two guns every day
He shot down a man on the West Virginia line
You ought to seen old John Hardy getting away
You ought to seen old John Hardy getting away

Verse:

IV	I	IV	I
IV	I	V	V

Back To Index

John Henry

John Henry, when he was a baby
Settin' on his mammy's knee
Picked up an hammer in his little right hand
Said, "Hammer be the death of me, me, me
Hammer be the death of me"

Some say he's born in Texas
Some say he's born up in Maine
I just say he was a Louisiana man
Leader of a steel-driving chain gang
Leader on a steel-driving gang

Well, the Captain said to John Henry
I'm gonna bring my steam drill around
Gonna bring my steam drill out on the job
Gonna whup that steel on down, down, down
Whup that steel on down

John Henry said to the Captain
You can bring your steam drill around
You can bring your steam drill out on the job
I'll beat your steam drill down, down, down
Beat your steam drill down

John Henry said to his Shaker
Shaker, you had better pray
If you miss your six feet of steel
I'll be your buryin' day, day, day
I'll be your buryin' day

Now, the Shaker said to John Henry
Man ain't nothing but a man
But before I'd let that steam drill beat me down
I'd die with an hammer in my hand, hand, hand
I'd die with an hammer in my hand

John Henry had a little woman
Her name was Polly Anne
John Henry took sick and was laid up in bed
While Polly handled steel like a man, man, man
Polly handled steel like a man

They took John Henry to the graveyard
Laid him down in the sand
Every locomotive comin' a-rolling by
Hollered, there lies a steel-drivin' man, man, man
There lies a steel-drivin' man

There lies a steel-drivin' man, man, man
There lies a steel-drivin' man

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I	I

Back To Index

Journey's End

—Noel Duggan and Padraig Duggan

Each night brings back my dreams of you
I cried and cry I feel so blue
You broke my heart so why pretend
The sign ahead reads journey's end

Chorus:
River's rolling along skies are turning gray
Clouds are moving in I've lost my way
I tried to smile but why pretend
The sign ahead reads journey's end

Remember the day when we first met
I loved you then, I love you yet
Nights when you kneel down in prayer
If God would will I'd be right there

Sitting all alone beneath the stars
I'm wondering where on earth you are
Thinking of the things that might have been
But the sign ahead reads journey's end

Verse:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

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June Apple

—Jenkins, Jarrell & Cockerham

I wish I was a June apple
Hanging on that tree
Every time my true love passed
She'd take a little bite of me

Going across the mountain
I'm going in the spring
It's when I get on the other side
I'm gonna hear my woman sing

Can't you hear that banjo sing
I wish that girl was mine
Don't you hear that banjo sing
I wish that girl was mine

Charlie he's a nice young man
Charlie he's a dandy
Charlie he's a nice young man
Feeds the girls on candy.

Over the river to feed my sheep
Over the river Charlie
It's over the river to feed my sheep
Feed them on barley

I wish I had some sticks and poles
To build my chimney higher
Cos every time it rains and snows
It puts out all my fire

Fiddle Tune Verse:

I	I	VII	VII
I	I	VII	VII

Verse with Words:

I	I	I	IV
I	I	V	I

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Just a Closer Walk With Thee

I am weak but Thou are strong
Jesus keep me from all wrong
I'll be satisfied as long
As I walk, blessed Lord, close to Thee

Chorus:
Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, blessed Lord, let it be.

Through this world of toils and snares
If I falter, Lord, who cares
None but Thee my burden bares
None but Thee, blessed Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o'er
Time for me will be no more
Guide me to that peaceful shore
Let me walk, blessed Lord, close to Thee.

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	V	V
V	V	I	I
I	I7	V	V
I	V	I	V

Back To Index

Just Because

—Dixon Brothers version

Now just because you think you're so pretty,
Just because you think you're so smart
You went and spent all my money
And played ball with my heart.

When you thought you'd spent all my money,
You laughed and call me old Santy Claus
There's no doubt, baby I found you out
Honey, it's just because

Don't think for a moment now baby,
That I am crazy about you
You caused me to lose all of my girlfriends
I'll never hang around with you

You'll wake up some morning baby
And miss your old Santy Claus
I'm telling you baby I'm not kidding you
Honey it's just because

There'll come a time you will want me
When you are lonely and blue
Your old Santy Claus won't be 'round then
To cheer and comfort you

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	V
V	V	V	I
I	I	I-VII	IV
IV-IV#dim	I-VI	II-V	I

Back To Index

Katy Daley

With her old man she came from Tipperary
In the pioneering days of '42
Her old man was shot in Tombstone City
For the making of his good old mountain dew

Chorus:
Oh Come on down the mountain Katy Daley
Come on down the mountain Katy do
Can't you hear us calling Katy Daley
We want to drink your good old mountain dew

Wake up and pay attention Katy Daley
For I'm the judge that's gonna sentence you
All the boys in court have drunk your whiskey
To tell the truth I like a little too

So to the jail they took poor Katy Daley
And pretty soon the gates were open wide
Angels came for poor old Katy Daley
Took her far across the great divide

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	V
V	V	V	I

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Keep on the Sunny Side

—Ada Blenkhorn & J. Howard Entwisle 1899, popularized by Carter Family

There's a dark and a troubled side of life
But there's a bright and a sunny side too
Though you meet with the darkness and strife
The sunny side you also may view

Chorus:
Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side
Keep on the sunny side of life
It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way
If we'll keep on the sunny side of life

Though the storm and its furies rage today
Crushing hope that we cherish so dear
The cloud and storm will in time pass away
And the sun again will shine bright and clear

Let us greet with a song of hope each day
Though the moment be cloudy or fair
And let us trust in our Saviour always
He'll keep us everyone in His care

Verse:

I	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
V	V	I	I
V	V	I	I

Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning

Troubles and trials are almost over X 3
See what my lord has done
Keep your lamp trimmed and burnin X 3
See what my lord has done

Heaven's journey is almost over X 3
See what my lord has done
Brother don't you worry
Don't you worry
Don't you worry
See what my lord has done

Two thousand years have come and gone X 3
See what my lord has done
Brother don't you worry
Don't you worry
Don't you worry
See what my lord has done
Sister don't stop prayin
Sister don't stop prayin
Sister don't stop prayin
See what my lord has done.

Many are gone but not forgotten X 3
See what my lord has done
Keep your lamp trimmed and burnin X 3
See what my lord has done

Brother don't you worry
Don't you worry
Don't you worry
See what my lord has done
Brother don't stop prayin
Sister don't stop prayin
Sister don't stop prayin
See what my lord has done.

Keep your lamp trimmed and burning X 3
See what my lord has done
Keep your lamp trimmed and burning X 3
See what my lord has done

Verse:

|: I	I	V	V
I	I	V	I :|

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Kentucky Waltz

—Bill Monroe

We were waltzing that night in Kentucky
'Neath the beautiful harvest moon
And I was the boy who was lucky
But it all ended too soon

As I sit here alone in the moonlight
And I can see your smiling face
And I long once more for your embrace
In that beautiful Kentucky waltz

¾

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
V	V	V	V
V	V	I	I

I	I	I	I
I	I7	IV	IV
IV	IV	I	VI
II	V	I	I

Back To Index

Leftover Biscuits

—Harold D. Handy

Chorus:
Leftover biscuits, leftover ham
Leftover gravy in an old fryin' pan
Leftover coffee, leftover tea
Now I'm all alone 'cause she done left over me.

Well, I asked my wife if I could go out with the boys,
Just a little party over at Jimmy Roy's.
She said, "Yes, honey, you know that I don't care."
But what I didn't tell her it was a three—day affair.

Then we went to a party over at my neighbors' home,
Me and my neighbor's wife in the kitchen all alone.
She was makin' biscuits while I was makin' time.
Caught in the act by that little old wife of mine.

Now I'm all alone, 'cause she done left over me.

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
V	V	V	V
V	V	I	I

Chorus:

I	I	II	II
V	V	I	I
I	I	II	II
V	V	IV	I

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Let's Go to Huntin'

—Traditional, Tim O'Brien Arrangement

Chorus:
Come on boys, let's go to huntin
Come on boys, let's go to huntin
Dog in the woods, he done treed something

Your dog barks, it don't mean nothin
Your dog barks, it don't mean nothin
My dog barks, he done treed somethin

Old Red howlin up at the moon
Old Red howlin up at the moon
Took off runnin, and he treed him a coon

Now he raised his tail and he took off runnin
He raised up his tail and he took off runnin
Come on boys let's go to huntin

The gun says boom and coon says zip
The gun says boom and the coon says zip
Old Red grabbed him with all his grip

Your dog bark, it don't mean nothin
Your dog bark, it don't mean nothin
My dog bark, he done treed somethin

Waterproof your boots and whistle up your dog
Waterproof your boots and whistle up your dog
Shoulder up your gun when you're wadin in the bog

You get the shot, I'll get the powder
You get the shot, I'll get the powder
Your dog bark, my dog louder

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	I	I	!

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Life's Railway to Heaven

Life is like a mountain railroad
With an engineer that's brave
We must make the run successful
From the cradle to the grave

Watch the curves, the fills, and tunnels
Never falter, never fail
Keep your hand upon the throttle
And your eyes upon the rail

Chorus:
Blessed Savior, Thou will guide us
Till we reach that blissful shore
Where the angels wait to join us
In that great forevermore

As you roll across the trestle
Spanning Jordon's swelling tide
You'll behold the Union Depot
Into which your train will glide

There you'll meet the superintendent
God the Father, God the Son
With a hearty joyous greetings:
Weary Pilgrims Welcome Home

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	II	V
I	I	IV	!
I	I	V	!

Verse:

IV	I	I	V
I	IV	I	I

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Life's Too Short

—The Delmore Brothers

Here today and gone tomorrow, life's too short to borrow sorrow
Life's too short for me to worry over you.
You are gone, you are missin', other lips you are kissin'
Life's too short for me to worry over you.

Chorus: (after each verse):
And I'm leavin'(and I'm leavin')and I'm grievin'(and I'm grievin')
And I'm grievin'"(and I'm grievin')cause I'm blue.
Here today and gone tomorrow, life's too short to borrow sorrow
Life's too short for me to worry over you.

Sometimes I think I'm crazy with these blue days so hazy
Can't realize that you are so untrue.
Now I know that you don't love me and by all the powers above me
Life's too short for me to worry over you.

I'm through with you forever, for this time we must sever
I'm gonna have another heart so good and true,
That was made for usin' not for all this abusin'
Life's too short for me to worry over you.

Verse:

|: I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I :|

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Little Birdie

Chorus:
Little birdie, little birdie
Come and sing me you song
Got a short time to stay here
And a long time to be gone

I'm a long way from old Dixie
And my old Kentucky home
Now my parents are both dead and gone
Have no place to call my home

Now I'd rather be a sailor
Way out upon the sea
Then to be at home a marred man
With a baby on my knee

For the married man he sees trouble
And the single boy sees none
I expect to live single
Til my days on earth are done

Now I'd rather be in some dark hollow
Where the sun don't ever shine
Then to see you love another
When you promised to be mine

Verse and Chorus:

|: I	I	V	I
I	I	V	I :|

Back To Index

Little Cabin Home on the Hill

Tonight I'm alone without you my dear
It seems there's a longing for you still
All I have to do now is sit alone and cry
In our little cabin home on the hill

Chorus:
Oh, someone has taken you from me
And left me here all alone
Just to listen to the rain beat on my window pane
In our little cabin home on the hill

I hope you are happy tonight as you are
But in my heart there's a longing for you still
I just keep it there so I won't be alone
In our little cabin home on the hill

Now when you have come to the end of the way
And find there's no more happiness for you
Just let you thoughts turn back once more if you will
To our little cabin home on the hill

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

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Little Georgia Rose

—Bill Monroe

Now come and listen to my story
A story that I know is true
A little rose that bloomed in Georgia
With hair of gold and a heart so true

Chorus:
Way down in the blue ridge mountains
Way down where the tall pines grow
Lives my sweetheart of the mountains
She's my little Georgia rose

Her mother left her with another
A carefree life she had planned
The baby now she is a lady
The one her mother couldn't stand

We often sing those songs together
I watched her do her little part
She smiled at me when I would tell her
That she was my sweetheart

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Little Liza Jane

I got a gal and you got none, Li'l Liza Jane.
I got a gal an' you got none, Li'l Liza Jane.

Chorus:
Oh Li'l Liza, Little Liza Jane.
Oh Li'l Liza, Little Liza Jane.

Come, my love, and live with me, Li'l Liza Jane.
I will take good care of thee, Li'l Liza Jane.

Jimmy John is layin' low, Li'l Liza Jane.
Honey, take me for you beau, Li'l Liza Jane.

Goin' to throw the dice away, Li'l Liza Jane.
When you name the happy day, Li'l Liza Jane.

Bumble bee he out for sips, Li'l Liza Jane.
Takes mah sweetmeats from yo' lips, Li'l Liza Jane.

Liza Jane done come to me, Li'l Liza Jane.
Both as happy as can be, Li'l Liza Jane.

Every mornin' when I wake, Li'l Liza Jane.
Smell the ham an buckwheat cakes, Li'l Liza Jane.

House and lot in Baltimore, Li'l Liza Jane.
Lots of children round the door, Li'l Liza Jane.

Nevermore from you I'll roam, Li'l Liza Jane.
Bestest place is home sweet home, Li'l Liza Jane.

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

I	IV-I	I	I
I	IV-I	V	I

Little Liza Jane

—Another version

When I go a-courtin' I'll go on the train.
When I go to marry I'll marry Liza Jane.

Chorus:
O Law', Liza, po' gal, O Law', Liza Jane,
O Law', Liza, po' gal, She died on the train.

The hardest work I ever did was a-brakin'on a train;
The easiest work I ever did was a-huggin' Liza Jane.

When I went to see her she met me at the door;
Her shoes and stockings in her hand, and her feet all over the floor.

When I went to see her she wrung her hands and cried;
She swore I was the ugliest thing that ever lived or died.

I ask little Liza to marry me. What do you reckon she said?
Said she would not marry me If everybody else was dead.

Goin' up the mountain to raise a patch of cane,
To make a barrel of sorghum to sweeten up Liza Jane.

Whisky by the barrel sugar by the pound,
A great big bowl to put it in and a spoon to stir it round.

I wish I had a needle and a thread as fine as I could sew,
I would sew all the girls to my coat-tail and down the mountain I'd go.

Old corn likker's done made still's tore out an'gone.
What will pore little Liza do when I'm took off an' gone?

Don't you weep, my darling don't you weep nor cry;
I'll be back to see you in the long old by-and-by.

You can climb the cherry tree and I will climb the rose;
How I love that pretty little gal God almighty knows.

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

I	IV-I	I	I
I	IV-I	V	I

Back To Index

Little Maggie

Oh yonder stands little Maggie
With a dram glass in her hands
She's drinking away her troubles
She's a courting some other man

Oh how can I ever stand it
Just to see them two blue eyes
A shining in the moonlight
Like two diamonds in the sky

Last time a saw little Maggie
She was sitting on the banks of the sea
With a forty—four around her
And a banjo on her knee

Lay down your last gold dollar
Lay down your gold watch and chain
Little Maggie's gonna dance for daddy
Listen to that old banjo ring

Pretty flowers were made for blooming
Pretty stars were made to shine
Pretty women were made for loving
Little Maggie was made for mine

Verse:

|: I	I	VII	VII
I	V	I	I :|

Back To Index

Live and Let Live

They tell me that you're going away
What makes you want to leave
You gave me your love, you gave me your vow
And you're leaving me here to grieve

Chorus:
Live and let live, don't break my heart
Don't leave me here to cry
I never could live if we should part
Tell me you don't mean good—bye

Stayed awake last night and I walked the floor
What makes you treat me so
Live and let live, don't break my heart
I don't want to live if you go

You're the one who made me love you so
You're the one who's making my cry
You're the one who'd break me heart if you go
Tell me you don't mean good—bye

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Log Cabin Home In the Sky

—Robin Williamson

All around this wide country the winter it has now begun.
Now is the time to slip away from the California sun.
To a place where a man can be free as the wind, as wild as the huskies' cry.
Now winter is nigh let us fly to my log cabin home in the sky

With snow piling all round the door, and many a log on the stove,
Where the chickadee's singing a comforting song, I'll show you it's you that I love.
O let the wolves howl, they won't find us here by a soft oil lamp we will lie.
Now winter is nigh let us fly to my log cabin home in the sky

Now there comes a time to every man when he must turn his back on the crowd.
When the glare of the lights gets much too bright, and the music plays too loud.
When a man must run from the deeds he has done, recalling those days with a sigh,
Now winter is nigh let us fly to my log cabin home in the sky

¾

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	IV	I-V	I

Back To Index

Lonesome Road Blues

I'm going down this road feeling bad (X2)
I'm going down this road feeling bad, lord, lord
And I ain't a gonna be treated this a way

I'm down in the jailhouse on my knees (X2)
Down in the jailhouse on my knees, lord, lord
And I ain't a gonna be treated this a way

They feed me on corn bread and beans (X2)
They feed me on corn bread and beans, lord, lord
And I ain't a gonna be treated this a way

Got two dollar shoes on my feet (X2)
Two dollar shoes they hurt my feet, lord, lord
And I ain't a gonna be treated this a way

It takes a ten dollar shoe to fit my foot (X2)
It takes a ten dollar shoe to fit my foot, Great God
And I ain't a gonna be treated this a way

I'm going where the weather fits my clothes (X2)
I'm going where the weather fits my clothes, lord lord
And I ain't a gonna be treated this a way

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
IV	I	V	I

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Long Black Veil

—M.J.Wilkin and D.Dill

Ten years ago on a cold dark night
There was someone killed 'neath the town hall light
There were few at the scene and they all did agree
That the man who ran looked a lot like me.

Chorus:
She walks these hills in a long black veil
She visits my grave where the night winds wail
Nobody knows, no, and nobody sees
Nobody knows but me.

The judge said "Son, what is your alibi?
If you were somewhere else then you won't have to die"
I spoke not a word although it meant my life
I had been in the arms of my best friend's wife.

The scaffold was high and eternity neared
She stood in the crowd and shed not a tear
But sometimes at night when the cold wind moans
In a long black veil she cries over my bones.

Verse:

|: I	I	I	I
V	V	IV	I :|

Chorus:

IV	I	IV	I
IV	I	IV	I
I	IV	I-V	I

Back To Index

Long Gone Daddy

—Hank Williams

Chorus:
All you want to do is sit around and pout
And now I got enough and so I'm getting out

Refrain:
I'm leaving now, I'm leaving now
I'm a long gone daddy I don't need you anyhow

I been in the doghouse so doggone long
That when I get a kiss I think that something's wrong

I'll go find a gal that wants to treat me right
You go get yourself a man that wants to fight

You start your jaws a—wagging and it never stop
You never shut your mouth until I blow my top

I remember back when you were nice and sweet
Things have changed, you'd rather fight than eat

I'm a—gonna do some riding on the midnight train
I'm taking everything except my ball and chain

Verse:

I

I

I

I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Long Gone

—William P. Terry

Chorus:
Long gone is how I'm leaving
Long gone, why do you cry
This is what you wanted baby
So I'm gone, long gone

I have tried to make you happy
Still you say I've done you wrong
Oh I'm giving up my darling
So I'm gone, long gone

Please don't try to overtake me
What I ride will be too fast
This is it, we're through forever
I'm gone, I'm free at last

Please don't shed no tears at parting
For your tears will not atone
After all the pain you cause me
I'm gone, long gone

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	I	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Long Journey Home /Two Dollar Bill

Chorus:
Lost all my money but a two dollar bill
Two dollar bill boys, two dollar bill
Lost all my money but a two dollar bill
I'm on my long journey home

Cloudy in the West and it looks like rain
Looks like rain, boys, looks like rain
Cloudy in the West and it looks like rain
I'm on my long journey home

It's dark and a raining and I want to go home
Want to go home, boys, want to go home
Its dark and a raining and I want to go home
I'm on my long journey home

Homesick and lonesome and I'm feeling kind of blue
Feeling kind of blue, boys, feeling kind of blue
Homesick and lonesome and I'm feeling kind of blue
I'm on my long journey home

There's black smoke a rising and it surely is a train
Surely is a train boys, surely is a train
There's black smoke a rising and it surely is a train
I'm on my long journey home

Verse:

I	I	I	IV-I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Lost Highway

—Leon Payne 1949

I'm a rollin' stone all alone and lost
For a life of sin I have paid the cost
When I pass by all the people say
Just another guy on the lost highway

Just a deck of cards and a jug of wine
And a woman's lies makes a life like mine
O the day we met, I went astray
I started rolling down that lost highway

I was just a lad, nearly 22
Neither good nor bad, just a kid like you
And now I'm lost, too late to pray
Lord I paid the cost, on the lost highway

Now boy's don't start to ramblin' round
On this road of sin ,or you're sorrow bound
Take my advice or you'll curse the day
You started rollin' down that lost highway

Verse:

I	I	I	V
IV	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

Lost in the Ozone Again

I told ya a million times how I Love you.
But honey your old shriveled heart won't let me in.
So I'll just relax here, with this glass of gin,
headed for the ozone agin.

Here we go now…
Chorus:
I'm lost in the ozone again.
I'm lost in the ozone again.
One drink of wine, two drinks of gin…
and I'm lost in the ozone again.

Now the neon lights are shinin' bright downtown.
There's a thousand swingin' doors gonna let me in.
I tucked the kids in bed, heh!, at eight o'clock and then…
I'm gonna head for the ozone again.

Just watch me…
Chorus (x2)

One More time now…
Chorus

Verse:

I	I	V	I
I	IV	I-V	I

Chorus:

I	I	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Back To Index

Louis Collins

—Mississippi John Hurt

Mrs. Collins weep, Mrs. Collins moan
What made her son Louis leave his home?
Angels laid him away

Chorus:
Angels laid him away
Laid him six feet under the clay
Angels laid him away

Oh kind friends, now ain't it hard
To see poor Louis in a new grave yard
Angels laid him away

When they heard that Louis was dead
All the women folk they dressed in red
Angels laid him away

Bob shot one and Louis shot two
Shot poor Collins, shot him through and through
Angels have laid him away

Verse and Chorus:

V	V	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Love Gone Cold

—Johnny Bond

Now your love has done gone cold
I've no one to ease my worried soul
I'm all right I found my only goal
It's love gone cold

What have I ever done to you
That you treat me like you always do
Will you leave me here to grieve my soul
With love gone cold

What will I do when you are gone
I can't face an empty life alone
What have I to show when I grow old
But love gone cold

I need you dear, this I know
Your love means more to me than gold
Don't leave me here to grieve my soul
With love gone cold

Verse and Chorus:

I	V	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Love of the Mountains

—Allen H. Mills

Two trees on a hillside of the mountain
Always looking up towards the sky
Remind me of my papa and my mama
Who lived there eighty years before they died

Now a bright moon is shining in the valley
An old wagon leans against a stack of hay
Two graves on a hillside by the cabin
My mom and dad are resting there today

The burning of the green wood on the fireplace
The fallen snow around the red bud trees
The branches of the laurel by the creek bed
And the rippling waters of the gentle stream

Papa used to talk about the young days
When he and mama first were settled there
He spoke about the love of the mountains
That he and mama shared together there

Repeat 2nd Verse

Verse:

|: I	IV	I	I
V	IV	I	I :|

Back To Index

Love Please Come Home

—Leon Jackson

As you read this letter that I write to you
Sweetheart I hope you understand
That you're the only love I knew
Please forgive me if you can

Chorus:
Sweetheart I beg you to come home tonight
I'm so blue and all alone
I promise that I'll treat you right
Love, oh love oh please come home

That old wind is cold and slowly creeping 'round
And the fire is burning low
The snow has covered up the ground
Your baby's hungry sick and cold

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	VII
IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Make Me Down A Pallet On Your Floor

—Mississippi John Hurt

Chorus:
Make me down a pallet on your floor, (2x)
Make me a pallet down soft and low,
Make me a pallet on your floor.

Up the country, where there's cold, sleet and snow
Up the country where there's cold, sleet and snow,
I'm goin' up the country where there's cold, sleet and snow,
No tellin' how much further I may go.

Way of sleepin', my back and shoulders' tired,
Way of sleepin', my back and shoulders' tired
This way of sleepin', my back and shoulders' tired
Goin' turn over and try it on the side.

Don't you let my good girl catch you here
Please don't let my good girl catch you here
Or she might shoot you, might cut and stab you, too,
No tellin' what she might do.

Make me a pallet on your floor
Make me a pallet on your floor
Make it soft, make it low, so my good gal won't know
Make me a pallet on your floor.

Verse:

IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	V
I	III	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Additional verses:

Honey make me down a pallet on your floor (X2)
Honey make it down make it soft and low
Then maybe my good gal she wouldn't know

I'm goin' up the country through the sleet and snow (X3)
Ain't no tellin' just how far I'll go

I'm tired and I cant work no more (X2)
Well I'm tired, lonesome, weary and I can't work no more,
Pretty baby now, make me a pallet on your floor

I get my breakfast here and my dinner in Tennessee (X3
I told you I's a comin' so you better look for me

Honey I can't lay down 'cross your bed
No I can't lay down 'cross your bed
No you know I can't lay down cross your pretty bed
'Cause my good gal she might kill me dead

Come all you good time friends of mine, (X2)
Come all you good time friends of mine.
You're all around me now, well, now I'm doing fine,
But where were you when I only had a dime.

Where are all them good—time friends of mine? (X2)
When I had a dollar bill they treated me jus' fine;
Where are they now I don't have a dime?

I'm goin' where the water tastes like wine—— (X2)
This New York water tastes like turpentine——
I'm goin' where the water taste like wine.

I'm goin' where them chilly winds don't blow; (X2)
When I get to Mussel Shoals, without no place to go,
Make me a pallet on your floor.

Back To Index

Mama Don't Allow

Mama don't allow no music playin' round here (X2)
Well, we don't care what Mama don't allow
Gonna play that music anyhow
Mama don't allow no music playin' round here

Mama don't allow no guitar playin' round here (X2)
Well, we don't care what Mama don't allow
Gonna play that guitar anyhow
Mama don't allow no guitar playin' round here

Mama don't allow no singin' round here (X2)
Well, we don't care what Mama don't allow
Gonna sing that song anyhow
Mama don't allow no singin' round here

Mama don't allow no hand clapping here (X2)
Well, we don't care what mama don't allow
We're gonna clap our hands anyhow
Mama don't allow no hand clapping here

Mama don't allow no foot stompin' round here (X2)
Well, we don't care what Mama don't allow
Gonna stomp my feet anyhow
Mama don't allow no foot stompin' round here

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Back To Index

Man of Constant Sorrow

—Traditional

I am a man of constant sorrow
I've seen trouble all my days
I bid farewell to old Kentucky
The place where I was borned and raised

For six long years I've been in trouble
No pleasure here on earth I find
For in this world I'm bound to ramble
I have no friends to help me now

It's fare thee well my own true lover
I never expect to see you again
For I'm bound to ride that northern railroad
Perhaps I'll die upon this train

You can bury me in some deep valley
For many years where I may lay
Then you may learn to love another
While I am sleeping in my grave

Maybe your friends think I'm just a stranger
My face you'll never will see no more
But there is one promise that is given
I'll meet you on God's golden shore

Verse:

|: I	I	I	I
IV	V	I	I :|

Back To Index

Mansions for Me

—Bill Monroe
There's folks building homes as sweet as can be
They're levelling their yards and planting their trees
But my little hut I'll just let it be
Lord Jesus is building a mansion for me

A mansion for me (a mansion for me)
A mansion for me (a mansion for me)
Built by my Lord beyond Calvary
But my little hut I'll just let it be
Lord Jesus is building a mansion for me

Each day I am getting more ready to go
He's cleansing my sins more whiter than snow
I'm packing my troubles I'm bound with his love
Get ready to move to Heaven above

To you who have homes in this world below
Driving fine cars wherever you go
There's coming a time when we'll all pass away
Get ready to move with me on that day

¾

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Memphis

—Chuck Berry

Long distance information, give me Memphis, Tennessee
Help me find the party trying to get in touch with me
She could not leave her number, but I know who placed the call
'Cause my uncle took the message, and he wrote it on the wall

Help me, information, get in touch with my Marie
She's the only one who'd phone me here from Memphis, Tennessee
Her home is on the south side, high up on a ridge
Just a half a mile from the Mississippi Bridge

Help me, information, more than that I cannot add
Only that I miss her and all the fun we had
But we were pulled apart because her mom did not agree
And tore apart our happy home in Memphis, Tennessee

Last time I saw Marie, she's waving me good—bye
With hurry home drops on her cheek that trickled from her eye
Marie is only six years old, information, please
Try to put me through to her in Memphis, Tennessee

Verse:

V	V	V	V
I	I	V	V-I

Back To Index

Midnight Moonlight

—Peter Rowan

Do you ever feel lonesome when you're down in San Antone
Beg steal or borrow two nickels or a dime to call you on the phone
I'll meet you at Alamo mission we can say our prayers
The Holy Ghost and the Virgin Mother will hear us as we kneel there

Chorus:
In the Midnight, In the Moonlight
In the Midnight Moonlight Moonlight

Did you ever feel sorrow for the deeds that you have done
With no hope for tomorrow in the setting of the sun
And the ocean is howling with things that might have been
And that last good—morning sunrise would be the brightest you've ever seen

Verse: (something like this…)

I	I	V	V
IIm	V	IV	VII
I	I	V	V
IIm	V	VIm-V	IV

Chorus:

|: VII	IV	VII	IV
VII	IV	I :|

Back To Index

Milk Cow Blues

—Kokomo Arnold, 1934

Well, I woke up this mornin' stuck my head out the door
I can tell it was my milk cow
I can tell the way she moans
If you see my milk cow, please, drive her on home
'Cause I ain't had no milk and butter
Since my cow's been gone

Well, you gotta treat me right day by day
Get out your little prayer book
Get down upon your knees and pray
'Cause you're gonna to need my help
You're gonna need my help someday
Well, you're gonna be sorry you treated me this way

I know baby gone, she's left me to stay
I'm gonna leave you honey,
I'm gonna go far away
If you need me baby, please call me at home.
'Cause I ain't had no milk and butter
Since my baby's been been gone

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	IV	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Mind Your Own Business

—Hank Williams

If the wife and I are fussin', brother that's our right
'Cause me and that sweet woman's got a license to fight
Why don't you mind your own business
(Mind your own business)
'Cause if you mind your business, then you won't be mindin' mine.

Oh, the woman on our party line's the nosiest thing
She picks up her receiver when she knows it's my ring
Why don't you mind your own business
(Mind your own business)
Well, if you mind your business, then you won't be mindin' mine.

I got a little gal that wears her hair up high,
the boys all whistle when she walks by.
why don't you mind your own business
(Mind your own business)
Well, if you mind your own business, you sure won't be minding mine.

If I want to honky tonk around 'til two or three
Now, brother that's my headache, don't you worry 'bout me.
Just mind your own business
(Mind your own business)
If you mind your business, then you won't be mindin' mine.

Mindin' other people's business seems to be high—toned
I got all that I can do just to mind my own
Why don't you mind your own business
(Mind your own business)
If you mind your own business, you'll stay busy all the time.

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Misbehavin' Mama

—The Allen Brothers

Blues, blues I've got them on my mind. (x2)
Got a misbehavin' mama, she's misbehavin' all the time.

She tells every morning, she tells me every day (x2)
She's a misbehavin' mama, gonna have her misbehavin' ways.

She dances every morning, there's nothing she don't learn (x2)
She showed me last night, have to do that corkscrew turn.

Get me a black gal, the blackest in the land (x2)
She'll be my misbehavin' mama, I'll be her misbehavin' man.

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	IV	I
V	V	V	I

Back To Index

Molly and Tenbrooks

—The Carver Boys

Run oh Molly run, run oh Molly run
Tenbrooks gonna beat you to the bright shinin' sun.
To the bright shinin' sun O Lord to the bright shinin' sun

Tenbrooks was a big bay horse he wore that shaggy mane
He run all around Memphis he beat the Memphis train
Beat the Memphis train O Lord beat the Memphis train

See that train a—comin' it's comin' round the curve
See old Tenbrooks runnin' he's strainin' every nerve
Strainin' every nerve O Lord strainin' every nerve

Tenbrooks said to Molly what makes your head so red?
Runnin' in the hot sun puts fever in my head
Fever in my head O Lord fever in my head

Molly said to Tenbrooks you're lookin' mighty squirrel
Tenbrooks said to Molly I'm a—leavin' this old world
Leavin' this old world O Lord leavin' this old world

Out in California where Molly done as she pleased
Come back to old Kentucky got beat with all ease
Beat with all ease O Lord beat with all ease

The women all a—laughin' the child'n all a cryin'
The men all a—hollerin' old Tenbrooks a—flyin'
Old Tenbrooks a—flyin' O Lord old Tenbrooks a—flyin'

Kyper Kyper you're not A—ridin' right
Molly's beatin' old Tenbrooks clear out sight
Clear out of sight O Lord clear out of sight

Kyper Kyper Kyper my son
Give old Tenbrooks the bridle let old Tenbrooks run
Let old Tenbrooks run O Lord let old Tenbrooks run

Go and catch old Tenbrooks and hitch him in the shade
We're gonna bury old Molly in a coffin ready made
Coffin ready made O Lord coffin ready made

Verse:

I	I	I	IV
IV	I	V	I
I	I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Mom and Dad's Waltz

—Lefty Frizzell

I'd walk for miles, cry or smile
For mama and daddy
I want them, I want them to know
How I feel, my love is real
For my mama and daddy
I want them to know I love them so.

Chorus:
In my heart the joy tears start 'cause I'm happy
And I pray every day for Mom and Pappy
And each night I'd walk for miles, cry or smile
For my mama and daddy
I want them to know I love them so.

I'd fight in wars, do all the chores
For my mama and daddy
I want them to live on 'til they're called
I'd work and slave and never rave
For mama and daddy
Because I know I owe them my all.

Tag: I love them so.

¾

Verse:

I	V	I	IV
I	V	I	V
I	V	I	IV
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

V	V	I	I
V	V	I	V
I	V	I	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Money in the Mail

I'm always broke before my payday rolls around
I feel like a rabbit that the dogs are running down!
But today I got a call that said by Friday without fail
I'll get a lot of money in the mail!

Chorus:
There's money in the mail
My uncle Clarence put me in his will.
Since he died and went to heaven,
I won't have to go to jail
Hallelullya! There's money in the mail!!

I'm going to pay off everybody that I owe.
And most of them are people that I don't even KNOW!
Call up the County Sheriff "Get those bloodhounds off my trail!
Don't worry, boys, your money's in the mail!"

I'm no good at making money, no matter how I try.
One time I even put my body up for sale.
But nobody had a dollar they want to throw away.
But that don't bother me because
I got money in the mail

God bless Uncle Clarence, 'cause I never knew him well….
But, thanks to him, there's money in the mail!

Verse:

I	V	I	IV
I	V	I	V
I	V	I	IV
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

V	V	I	I
V	V	I	V
I	V	I	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

More Pretty Girls Than One

Chorus:
There's more pretty girls than one
More pretty girls then one
Every old town that I rambled around
And there's more pretty girls than one

Mama talked to me last night
She gave me some good advice
She said "Son, you'd better quit this old ramblin' all around
And mary you a sweet little wife"

Honey, look down that old lonesome road
Hang down your pretty head and cry
'cause I'm thinking all about them pretty little gals
And a—hopin' that I never die

There's more pretty girls than one
There's more pretty girls then one
Every old town that I rambled around
And there's more pretty girls than one

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
IV	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

More Pretty Girls Than One

—Arthur Smith version

Chorus:
There's more pretty girls than one
There's more pretty girls than one
Every town I ramble around
There's more pretty girls than one.

Well, I am a rambling man
I done roam this world around
I've always been a rounder boy
Since my girl turned me down.

Now listen all you rounders
Let me tell you what you'd do
Don't fall in love with a pretty little girl
Unless you know she's true.

¾

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
IV	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

Mountain Dew

—Flatt and Scruggs

There's a big hollow tree down the road here from me
Where you lay down a dollar or two
You stroll 'round the bend and you come back again
There's a jug full of good old mountain dew

Chorus:
They call it that mountain dew
And them that refuse it are few
I'll hush up my mug if you fill up my jug
With that good old mountain dew

My uncle Mort, he's sawed off and short
He measures about four foot two
But he thinks he's a giant when you give him a pint
Of that good old mountain dew

Well, my old aunt June bought some brand new perfume
If had such a sweet smelling pew
But to her surprise when she had it analyzed
It was nothing but good old mountain dew

Well, my brother Bill's got a still on the hill
Where he runs off a gallon or two
The buzzards in the sky get so drunk they can't fly
From smelling that good old mountain dew

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

Optional verses:

My aunt Lucille had an automobile,
It ran on a gallon or two.
It didn't need no gas and it didn't need no oil,
It just ran on that good old mountain dew.

I know a guy named Pete, his hair ain't so neat,
Though he fixes it with syrup and blue,
But it stays right in place when he uses just a trace
Of that good old mountain dew.

The preacher—he walked by, with a big tear in his eye
Said that his wife had the flu
And hadn't I ought just to give him a quart
Of that good old mountain dew

My uncle Klaus had a real mean old mouse
When they asked how it happened,
He said it was a lappin'
That good old mountain dew

You take a little trash and you mix it up with ash,
And you throw in the soul of a shoe,
Then you stir it awhile with an old rusty file,
And they call it that good old mountain dew.

During the last war, we couldn't get no more,
We didn't have no sugar for the dew
With a few old potaters and a few ripe tomaters,
We turned out some stuff, I'm tellin' you

Old Deacon Crane took a trip in the rain,
Said his wife had come down with the flu,
But she'll be all right if you give her a pint
Of that good old mountain dew.

Mr. Franklin Roosevelt, he told me how he felt
The day the old dry law went through:
If your likker's too red, it will swell up your head
Better stick to that good old mountain dew

Back To Index

Mr. Spaceman

—Jim McGuinn

Woke up this morning with light in my eyes.
And then realized it was still dark outside
It was a light coming down from the sky
I don't know who or why

Must be those strangers that come every night
Those saucer shaped lights put people uptight
Leave blue—green footprints that glow in the dark
I hope they get home all right

Chorus:
Hey, Mr. Spaceman won't you please take me along
I won't do anything wrong
Hey, Mr. Spaceman won't you please take me along for a ride

Woke up this morning, I was feeling quite weird
Had flies in my beard, my toothpaste was smeared
Over my window, they'd written my name
Said, so long, we'll see you again

Verse:

I	I	V	V
V	V	I	I
I	I	V	V
V	V	I	I

Chorus:

V	IV	IIm	I
V	IV	V	I

Back To Index

My Bucket's Got a Hole In It

Chorus:
Yea, my bucket's got a hole In It
Yea, my bucket's got a hole In It
Yea, my bucket's got a hole In It
I can't buy no beer.

Well I'm standin' on a corner with a bucket in my hand
I'm waitin' for a woman that ain't got no man.

Well, I went upon the mountain I looked down in the sea
I seen the crabs and the fishes doin' the be-bop-bee.

Well, there ain't no use of me workin' so hard
When I got a woman in the boss man's yard.

Well, me and my baby we just bought a Ford
And now we sit together on the running board.

Chorus and Verse:

|: IV

I

V

I :|

Back To Index

My Home's Across the Blueridge Mountains

—The Carter Family

Chorus:
My home's across the blue ridge mountains
My home's across the blue ridge mountains
My home's across the blue ridge mountains
And I never expect to see you anymore

How can I keep from crying? (X3)
For I never expect to see you anymore

Oh how I hate to leave you (X3)
For I never expect to see you anymore

So goodbye my little darling (X3)
I never expect to see you anymore

Verse:

I	I	I	I
V	V	I	I
I	I	I	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

My Rose of Old Kentucky

—Bill Monroe

She bloomed for me near a little village
In a cabin on the hill
We made our vows we'd love each other
And I know we always will

Chorus:
She's my rose of old Kentucky
I watched her bloom as the years roll by
And to me there'll never be another
I'll love her 'til the day I die

Oh in dreams I see my darling
In a gingham dress she looks so sweet
Oh I long for old Kentucky
And my darling was more to me

Oh I know you often wonder
So I'll tell you the reason why
She's my rose of old Kentucky
And I know she'll never lie

Verse:

I	I	IV	IV
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

My Rough and Rowdy Ways

—Jimmie Rodgers

For years and years I rambled
I drank my wine and gambled
But one day I thought I'd settle down
I met a perfect lady
She said she'd be my baby
We built a cottage in the old hometown
Yodel-ay-ee oh del-ay-ee ay del-ay-ee

Chorus:
But somehow I can't forget my good old ramblin' days
The railroad trains are calling me always
I may be rough, I may be wild,
I may be tough and counted vile
But I can't give up my good old rough and rowdy ways
Yodel-ay-ee ay-ee o lay-ee

Sometimes I meet a bounder
Who knew me when I was a rounder
He grabs my hand and says, boy, have a drink
We go down to the pool room get in the gang and then soon
Daylight comes before I've had a wink
Yodel-ay-ee oh del-ay-ee o del-ay-ee-ay-ee

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
IV	V-I	I	I
I	I7	IV	I
II	II	V	V
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

I	I	V	I
II	II	V	V
I	I7	IV	IV#dim
I	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

My Sweet Blue-Eyed Darling

—Bill Monroe

Chorus:
You're my sweet blue-eyed darling
And my love belongs to you
All I ask of you my darling
Is love me good and be true

Days come and go and I still love you
And I see your smiling face
Just tell me love, that you need me
And no one's gonna take my place

And today I need an answer
And I want to hear you say
You don't belong to another
And in my arms you're gonna to stay

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	V-I	I	I
I	I7	IV	I
II	II	V	V

Back To Index

Nadine

—Chuck Berry

I got on a city bus and found a vacant seat,
I thought I saw my future bride walking up the street,
I shouted to the driver hey conductor, you must
slow down, I think I see her, please let me off this bus

Chorus:
Nadine, honey is that you?
Oh, Nadine. Honey, is that you?
Seems like every time I see you honey,
you're up to something new.

I saw her from the corner when she turned and doubled back
And started walkin' toward a coffee colored Cadillac
I was pushin' through the crowd to get to where she's at
And I was campaign shouting like a southern diplomat

Downtown searching for her, looking all around.
Saw her getting in a yellow cab heading up town.
I caught a loaded taxi, paid up everybody's tab.
With a twenty dollar bill, told him 'catch that yellow cab.'

She move around like a wave of summer breeze,
Go, driver, go, go, catch her balmy breeze.
Moving through the traffic like a mounted cavalier.
Leaning out the taxi window trying to make her hear.

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
V	IV	I	I

Back To Index

New River Train

Chorus:
I'm ridin' that New River train (X2)
The same old train that brought me here
Is gonna carry me home again

Darlin' you can't love one (X2)
You can't love one and have any fun
Oh darlin' you can't love one

Oh darlin' you can't love two (X2)
You can't love two and your little heart be true
Oh darlin' you can't love two

Darlin' you cant love three (X2)
You can't love three and still be true to me
Oh darlin' you cant love three

Oh darlin' you cant love four (X2)
You can't love four and love me any more
Oh darlin' you cant love four

Monroe stops here, but Doc continues…

Darlin' you cant love five (X2)
You can't love five you'll be sorry you're alive
Oh darlin' you cant love five

Oh darlin' you cant love six (X2)
You can't love six six will never mix
Oh darlin' you cant love six

Oh darlin' you cant love seven (X2)
You can't love seven it might as well be 'leven
Oh darlin' you cant love seven

Oh darlin' you cant love eight (X2)
You can't love eight for a date they'll show up late
Oh darlin' you cant love eight

Oh darlin' you cant love nine (X2)
You can't love nine keep them danglin' on a line
Oh darlin' you cant love nine

Oh darlin' you cant love ten (X2)
You can't love ten when can I see you again
Oh darlin' you cant love ten

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Nine Pound Hammer

This nine pound hammer is a little too heavy
For my size, Buddy for my size

Refrain:
Roll on buddy, don't you roll so slow
How can I roll, when the wheels won't roll

I'm going to the mountain, just to see my baby
And I ain't coming back, no I ain't coming back

There ain't one hammer, down in this tunnel
That can ring like mine, that can ring like mine

Refrain:
Rings like silver, shines like gold
Rings like silver, shines like gold

This old hammer, it killed John Henry
Ain't gonna kill me, ain't gonna kill me

It's a long way to Harlan, and a long way to Hazard
Just to get a little booze, just to get a little booze

Buddy when I'm log gone, won't you make my tombstone
Out of number nine coal, out of number nine coal

Verse and Refrain:

I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Ninety-Nine Years (And One Dark Day)

I've been in this prison twenty years or more
I shot my woman with a .44
I'll be right here till my dyin' day
I got 99 years and one dark day

Well the food is bad and the beds are hard
I spend all day breakin' rocks in the yard
Well there ain't no change, gonna stay that way
I got 99 years and one dark day

I never learned to read, I never learned to write
My whole life's been one big fight
I never heard about the righteous way
I got 99 years and one dark day

There ain't no singer that can sing a song
(to) Convince the warden that I ain't wrong
His mind's made up, gonna stay that way
I got 99 years and one dark day

Verse:

I	I	V	V
V	V	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

No Depression in Heaven

—A.P. Carter

For fear the hearts of men are failing,
For these are latter days we know.
The Great Depression now is spreading,
God's word declared it would be so.

Chorus:
I'm going where there's no depression,
To the lovely land that's free from care.
I'll leave this world of toil and trouble,
My home's in Heaven, I'm going there.

In that bright land, there'll be no hunger,
No orphan children cryin' for bread,
No weeping widows, toil or struggle,
No shrouds, no coffins, and no death.

This dark hour of midnight nearing
And tribulation time will come.
The storms will hurl in midnight fear
And sweep lost millions to their doom.

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

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No One But My Darlin'

—Bill Monroe

I'll never love no one else but my darlin'
Even though we both had to part
I'll never love no one else but my darlin'
For wherever she goes she'll always have my heart.

Chorus:
As most people say absence makes the heart grow cold
But the kind of love we had each other's heart we'll hold
I'll never love no one else but my darlin'
As we travel down two different lonesome roads

I'll never let no one take your place my darlin'
For you know you meant the world to me
I'll never let no one take your place my darlin'
For your love won't let my heart be free.

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	IV	I-V
I	I	V	I

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Oh Death

—Jeff Michael & Johnny Williams version, originally Lloyd Chandler 1920's

Well what is this that I can't see
With ice cold hands taking hold of me
Well I am death none can excel
I'll open the door to heaven or hell

Whoa death someone would pray
Could you wait to call me another day
The children pray the preacher preached
Time and mercy is out of your reach

I'll fix your feet til you can't walk
I'll lock your jaw til you can't talk
I'll close your eyes so you can't see
This very hour come and go with me

In death I come to take the soul
Leave the body and leave it cold
To drop the flesh off of the frame
The earth and worms both have a claim

My mother came to my bed
Place a cold towel upon my head
My head is warm my feet are cold
Death is a movin upon my soul

Oh death how you're treatin me
You close my eyes so I can't see
Well you're hurtin my body you make me cold
You run my life right out of my soul

Oh death please consider my age
Please don't take me at this stage
My wealth is all at your command
If you'll remove your icy hands

Oh the young the rich or poor
All alike to me you know
No wealth no land no silver or gold
Nothin satisfies me but your soul

Oh death, Oh death
Won't you spare me over til another year
Won't you spare me over til another year
Won't you spare me over til another year

Verse:

I	I	V	I
I-IV	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

Old and In the Way

—David Grisman

Chorus:
Old and in the way
That's what I heard him say
They used to heed the words he said
But that was yesterday
Coal will turn to gray
And youth will fade away
They'll never care about you
Cause you're old and in the way

As I hear tell he was happy
He had his share of friends and were kind
Now those freinds have all passed on
He don't have a place called home
Looking back to a better day
When you're old and in the way

When just a boy he left his home
Thought he'd have the world on a string
Now the years have come and gone
Through the streets he walks alone
LIke the old dog gone astray
He's just old and in the way

They'll never care about you
Cause you're old in the way

Verse:

V	V	I	I
IV	IV	V	V
IV	IV	I	VI
IIm	IV	IV	I

Chorus:

|: IV	V	I	IV
IIm	IV	IV	I :|

Back To Index

Old Blue

Well, I had an old dog and his name was Blue,
Had an old dog and his name was Blue.
Had an old dog and his name was Blue…
Betcha five dollars he's a good dog too…

Callin' Blue…
Blue's a good dog, you

Blue treed a possum in a hollow log
Blue treed a possum in a hollow log
Blue treed a possum in a hollow log
And you could tell from that he's a good ol' dog

Boy I roasted that possum, nice and brown,
Roasted that possum, nice and brown,
Roasted that possum, nice and brown,
Sweet potatoes, n' all around

Callin' here Blue …
You can have some too

Now, Old Blue died and he died so hard,
He shook the ground in my back yard.
So I dug his grave with a silver spade,
Lowered him down on a golden chain.
Every link I did call his name…

Singing here‚ old Blue…
You're a good dog you

Now, when I get to heaven, first thing I'll do.
When I get to heaven, first thing I'll do.
When I get to heaven first thing I'll do,
Pull out my horn and call old Blue…

Callin' here Blue…

Well I'm gonna tell you so you'll know
I'm gonna tell you so you'll know
I'm gonna tell you so you'll know
Old Blue's gone where the good dogs go.

Cryin' here….Blue…..
I'm a coming there too

Verse:

|: I	I	I	I
I	I	I	V-I :|

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Old Home Place

—Dean Webb and Mitchell Jayne

It's been ten long years since I left my home
In the hollow where I was born.
Where the cool fall nights make the wood smoke rise,
And a fox hunter blows his horn.

I fell in love with a girl from the town
I thought that she would be true.
I ran away to Charlottesville
and worked in a sawmill or two.

Chorus:
What have they done to the old home place,
why did they tear it down?
And why did I leave the plow in the field,
and look for a job in the town.

Well, the girl ran off with somebody else
the taverns took all my pay.
And here I stand where the old home stood
before they took it away.

Now the geese fly south and the cold wind moans
as I stand here and hang my head.
I've lost my love, I've lost my home
and now I wish that I was dead.

Verse:

I	III7	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	III7	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

V	V	I	I
II	II	V	V
I	III7	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Old Joe Clark

—The Lilly Brothers version

Now Old Joe Clark's a mean old man
And tough as he can be
Knocked me down with his right hand
And walked all over me

Chorus:
Get out'the way for Old Joe Clark
Hide that jug of wine
Get out'the way for Old Joe Clark
He ain't no friend of mine

Now Old Joe Clark ran through my field
He scared my little pup
He run my black hogs under the floor
And drunk my liquor up.

Chorus:
Fare thee well Old Joe Clark
Fare thee well I say
Fare the well Old Joe Clark
I'm a goin' away to stay

I went down to Old Joe's house
He invited me to supper
I stumped my toe on the table leg
And stuck my nose in the butter

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	V-I	I

Chorus:

I	I	I	IV
I	I	V-I	I

Lots more verses:

Old Joe Clark's a fine old man
Tell you the reason why
He keeps good likker 'round his house
Good old Rock and Rye

Old Joe Clark, the preacher's son
Preached all over the pain
The only text he ever knew
Was High, low, Jack and the game

Old Joe Clark had a mule
His name was Morgan Brown
And every tooth in that mule's head
Was sixteen inches around

Old Joe Clark had a yellow cat
She would neither sing or pray
She stuck her head in the butermilk jar
And washed her sins away

Old Joe Clark had a house
Fifteen stories high
And every story in that house
Was filled with chicken pie

Now I wouldn't marry a widder
Tell you the reason why
She'd have so many children
They'd make those biscuits fly

Sixteen horses in my team
The leaders they are blind
And every time the sun goes down
There's a pretty girl on my mind

Eighteen miles of mountain road
And fifteen miles of sand
If ever travel this road again
I'll be a married man

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Old Old House

There's an old, old house that once was a mansion
On a hill overlooking the town
But time left a wreckage where once there was beauty
And soon the old house will tumble down

Chorus:
But when the leaves start to fall in autumn
And the raindrops drip from the trees
There's an old old man who walks in the garden
And his head is bowed in memories

They say he built the mansion for the love of a woman
They planned to be married in the fall
But her love for him faded in the last days of summer
And the house stood empty after all

¾

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

V	IV	I	I
V	IV	I	I
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Ole Slew Foot

—Howard Crockett and James C. Webb

High on a mountain, tell me what do you see
Bear tracks bear tracks looking back at me
Better get your rifles before its too late
The bear's got a little pig and he's headed for the gate

Chorus:
He's big around the middle and broad across the rump
Running ninety miles an hour, taking thirty feet a jump
Ain't never been caught, he ain't never been treed
And some folks say he looks a lot like me

Saved up my money and bought me some bees
Started making honey way up in the trees
Cut down the trees but the honey's all gone
Old slew foot has done made himself at home

Winter's coming on and it's forty below
River's froze over, so where can he go
I'll chase him up the gully and run him in the well
Shoot him in the bottom just to listen to him yell

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	IV	I
I	I	I	I
I	I	IV	I

Chorus:

V	V	I	I
V	V	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

On and On

—Bill Monroe

Traveling down this long lonesome highway
I'm so lonesome I could cry
With memories of how we once loved each other
And now you are saying good—bye

Chorus:
On and on I'll follow my darling
And I wonder where she can be
On and on I'll follow my darling
I wonder if she ever thinks of me

I've cried I've cried for you little darling
It breaks my heart to hear you name
My friends they all so loved you my darling
And they think that I'm to blame

I had to follow you little darling
I can't sleep when the sun goes down
Cause by your side is my destination
The road is clear and there's where I'm bound

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Orphan Girl

— Gillian Welch

I am an orphan on God's highway
but I'll share my troubles if you go my way
I have no mother, no father, no sister, no brother;
I am an orphan girl

I have had friendships pure and golden
but the ties of kinship I have not known them
I know no mother no father, no sister, no brother;
I am an orphan girl

But when He calls me I will be able
to meet my family at God's table
I'll meet my mother, my father, my sister, my brother;
no more an orphan girl

So, Blessed Savior, make me willing
and walk beside me until I'm with them
Be my mother, my father, my sister, my brother.
I am an orphan girl

Be my mother, my father, my sister, my brother;
I am an orphan girl, I am an orphan girl

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V-I	I	I

Back To Index

Peach Picking Time In Georgia

—Jimmie Rodgers

When its peach pickin' time in Georgia
Apple pickin' time in Tennessee
Cotton pickin' time in Mississippi
Everybody picks on me

When its roundup time in Texas
The Cowboys make Whoopee
And way down in old Alabamy
Its gal pickin' time to me

There's the bluegrass in old Kentucky
Virginia's where they do the swing
Carolina now I'm coming to you
Coming just to spend the spring

Arkansas I hear you calling
I know I'll see you soon
There is where we'll do some pickin'
Beneath that ole Ozark moon

When everybody's pickin' cotton
Thats the time I'll pick the wedding ring
We'll go to town and pick a little gown
For the wedding in the Spring

Hope the preacher knows his business
I know he can't fool me
When its peach pickin' time in Georgia
Its gal pickin' time for me

Verse:

I	I7	IV	I
V	I	II	V
I	I7	IV	III7 /
IV	I	V	I

Back To Index

Peg and Awl

—Bruce Molsky's version

In eighteen hundred one, peg and awl
In eighteen hundred one, peg and awl
In eighteen hundred one,
Peggin' shoes was all I done
I'm gonna lay me down my awl, my peg and awl.

In eighteen hundred two, peg and awl
In eighteen hundred two, peg and awl
In eighteen hundred two,
Peggin' shoes was all I'd do.
I'm gonna lay me down my awl, my peg and awl.

In eighteen hundred three, peg and awl
In eighteen hundred three, peg and awl
In eighteen hundred three,
Peggin' shoes was all you'd see
I'm gonna lay me down my awl, my peg and awl.

They've invented a new machine, peg and awl
They've invented a new machine, peg and awl
They invented a new machine,
I peg one shoe, it pegs fifteen,
I'm gonna lay me down my awl, my peg and awl.

In eighteen hundred four, peg and awl
In eighteen hundred four, peg and awl
In eighteen hundred four,
Peggin' shoes I'll do no more.
I'm gonna lay me down my awl, my peg and awl.

Tag
I'm gonna lay me down my awl, my peg and awl.

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	I	I
I	I	V-I	I

Back To Index

Pig In a Pen

Chorus:
I got a pig at home in a pen
Corn to feed him on
All I need's a pretty little girl
To feed I'm when I'm gone

Going up on a mountain
To sow a little cane
Raise a barrel of sorghum
Sweet little Liza Jane

Black clouds arising
Sure sign of rain
Put that old gray bonnet
On little Liza Jane

Yonder comes that gal of mine
How do you think I know
Know her by that gingham gown
Hanging down so low

Bake them biscuits baby
Bake em good and brown
When you get them biscuits baked
We're Alabama bound

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	IV
I	I	V	I

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Pretty Fair Maid in the Garden

—Bill Monroe version
A pretty fair maiden in the garden
A cowboy he came ridin' by
He rode up to the bench beside her
Said pretty fair maiden won't you be my bride

Oh no no no, no sir she answered
Why do you impose on a girl like me
I have a sweetheart among the cowboys
Who has for years been gone from me

Perhaps your sweetheart he is drownded
Or perhaps he's on some battlefield slain
Or perhaps he's to some pretty girl married
Or perhaps he'll never return again

Oh if he's dead I know he's happy
And if he's alive I'll see him again
And if he's to some pretty girl married
I'll love the girl that married him

Down on his knees he knelt beside her
And he asked of her to be his bride
And he told her that he was her cowboy
Who had returned to be by her side

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
IV	I	V	I

Back To Index

Old and In the Way

—Ralph Stanley version

Oh Polly, Pretty Polly, would you take me unkind
Polly, Pretty Polly, would you take me unkind
Let me set beside you and tell you my mind

Well my mind is to marry and never to part
My mind is to marry and never to part
The first time I saw you it wounded my heart

Oh Polly Pretty Polly come go along with me
Polly Pretty Polly come go along with me
Before we get married some pleasures to see

Oh he led her over mountains and valleys so deep
He led her over hills and valleys so deep
Pretty Polly mistrusted and then began to weep
pretty fair maid
Oh Willie, Little Willie, I'm afraid to of your ways
Willie, Little Willie, I'm afraid of your ways
The way you've been rambling you'll lead me astray

Oh Polly, Pretty Polly, your guess is about right
Polly, Pretty Polly, your guess is about right
I dug on your grave the biggest part of last night

Oh she knelt down before him a pleading for her life
She knelt down before him a pleading for her life
Let me be a single girl if I can't be your wife

Oh Polly, Pretty Polly that never can be
Polly, Pretty Polly that never can be
Your past recitation's been trouble to me

Oh went down to the jailhouse and what did he say
He went down to the jailhouse and what did he say
I've killed Pretty Polly and trying to get away

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Prisoner's Song

—Greenbriar Boys/Vernon Dalhart

Chorus:
Oh meet me tonight, love oh meet me
Meet me out in the moonlight alone
For I have a sad story to tell you
Must be told in that moonlight alone.

Now if I had the wings of an angel
Over these prison bars I would fly
And I'd fly to the arms of my darling
And there I'd be willing to die

If I had a great ship out on the ocean
All mounted with silver and with gold
And before would see my darling suffer
That ship would be anchored and sold

Oh I wish I had someone to love me
Yes someone to call me their own
Oh I wish I had someone to sleep with
Cause I'm tired of sleeping all alone

Verse and Chorus:

I	IV	V	I
I	IV	V	I

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Rabbit in a Log (Feast Here Tonight)

There's a rabbit in the log and I ain't got my dog
How will I get him I know
I'll get me a briar and twist it in his hair
That way I'll get him I know

Chorus:
I know ( yes I know )
I know ( I surely know )
That's how I'll get him I know
I'll get me a briar and twist in his hair
That way I'll get him I know

I'll build me a fire and I'll cook that old hare
Roll him in the flames and make him brown
Have a feast here tonight while the moon is shining bright
And find me a place to lie down

Chorus:
To lie down ( to lie down )
To lay down ( to lay down )
Find me a place to lie down
Have a feast here tonight while the moon is shining bright
And find me a place to lie down

I'm going down the track and my coat ripped up my back
Soles on my shoes are nearly gone
A little ways ahead there's an old farmer's shed
That's where I'll rest my weary bones

Chorus:
Weary bones ( weary bones )
Lazy bones ( lazy bones )
That's where I'll rest my weary bones
A little way's ahead there's an old farmer's shed
That's where I'll rest my weary bones

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

Ragged But Right

—Riley Puckett

I come here people to tell you, I'm ragged but right
I'm a thief and a gambler, and I get drunk every night
I eat porterhouse steak three times a day for my board
That's more than any loafer in this town can afford

I got big electric fan to keep me cool while I sleep
A little baby girl to play around at my feet
I'm a rambling gambler and I'm drunk every night
I tell you, boys, I'm ragged but right.

Bridge:
I go everywhere, I don't pay no fare
I can ride a freight train just anywhere
If I win or lose I don't get no blues,
Oh a ramblin' joker, that's me

I got an ol' lazy hound dog who brings me my shoes.
He sleeps at my feet and we drink the same booze
Oh he's a rambling gambler, he gets drunk every night.
I tell you people we're ragged but right.

I hopped on a freight train in North Caroline.
Rode down to Atlanta and bought me some shine.
Went into a card game with 39 cents,
And came out with enough for another month's rent.

Well now I've sung my song, and I've given you a taste,
I'd like to linger longer but I got to make haste,
I'm always wheelin' and dealin', and high as a kite,
I tell you folks I'm ragged but right.

'Cause I'm a ramblin' man, a gamblin' man, and Lord, am I tight!
I just called to tell you that I'm ragged but right.

Verse:

I	I	V	V
V	V	I	I7
IV	IV#dim	I	VI
II	II	V	V
I	I	V	V
V	V	I	I7
IV	IV#dim	I	VI
II	II	V	I

Bridge:

I	I	I	I
I	I	II	II
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Extra Verses:
Well then I got married I knew I'd settle down
And I built a little love nest right here in my hometown
Now I've got a family one that I'm proud of
I know that I'll be happy cause they're the ones I love

I left a pretty little gal layin' there on the floor
Gave her all my love, and who could ask me for more?
Gave her my last quarter just to buy her a drink,
Showed her to the door, and then… What do you think?

I said, "Go home to your mother, and tell her for me
I'm hittin' the road just 'cause I want to be free.
'Cause I'm a ramblin' man, a gamblin' man, and Lord! Am I tight!
I just called up to tell you that I'm ragged but right.

Well you may think I'm bragging but don't get me wrong
I can't run for office while I'm singing this song
I'm a thief and a gambler and I'm drunk every night
I tell you boys I'm ragged but right.

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Raise a Ruckus Tonight

Chorus:
Come along, little children come along
While the moon is shining bright
Get on board, and down the river float
I'm gonna raise a ruckus tonight

My old mistress promised me (raise a ruckus tonight)
When she died she'd set me free (raise a ruckus tonight)
She lived so long til her head got bald (raise a ruckus tonight)
She give up the notion of dyin' at all (raise a ruckus tonight)

Now some folks say that a preacher won't steal (raise a ruckus tonight)
I caught two in my watermelon field (raise a ruckus tonight)
They were eatin' them watermelons, throwin' away the rinds (raise a ruckus tonight)
They were preachin' and prayin' and stealin' all the time (raise a ruckus tonight)

When I die they gonna bury me deep (gonna raise a ruckus tonight)
Place a jug of molassses at my feet (gonna raise a ruckus tonight)
Just put some flapjacks in my hand (raise a ruckus tonight)
I'll sop my way to the promised land (raise a ruckus tonight)

Chorus:

I	I	IV	IV
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Verse :

|:	I	I	I
I	I	I	I :|

Optional Verse:

You know I had a little dog and he had no sense… He's always barking at the chickens on the fence… The chicken flew off and hit him in the jaw… You oughta heard that dog holler ha ha haw…

Back To Index

Raleigh and Spencer

Chorus:
Raleigh and Spencer was burning down
There ain't no liquor in this town
There ain't no liquor in this town

I'll pawn you my shoes for a little bottle of booze
I'll drink it and lay right down and die
I'm gonna drink it and lay right down and die

I'll eat more chicken that a pretty gal can fry
I'll tell you more doggone lies
I'll tell you more doggone lies

Chorus:
I'll eat more fat meat that you can cook in a week
I'll never get to heaven when I die
Ain't never gonna get to heaven when I die

I'll pawn you my watch, I'll pawn you my chain
I'll pawn you my gold wedding ring
I'll pawn you my gold wedding ring

You can tramp down the flowers all around my grave side
They'll rise and bloom again
They're gonna rise and bloom again

Chorus and Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I
I	V	I	I

Red Haired Boy

I am a little beggar and a beggar I have been
For three score'r more in this little Isle of green
And I'm known from the Liffy down to Sligo
And I'm known by the name of old Donahue.

Of all the trades a-goin' now sure beggin is the best
When a man gets tired he can lay him down to rest
He can beg for his dinner when there's nothing left to do
Then just cut around the corner with his old rig-a-do.

I slept in a barn way down in Clarabourn
With holes in the roof and it rained until the morn
With holes in me shoes and me toes a-peeking through
And the cats and the rats they were playin' peek-a-boo.

Who should awaken but the woman of the house
With her white spotted apron and her calico blouse
She got frightened and I said, "Boo,
And don't be afraid, ma'am. It's only Donahue."

I met a little flaxy haired girl one day
Good mornin' little flaxy-haired girl, I did say
Good mornin', little beggerman, and how do you do,
With your rags and your tags and your old rig-a-do?

Five pair o' brogans and a collar and a tie,
A nice little lady I will fetch by and by
Five pair o' brogans and I'll color them blue
And an old-fashioned lady I will make her too.

Over the fields with me pack on me back,
Over the hills with me great heavy sack
With the holes in my shoes and the toes a'peekin' through
Singin' skittilee rink-a-doodle it's the its old Donahue.

Must be going to bed boys, it's gettin' late at night
All the fire's all raked and up goes the light
And now you've heard the story of my rig-a-do
It's good bye and god be with you says old Donahue.

Verse (generally in A):

I	I	I	IV
I	I	VII	VII
I	I	I	IV
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Red River Valley

From this valley they say you are goin'
I will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile
For they say you are takin' the sunshine
That has brightened our pathway the while

Do you think of the valley you're leavin'
Oh how lonely and dreary it will be
Do you think of the fond heart you're breakin'
And the sadness you've cast over me

For a long time my dear, I've been waiting
For the words that you never would say
And alas my poor heart you are breakin'
For they tell me you're goin' away

As you go to your home by the ocean
May you never forget those sweet hours
That we spent in the Red River Valley
And the love we exchanged mid the flowers

Come and sit by my side if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
But remember the Red River Valley
And the one that has loved you so true

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Reuben's Train

Ol Reuben made a train & he put it on a track
He ran it to the Lord knows where
Oh me, oh my ran it to the Lord knows where

Should been in town when Reuben's train went down
You could hear that whistle blow 100 miles
Oh me, oh my you could hear the whistle blow 100 miles

Last night I lay in jail had no money to go my bail
Lord how it sleeted & it snowed
Oh me, oh my Lord how it sleeted & it snowed

I've been to the East, I've been to the West
I'm going where the chilly winds don't blow
Oh me, oh my I'm going where the chilly winds don't blow

Oh the train that I ride is 100 coaches long
You can hear the whistle blow 100 miles
Oh me, oh my you can hear the whistle blow 100 miles

I got myself a blade, laid Reuben in the shade,
I'm startin' me a graveyard of my own.
Oh, me, oh lordy my, startin' me a graveyard of my own.

Verse:

|: I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I :|

Back To Index

Rocky Island (Ho Honey Ho)

Peaches in the summer time
Apples in the fall
If I don't get the one I love
I won't have none at all

Chorus:
I'm going to Rocky Island
Ho honey ho
To see my Candy darling
You know I love her so

Went up on the mountain
Sow a little cane
Make a barrel of sorghum
For little Liza Jane

Black clouds a risin'
Sure sign of rain
Get your old gray bonnet
See little Liza Jane

I can ride the big old mare
And you can ride the roan
If you get there before I do
You leave my girl alone

Went to see my gal last night
The dress she wore was red
Every time I look at her
I wish my wife was dead

Went up on the mountain
And I fell over on my knees
Thought I'd laugh myself to death
To hear that gander sneeze

Verse and Chorus:

|: I	I	I	I
I	I	I-V	I :|

Back To Index

Rocky Road Blues

—Bill Monroe

Chorus:
Now the road is rocky, but it won't be rocky long (X2)
Another man has got my woman and gone

I've got those blues, I'm wearing out the soles of my shoes (X2)
My gal went away and left me she left me with the dog gone blues

You'll never miss your water til the well runs dry (X2)
You'll never miss your woman until she says goodbye

I wish to the Lord you'd bring my woman back home (X2)
I'm not so lonesome, just don't want to be alone

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
V	V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Rocky Top

Wish that I was on ole Rocky Top,
Down in the Tennessee hills.
Ain't no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top,
Ain't no telephone bills.

Once there was a girl on Rocky Top,
Half bear the other half cat.
Wild as a mink, sweet as soda pop,
I still dream about that.

Chorus:
Rocky Top, you'll always be
Home sweet home to me.
Good ole Rocky Top,
Rocky Top Tennessee, Rocky Top Tennessee.

Once two strangers climbed on Rocky Top,
Lookin' for a moonshine still.
Strangers ain't come back from Rocky Top,
Guess they never will.

Corn won't grow at all on Rocky Top,
Dirt's too rocky by far.
That's why all the folks on Rocky Top
Get their corn from a jar.

Now I've had years of cramped up city life,
Trapped like a duck in a pen.
Now all I know is it's a pity life
Can't be simple again.

Rocky Top Tennessee, Rocky Top Tennessee.
Yeah Rocky Top Tennesee eee eee eee.

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
VIm	V	I	I

Chorus:

VIm	VIm	V	V
VII	VII	IV	IV
IV	IV	I	I
I	VII	I	I

Back To Index

Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms

—Lester Flatt

I ain't gonna work on the railroad
Ain't gonna work on the farm
Lay around the shack
Till the mail train comes back
And roll in my sweet baby's arms

Chorus:
Roll in my sweet baby's arms
Roll in my sweet baby's arms
Lay round the shack
Till the mail train comes back
And roll in my sweet baby's arms

Now where were you last Friday night
While I was lying in jail
Walking the streets with another man
Wouldn't even go my bail

I know your parents don't like me
They turn me away from your door
Had my life to live over
Wouldn't go there any more

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Rolling On

—Traditional, Charlie Monroe
I wish I was in the Southland sitting in a chair
With one arm around my old guitar
And the other one around my dear

Chorus:
I'm rolling on (I'm rolling on)
I'm rolling on (I'm rolling on)
I'm rolling on through life just rolling on

Sitting in the moonlight blue as blue can be
Strumming on my old guitar
To give my poor heart ease

Whether I'm in the country whether I'm in the town
My old guitar is near me
Whether I'm up or down

Maybe I will marry if I can find a girl
But I'll always love my guitar
As much as I love her

Verse:

I

I

I

I-I7

Chorus:

IV

I

V

I

Back To Index

Roving Gambler

I am a roving gambler gambled all around
Whenever I meet with a deck of cards
I lay my money down
Lay my money down, lay my money down

I had not been in Frisco many more weeks than three
I met up with a pretty little gal
She fell in love with me
Fell in love with me, fell in love with me

She took me in her parlor, cooled me with her fan
Whispered low in her mother's ear
I love this gambling man
Love this gambling man, love this gambling man

Oh daughter oh dear daughter how can you treat me so
Leave your dear old mother
And with a gambler go
With a gambler go, with a gambler go

My mother oh my mother you can not understand
If you ever see me a coming back
I'll be with a gambling man
With a gambling man, with a gambling man

I left her there in Frisco and I wound up in Maine
I met up with a gambling man
Got in a poker game
Got in a poker game, got in a poker game

We put our money in the pot and dealt the cards around
I saw him deal from the bottom of the deck
And I shot that gambler down
Shot the gambler down, shot the gambler down

Well, now I'm in the jailhouse got a number for my name
The Warden said as he locked the door
You've gambled your last game
Gambled your last game, gambled your last game

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Sad and Lonesome Day

—The Carter Family

Oh today has been a lonesome day (X3)
And it seems tomorrow'll be the same old way

Oh they carried my mother to the burying ground (X3)
And watched the pallbearers let her down

Did you ever hear a church bell tone (X3)
You may know by that she's dead and gone

Oh dig my grave with a silver spade (X3)
And mark the place where I must lay

There's one kind favour I ask of you (X3)
That's to see that my grave is kept green

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Sally Goodin

Had a piece of pie and I had a piece of puddin',
And I gave it all away just to see my Sally Goodin.

Well, I looked down the road and I see my Sally comin',
And I thought to my soul that I' d kill myself a-runnin'.

Love a 'tater pie and I love an apple puddin',
And I love a little gal that they call Sally Goodin.

And I dropped the 'tater pie and I left the apple puddin',
But I went across the mountain to see my Sally Goodin.

Sally is my doozy and Sally is my daisy,
When Sally says she hates me I think I'm goin' crazy.

Little dog'll bark and the big dog'll bite you,
Little gal'll court you and big gal'll fight you.

Rainin' and a-pourin' and the creek's runnin' muddy,
And I'm so drunk, Lord, I can't stand studdy,

I'm goin' up the mountain and marry little Sally,
Raise corn on the hillside and the devil in the valley.

Verse:

I

I

I

V-I

More verses from Woody Guthrie:

Looked down the road, seen my Sally comin'
Thought to my soul I'd kill myself a runnin'.

Watermelon, cantaloupe, peach tree puddin'
Ain't half as sweet as my little Sally Goodin.

Stove lid's on, flap jacks a cookin'
Stack 'em up high for my pretty Sally Goodin'.

Kiss you all day and hug you all night
Me and my Sally gonna make it all right.

Tell you stories and sing you songs
Marry me Sally and you can't go wrong.

Sally come a kissin' me on my cheek
I jumped over the Buckeye Creek.

I'm not a lyin' and I'm not a kiddin'
Crazy 'bout th' gal what you call Sally Goodin.

It's the truth, I'll tell you well,
If I can't have Sally, I'm bound for hell.

Back To Index

Salty Dog

Standing in the corner with the low down blues
Great big hole in the bottom of my shoes
Honey let me be your salty dog

Chorus:
Let me be your salty dog
Or I won't by your man at all
Honey let me be your salty dog

Listen here Sal I know you
Run down stocking and a worn out shoe
Honey let me be your salty dog

Down in the wildwood sitting on a log
Finger on the trigger and my eye on a hog
Honey let me be your salty dog

I pulled the trigger and the gun said go
The shot fell over in Mexico
Honey let me be your salty dog

Chorus and Verse:

|: I–VI

II

V

V :|

Back To Index

See That My Grave Is Kept Clean

Well there's one kind-a favor I'll ask of you (X3)
You can see that my grave is kept clean

And there's two white horses following me (X3)
Waiting on my burying ground

Did you ever hear that coughin' sound (X3)
Means another poor boy is underground

Did you ever hear them church bells tone (X3)
Means another poor boy is dead and gone

And my heart stopped beating and my hands turned cold (X3)
Now I believe what the bible told

There's just one last favor I'll ask of you (X3)
See that my grave is kept clean

Verse and Chorus:

I	VI	II	II
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

Shackles and Chains

Chorus:
And at night through the bars I will gaze at the stars
And dream of your kisses in vain
A piece of stone I will use for my pillow
While I'm sleeping in shackles and chains

On a long lonesome journey I'm going
Oh darling please don't you cry
In these shackles and chains they will take me
To a prison to stay 'til I die

Put your arms through the bars once my darling
Let me kiss those sweet lips I love best
For in heartache you're my consolation
In sorrow my haven of rest
Peaches in the summertime, Apples in the fall
If I can't get the girl I love, I don't want none at all

Chorus and Verse:

|: I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I :|

Back To Index

Shady Grove

—Garcia/Grisman Version

Chorus:
Shady Grove, my little love,
Shady Grove, I know
Shady Grove, my little love,
I'm bound for Shady Grove

Wish I had a banjo string,
Made of golden twine
Every tune I'd play on it,
I wish that girl were mine

Wish I had a needle and thread,
Fine as I could sew
I'd sew that pretty girl to my side,
And down the road I'd go

Some come here to fiddle and dance,
Some come here to tarry
Some come here to fiddle and dance,
I come here to marry

Every night when I go home,
My wife, I try to please her
The more I try, the worse she gets,
Damned if I don't leave her

Fly around, my pretty little miss,
Fly around, my Daisy
Fly around, my pretty little miss,
Nearly drive me crazy

When I was a little boy,
I wanted a barlow knife
Now I am a great big boy,
I want a little wife

Chorus and Verse:

Im

VII

Im

Im Im

VII

VII

Im

Or Bill Monroe's Chorus and Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

She Ain't No Good

—Mississippi Sheiks early 1930's

I had a girl, she was just that kind
I thought I would make her mine
But when I looked the matter through,
she was the worst of kind.

Chorus:
She ain't no good, Oh, she ain't no good
When I come to find her out,
I found she was no good.

Some men like the country girl,
Mine's girl lives in town
A towns girl will be lovin' you,
When the country girl messes around.

Chorus:
She ain't no good, Oh, she ain't no good
When you see 'em brother, lives in the woods,
You know she ain't no good.

A town girl gets one man,
And always treat him well
But a country girl will get her ten men,
And give them all hell.

Chorus:
She ain't no good, Oh she ain't no good
She once left a man in the neighborhood,
you know she ain't no good.

A yeller cow drinks the corn whiskey,
Browns can't do the same
The country girl get her two'a brown meal,
But she's getting drunk just the same.

Chorus:
She ain't no good, Oh, she ain't no good
She left a man in the neighborhood,
You know she ain't no good.

I went to the country girl's house,
And only one night I spent
I got up the next morning, and come back home,
Been runnin' ever since.

Chorus:
Oh, she ain't no good, Oh, she ain't no good
Deliver me, from a country girl,
because she ain't no good.

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
V	V	V	I

Back To Index

She's More to Be Pitied

She's there at the bar every evening
Face powdered and cheeks painted red
Her beauty has faded too early
Brought on by the fast life she led

She's more to be pitied than scolded
She needs to be loved, not despised
Too much beer and wine, too many good times
The lure of the honky tonk wrecked her young life

She once was the belle of the ballroom
She'd made some man a sweet wife
But too many parties, the wrong kind of pals
Ruined her happy young life

Done

¾

or 4/4
Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

She's No Angel

—Wanda Ballman and J.W. Arnold

You see her there at the bar cross the room
She looks like an angel with her paint and perfume
You'd like to meet her your conscience says no
Obey your conscience turn around and go

Chorus:
She's no angel, no angel, her wings are not real
She'll ruin your life if your heart she can steal
She'll tell you tales to bring tears to your eyes
But don't you believe them for they're only lies

You think if only she could be your own
You'd be more contented than a king on his throne
You'd better not trust her it's wrong if you do
She's broken many hearts and she'll break yours too

Verse:

I	I	I	V
V	V	V	I
I	I	I	IV
V	V	V	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	IV	I
V	V	V	I
IV	IV	IV	I
V	V	V	I

Back To Index

She Caught The Katy

—Taj Mahal version

She caught the Katy, and left me a mule to ride
She caught the Katy, and left me a mule to ride
My baby caught the Katy, left me a mule to ride
The train pulled out, and I swung on behind
I'm crazy 'bout her, that hardheaded woman of mine

Man my baby's long, great god she's mighty, she's tall
You know my baby's long, great god she's mighty, my baby she's tall
Well my baby she's long, my baby she's tall
She sleeps with her head in the kitchen and her big feet out in the hall
And I'm still crazy 'bout her, that hardheaded woman of mine

Bridge:
Well I love my baby, she's so fine
I wish she'd come and see me some time
If you don't believe I love her, look what a hole I'm in
If you don't believe I'm sinking, look what a shape I'm in

She caught the Katy, and left me a mule to ride
She caught the Katy, and left me a mule to ride
Well my baby caught the Katy, left me a mule to ride
The train pulled out, and I swung on behind
I'm crazy 'bout her, that hardheaded woman,
hardheaded woman of mine

Verse:

I	V	I	I
I	V	I	I
I	I	IV	IV#dim
I	V	I	I

Bridge:

IV	IV	I	I
II	II	V	V7

Back To Index

Shortnin' Bread

Put on the skillet slip on the lid
Mama's gonna make a little shortnin' bread
That ain't all she's gonna do
Mama's gonna make a little coffee, too

Chorus:
Mama's little baby loves shortnin', shortnin'
Mama's little baby loves short'nin' bread
(Repeat)

Three little children lyin' in bed
Two were sick and the other 'most dead
Sent for the doctor and the doctor said
Give those children some shortnin' bread.

When those children sick in bed
Heard that talk about shortnin' bread
Popped up well to dance and sing
Skipped around and cut the pigeon wing

Slip to the kitchen slip off the lid
Filled my pockets full of shortnin' bread;
Stole the skillet stole the lid
Stole the gal makin' shortnin' bread

Caught me with the skillet caught me with the lid
Caught me with the gal makin' shortnin' bread;
Paid six dollars for the skillet six dollars for the lid
Spent six months in jail eatin' shortnin' bread

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	V-I
I	I	I	V-I

Back To Index

Sin City

—Gram Parsons & Chris Hillman

This old town is filled with sin,
It'll swallow you in
If you've got some money to burn.
Take it home right away,
You've got three years to pay
But Satan is waiting his turn

Chorus:
This old earthquake's gonna leave me in the poor house.
It seems like this whole town's insane
On the thirty—first floor your gold plated door
Won't keep out the Lord's burning rain

The scientists say
It'll all wash away
But we don't believe any more
Cause we've got our recruits
And our green mohair suits
So please show you ID At the door.

A friend came around.
Tried to clean up this town,
His ideas made some people mad.
But he trusted his crowd,
So he spoke right out loud
And they lost the best friend they had

Tag:
On the thirty—first floor your gold plated door
Won't keep out the Lord's burning rain

¾

Verse:

I	V	I	IV
I	I	V	V
I	V	I	IV
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	V	I	I
IV	I	V	V
IV	V	I	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Sittin' on Top of the World

—Mississippi Sheiks' original

Was in the spring, one sunny day
Just when she left me, she's gone to stay
But now she's gone, and I don't worry
Oh I'm sitting on top of the world

Was all the summer, and all the fall,
Just trying to find my little all in all
But now she's gone, and I don't worry
Lord I'm sitting on top of the world

Went to the station, down in the yard
Gonna get me a freight train, work's done got hard
But now she's gone, and I don't worry
Oh I'm sitting on top of the world

There have been days, I didn't know my name
Why should I worry or cry in vain
But now she's gone, now I don't worry
Lord I'm sitting on top of the world

An' you come runnin', holdin' up your hand
Can get me a woman, quick as you got you a man
But now you're gone, and I don't worry
Lord I'm sitting on top of the world

The lonesome days, they have gone by
Why should I beg you? You said goodbye
But now she's gone, and I don't worry
Oh cause I'm sitting on top of the world

Verse:

I	I-IV	IV	I
I	V	I-V	I

Back To Index

Sittin' on Top of the World

—Bill Monroe's version

It was in the spring one sunny day
My good gal left me Lord she went away
And now she's gone but I don't worry
'Cause I'm sitting on top of the world

She called me up from down in El Paso
Said come back, daddy, Lord I need you so
And now she's gone but I don't worry
'Cause I'm sitting on top of the world

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust
Show me a woman a man can trust
And now she's gone but I don't worry
'Cause I'm sitting on top of the world

Mississippi River, long, deep and wide
The woman I'm loving is on the other side
And now she's gone but I don't worry
'Cause I'm sitting on top of the world

You don't like my peaches, don't you shake my tree
Get out of my orchard, let my peaches be
And now she's gone but I don't worry
'Cause I'm sitting on top of the world

Don't you come here running, holding out your hand
I'll get me a woman like you got your man
And now she's gone but I don't worry
'Cause I'm sitting on top of the world

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

Sittin on Top of the World

—Doc Watson's version

Was in the spring, One sunny day
My sweetheart left me, Lord, she went away
And now she's gone, And I dont' worry
Lord, I'm sitting On top of the world

She called me up From down in El Paso
She said "Come back, daddy Ooh, I need you so"
And now she's gone And I dont' worry
Lord, I'm sitting On top of the world

If you don't like my peaches Don't you shake my tree
'n Get out of my orchard Let my peaches be
And now she's gone And I dont' worry
Lord, I'm sitting On top of the world

And don't you come here runnin' Holding out your hand
I'm gonna get me a woman Like you got your man
And now she's gone And I dont' worry
Lord, I'm sitting On top of the world

't Was in the spring One sunny day
My sweetheart left me Lord, she went away
And now she's gone And I dont' worry
Lord, I'm sitting On top of the world

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	V	I-V	I

Back To Index

Sitting Alone In the Moonlight

—Bill Monroe

A:
Sitting alone in the moonlight
Thinking of the days gone by
Wondering about my darling
I can still hear her saying goodbye
B:
Oh the moon grows pale as I sit here
Each little star seems to whisper and say
Your sweetheart has found another
And now she's far, far away

¾

A:

|: I	Ib	I	I
IV	V	I	I :|

B:

|: IV	V	I	I
IV	V	I	I :|

Back To Index

Skillet Good and Greasy

—Tim O'Brien version

Cornbread and beans
And those good old collard greens
Keep your skillet good and greasy all the time, time, time
Skillet good and greasy all the time

If you say so
I'll never moonshine no more
I'll chop down that still
And go home, home, home
I'll chop down my still
And go home

If you don't believe I'm right
Come home with me tonight
Lay around my shanty all the time, time, time
Gonna lay around my shanty all the time

I'm goin down town
Gonna get a jug of brandy
Gonna give it all to Sandy
Keep her good and drunk and boozy all the time
Good and drunk and boozy all the time

Fatback and beans
And them good old collard greens
Keep your skillet good and greasy
All the time, time, time

Verse:

|: I

I

I

I

I-V

I :|

Back To Index

Soldier's Joy

First I thought a snake had got me it happened dreadful quick
T'was a bullet bit my leg, right off I got sick
I came to in a wagon load of ten more wounded men
Five was dead by the time we reached that bloody tent

Chorus:
Gimme some of that Soldier's Joy, you know what I mean
I don't want to hurt no more my leg is turnin' green

The doctor came and looked at me and this is what he said
Your dancin' days are done, son, it's a wonder you ain't dead
Then he went to work with a carvin' knife sweat fell from his brow
'Bout killed me tryin' to save my life when he cut that lead ball out

Chorus:
Give me some of that Soldier's Joy, ain't you got no more
Hand me down my walkin' cane I ain't cut out for war

Red blood run right through my veins run all over the floor
Run right down his apron strings like a river out the door
He handed me a bottle and said, son drink deep as you can
He turned away then he turned right back with a hacksaw in his hand

Chorus:
Gimme some of that Soldier's Joy you know what I like
Bear down on that fiddle boys just like Saturday night

Gimme some of that Soldier's Joy you know what I crave
I'll be hittin' that Soldier's Joy til I'm in my grave

Verse:

|: I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I :|

Chorus:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Back To Index

Somehow Tonight

Chorus:
Somehow tonight I feel lonely, my darlin'
Somehow tonight I feel blue
Somehow tonight these tears of mine keep falling
Come back, sweetheart and be true

I thought your love was something I could treasure
To brighten my pathway through the years
Now all I can see is darkness in the future
That's why I long to have you near

I never knew what loneliness meant, darlin'
Until I watched you walk away
I long to hear you whisper that you love me
I can't forget our happy days

Chorus and Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Stay All Night

Can't go home if you're goin' by the mill
Cause the bridge's washed out
At the bottom of the hill
Big Creek's up Little Creek's level
Plow my corn with a double shovel

Chorus:
Stay all night stay a little longer
Dance all night dance a little longer
Pull off your coat throw it in the corner
Don't see why you can't stay a little longer

Sittin' in the window singin' to my love
Slop bucket fell from the window up above
Mule and the grasshopper eatin' ice cream
Mule got sick so they laid him on the green

Well you ought to see my Blue Eyed Sally
She lives away down on Shinbone Alley
Number on the gate the number on the door
The next house over is the grocery store

Verse:

I	I	I	V- I
I	I	I	V-I

Chorus:

I	IV	V	I
I	IV	V	V-I

Back To Index

Stay Away From Me

—Bill Monroe

Stay away from me, you're causin' me trouble
It's been that way since from the start
While you're away, you have another waitin'
Stay away from me, you're breakin' my heart.

Chorus:
Oh the sky is blue, and the sun is shining
And autumn leaves are turning brown
Oh I loved you so, but I can't have you
Stay away from me, stay out of town.

Oh the sky is blue, and the sun is shining
And autumn leaves are turning brown
Oh I loved you so, but I can't have you
Stay away from me, stay out of town.

Verse:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Back To Index

Stealin'

—Gus Cannon

Put your arms around me like a circle `round the sun
I want you to love me baby like my easy rider done.
You don't believe I love you, look at the fool I've been
You don't believe I'm sinkin' look at he hole I'm In

Chorus:
Stealin' stealin' pretty mama don't you tell on me
I'm stealin' back to my same old used to be

Well I got a little woman `bout my height and size
Now she's a married woman, sees me once in a while
If you don't believe I love you, look what a fool I've been
If you don't think I'm sinking, look what a hole I'm in.

With good whiskey you stay drunk all the time,
Stay drunk baby 'cause it eases my mind.
If you don't believe I love you, look what a fool I've been,
If you don't think I'm sinking, look what a hole I'm in.

Verse:

I	I	IV	IV
I	I	I	V-I

Chorus:

I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

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Sugar Coated Love

—Audrey Butler

Chorus:
Sugar coated love, you gave me on a plate
I took a bite and then I looked to see what I had ate
I found I had a cinder all covered up in white
That old sugar coated love is something I can't bite

You say you are leaving me for another man
He has all the wealth and charm and not my kind of brand
Baby I fell down on my knees a pleading for your love
Can't understand what I saw in a sugar coated love

You called me your sugar plum, your baby and your pet
Said I was your Romeo and you my Juliet
I thought you were my angel, my little sugar dove
You sure had me fooled, babe, with that sugar coated love

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
I	I	II	V
I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	II	V
I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

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Sunny Side of the Mountain

—Harry C. McAuliffe and Bobby Gregory

Now don't forget me little darling while I'm growing old and gray
Just a little thought before I'm going far away
I'll be waiting on the hillside where the wild red roses grow
On the sunny side of the mountain where the rippling waters fall

Now don't forget about those days we courted many years ago
Don't forget all the promises you gave me and so
I'll be waiting on the hillside on the day that you will call
On the sunny side of the mountain where the rippling waters fall

Tell me darling in your letter do you ever think of me
Please answer little darling tell me where you can be
It's been so long dear since I've seen you but my love still lingers on
Don't forget me little darling though our love affair seems gone

Verse:

I	I	I-IV	IV
V	V	V-I	I
I	I	I-IV	IV
V	V	V-I	I

Back To Index

Sweet Sunny South

Take me back to the place where I first saw the light
To that sweet sunny south take me home
Where the mockingbird sings me to sleep every night
Oh why was I tempted to roam

I think with regret of the dear home I left
Of the warm hearts that sheltered me there
Of wife and of children of whom I'm bereft
Of the old place again do I sigh

Take me back to the place where the orange trees grow
To my plot in the evergreen shade
Where the flowers from the river's green margins did grow
And spread their sweet scent through the glade

Take me back let me see what is left that I know
Could it be that the old house is gone
Dear friends from my childhood indeed must be few
And I must face death all alone

The path to our cottage they say has grown green
And the place is quite lonely around
I know that the smiles and the forms I once knew
Now lie 'neath the cold mossy ground

But yet I return to the place of my birth
Where the children have played 'round the door
Where they gathered wild blossoms that grew 'round the path
Twill echo their footsteps no more

Take me back to the place where my little ones sleep
Where poor massa lies buried close by
O'er the graves of my loved ones I long for to weep
and rest there among them when I die

Verse:

I	I	I	IV
I	I	I-V	I

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Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong

—Bill Monroe

You told me that your love was true
Sweetheart, I thought the world of you
But now you left me all alone
I have no one to call my own

Chorus:
Now sweetheart, you've done me wrong
You have left me all alone
Maybe there will come a time
Sweetheart, when you will change your mind

I never shall forget the day
When you said you were going away
I couldn't believe that it was true
After all the love I had for you

This road is rough and rocky too
As I travel on, dear, without you
But I'm still praying for the time
Sweetheart when you will change your mind

Verse and Chorus:

|: I

IV

V

I :|

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Swing Low Sweet Chariot

—Traditional

Chorus:
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home

I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
Coming for to carry me home
A band of angels coming after me
Coming for to carry me home

If you get there before I do
Coming for to carry me home
Tell all my friends I'm coming, too
Coming for to carry me home

I'm sometimes up and sometimes down
Coming for to carry me home
But still my soul feels heavenly bound
Coming for to carry me home

The brightest day that I can say
Coming for to carry me home
When Jesus washed my sins away
Coming for to carry me home

If I get there before you do
Coming for to carry me home
I'll cut a hole and pull you through
Coming for to carry me home

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

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Tennessee Waltz

—Pee Wee King

I was dancing with my darling to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I happened to see
I introduced him to my loved one
And while they were dancing
My friend stole my sweetheart from me

I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darling the night they were playing
The beautiful Tennessee Waltz

¾

I	I	I7	IV
I	VIm	II	V
I	I	I7	IV
I	V	I	I

I	I7	IV	I
I	VIm	II	V
I	I	I7	IV
I	V	I	I

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That's What I Like About You

—Charlie Monroe

You loving and hugging, your sweet little smile
And eyes of heavenly blue
You can't say you love me, it almost drives me wild
Well, that's what I like about you

As we stroll together down lovers lane,
hand in hand so true
It seems just like heaven to hear those love birds sing
That's what I like about you

The way you hold me in your lovin' arms
And tell me all those things you're going to do
My little heart beats faster than raindrops in a storm
 cause that's what I like about you

Dear we'll get married, just you wait and see
And (buy?) a cottage just we two
I'm sure we'll be happy, happy as can be
'cause that's what I like about you

Tag:
My little heart beats faster than raindrops in a storm
'cause that's what I like about you

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

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The Glory of Love

—Billy Hill 1936

You've got to give a little, take a little,
and let your poor heart break a little.
That's the story of, that's the glory of love.

You've got to laugh a little, cry a little,
until the clouds roll by a little.
That's the story of, that's the glory of love.

Bridge
As long as there's the two of us,
we've got the world and all it's charms.
And when the world is through with us,
we've got each other's arms.

You've got to win a little, lose a little,
yes, and always have the blues a little.
That's the story of, that's the glory of love.

That's the story of, that's the glory of love.

Verse:

I	V	I	IV
I	V	I	I

Bridge:

IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	V	V

Or fancier…

I	V	I-I7	IV-iv
I	V	I	V7

Bridge:

IV	IV	I	I
IV	iv	II7	V7

Back To Index

The Great Pretender

—Buck Ram (The Platters' manager) 1955

Oh yes, I'm the great pretender
Pretending that I'm doing well
My need is such, I pretend too much
I'm lonely but no one can tell.

Oh yes, I'm the great pretender
Adrift in a world of my own
I play the game; but to my real shame
You've left me to dream all alone.

Bridge:
Too real is this feeling of make believe
Too real when I feel what my heart can't conceal.

Oh yes I'm the great pretender
Just laughing and gay like a clown
I seem to be what I'm not, you see
I'm wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you're still around.

¾

Verse:

I	V	I	I7
IV	IV	I	I
IV	V	I	IV
I	V	I	I

Bridge:

IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	V

Back To Index

The Memory of Your Smile

—Ralph Stanley

I'm walking from one bar to another
I don't know where I'm going or where I've been
No one I meet realized
I'm trying when I know I can't win

Chorus:
The memory of your smile, it nearly drives me wild
Ain't nothing ever gonna ease my mind
I thought you'd true, I counted so on you
I'm lost from a love I'll never find

I wonder how this pain is going to wind up
It gets worse day by day since you're gone
If only you would come back and see me
You're my only chance from now on

My honey dear, I know you're goin' to ask
Just where I've been since I saw you last
Well I've been down where the hammers clang
Yes I've been down on the old chain gang.

Verse:

|: IV

I

V

I :|

Chorus:

|: I

I

I-V

I :|

Back To Index

The Old Chain Gang

—Traditional

My honey dear I know you thought to ask
Just where I been since I saw you last
Well I been down to where the hammers clang
Yes I been down on the old chain gang.

They sent me up on a two year bid
I soon forgot what it was I did
They chained me down with a dozen men
I can't believe I'm in your arms again.

Night and day I got no rest
Just hold me tight to your loving breast
See where the chain on my ankle swang
Well that's the mark of the old chain gang.

You'll never dream what a life I led
On the old chain gang you're better off dead
I'll never forget those songs we sang
While breakin' rocks on the old chain gang.

The old chain gang it's a tough old crew
The boss is hard, I'm a tellin' you
He drug me out to the cellhouse door
And laid me out on the old stone floor.

The boss was off on a drunk one day
I drug my chain where the crow bar lay
I throwed her down and the lock she sprang
And said farewell to the old chain gang.

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
IV	I	V	I

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The Old Crossroads

—Bill Monroe

Oh my brother take this warning
Don't let ol Satan take your hand
You'll be lost in sin forever
You'll never reach the promised land

Chorus:
The old crossroads now is waiting
Which one are you going to take
One leads down to destruction
The other to the pearly gate

One road leads up to heaven
The other goes down below
Jesus our savior will protect you
He'll guide you through the old crossroads

Soon your life will be over
You'll have to face the old crossroads
Will you be ready then my brother
To shun the one down below

Verse:

|:  I	I	I	I
I	IV	I	I  :|

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Think of What You've Done

Heart to heart, dear how I need you
Like the flowers need the dew
Loving you has been my life, love
Can't believe we're really through

Chorus:
Is it true that I've lost you
Am I not the only one
After all this pain and sorrow
Darling, think of what you've done

I'm goin' back to old Virginia
Where the mountains meet the sky
In those hills I learned to love you
Let me stay there till I die

Chorus:

IV	I	V	I
IV	I	V	I

Verse:

I	I	V	I
IV	I	V	I

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Those Memories of You

—Alan O'Bryant

Chorus:
Those memories of you still haunt me
Every night when I lay down
I'll always love you my little daring
Until the day they lay me down

In dreams of you my body trembles
I wake up and call your name
But you're not there and I'm so lonesome
Without your love I'd go insane

I close my eyes and you're there with me
Your kiss I feel, your face I see
It's not your lips now that drive me crazy
It's just your haunting memory

Chorus and Verse:

I	I-VII	I	I
I	I-VII	V	V
IV	IV	I	I
IV	V	I	I

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Till the End of the World Goes Round

—Flatt & Scruggs

I tried to sail the sea of life,
I rode my boat alone
Your love meant nothin' to me dear,
my heart was made of stone

Till the harbor filled with loneliness
my little boat was moored
And on the day I first met you
I fell right overboard

Chorus:
Till the end of the world goes round
I'll keep on loving you
As long as the sun
comes up and comes down
and the big blue sky
comes down to the ground
As long as the world goes
round and round
I'll keep on loving you

Whenever you're around me dear
my heart just won't keep still
And when it comes to kissin' you
I'll never get my fill

They said I'd never settle down,
that I would always roam
I could never be the kind
for a lovin' wife and home

So now I know the way I felt
was only selfish pride
I thought my heart was fireproof
but you burned your way inside

Now tell me what I've got to do
and tell me how it stands
The cards are on the table dear,
my life is in your hands

Verse:

I	I	I	IV
V	V	V	I
I	I	I	IV
V	V	V	I

Chorus:

I	I	IV	IV
V	V	V	V
V	V	V	I

Back To Index

Time for Me to Go

—The Dixon Brothers

I went down to a circus show one day
I meant to try to pass a little time away
Just about then I heard a feller shout
"Everybody run, cause the lions are out!"

Chorus:
Well I wasn't scared but it seemed like
It was time for me to go.
If I should wait it meant the loss of blood.
I didn't want to lose mine, you know.
There is no lion that a man can trust
I couldn't stand still, it was run or bust
I wasn't scared but it seemed like
It was time for me to go.

The lions kept yelling up a roaring sound
They all were running all over the ground
I never looked back and I didn't see
But I felt a lion when he slapped at me

I kept on running and I didn't slow down
I run right off from that roaring sound
I made a bee-line across the state
I passed a Plymouth and a Ford V-8

Verse:

|: I	I	V	I
I	I	V	I :|

Chorus:

I	I	V	I
I	I	II	V
I	I	IV	IV-I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Tis Sweet to Be Remembered

—Mac Wiseman

Chorus: 3/4
'Tis sweet to be remembered on a bright or gloomy day
'Tis sweet to be remembered by a dear one far away
'Tis sweet to be remembered remembered remembered
'Tis sweet to be remembered when you are far away

Verse: 4/4
As I travel over this world
Just to soothe my rovin' mind
And the messages I get
from a dear one left behind
They were filled with sweetest words
That so touched me when I heard
N'er oh n'er can I forget
These are some things that she'd say

Sweetest flowers may on you smile
Birds may warble in the trees
But no other joy and tear
Are so cause your heart to ease
As that dear one by your side
When the evening sun goes down
When the stars beam down at you
And the moon beams all around

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	II	V
I	I	IV	I
IV	I	V	I

Chorus:

I	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	IV	I	I
II	II	V	V
I	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	VI
II	V	I	I

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Tom Dooley

—Doc Watson Version

Chorus:
Hang your head, Tom Dooley
Hang your head and cry;
You killed poor Laurie Foster
And you know you're bound to die

You left her by the roadside
Where you begged to be excused;
You left her by the roadside
Then you hid her clothes and shoes

You took her on the hillside
For to make her your wife;
You took her on the hillside
And ther you took her life

You dug the grave four feet long
And you dug it three feet deep;
You rolled the cold clay over her
And tromped it with your feet

Trouble, oh it's trouble
A-rollin' through my breast;
As long as I'm a-livin', boys
They ain't a-gonna let me rest

I know they're gonna hang me
Tomorrow I'll be dead
Though I never even harmed a hair
On poor little Laurie's head."

In this world and one more
Then reckon where I'll be;
If is wasn't for Sheriff Grayson
I'd be in Tennessee

You can take down my old violin
And play it all you please
For at this time tomorrow, boys
It'll be of no use to me."

At this time tomorrow
Where do you reckon I'll be?
Away down yonder in the holler
Hangin' on a white oak tree

Chorus and Verse:

I	IV	IV	I
V	V	IV	I

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Toy Heart

—Bill Monroe

Chorus:
Darlin' you toyed with a toy heart
I think I played the game right from the start
This toy heart was broken when parting words were spoken
Darlin' you toyed with a toy heart

You played with my poor heart like a toy
That toy broke and then we had to part
It never can be mended, I hope this romance ended
Darlin' you toyed with a toy heart

Now darlin' my time will come someday
Time alone will heart my broken heart
The clouds will roll away and the sun will shine someday
Darlin' you toyed with a toy heart

Now darlin' you know you done me wrong
Your love for me has passed and gone
I'll find somebody new, I hope that they'll be true
Darlin' you toyed with a toy heart

Chorus and Verse:

I	V	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Train 45

—Bill Monroe

Oh, I thought I heard that train-how lonesome did blow
She blowed like she'll never blow no more
Oh, you ought to been up town and see the train come down
You could hear the whistle blow a hundred miles

Oh, I'm walking these ties with tears in my eyes
I'm trying to read a letter from my home
If my woman says so, I'm never gonna work no more
I'm gonna sidetrack my train and go home

If this train runs me right, I'll see my woman Saturday night
I'm tired of living this'a way
Oh, I thought I heard that train-so lonesome she'd blow
She blowed like she'll never blow no more

Oh, I thought I heard that train–how lonesome did blow
She blowed like she'll never blow no more

Verse:

|: I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I :|

Back To Index

Trouble in Mind

—Richard M. Jones

Trouble in mind, I'm blue,
But I won't be blue always,
'Cause the sun's gonna shine in my backdoor again

I'm gonna lay my head
On a lonesome railroad line,
And let the 2:19 pacify my mind

I'm all alone at midnight
And my lamp is burning low
Never had so much trouble in my life before

I'm gonna lay my head
On that lonesome railroad track,
But when I hear that whistle, lord, I'm gonna pull it back

You've been a hardheaded daddy
And you sure treat me unkind
I'll be a hardheaded mama—I swear I'll make you lose yout mind

I'm going down to the river,
Take along my rocking chair,
And if the blues don't leave me, I'll rock on away from here

Look-a here, sweet mama,
See what you have done;
Why you made me love you, now your regular man done come

Well, trouble, oh, trouble,
Trouble on my worried mind.
When you see me laughin', I'm laughin' just to keep from lyin'

Verse:

I	V	I	IV
I	VI	II	V	I	IV-I

Back To Index

Truck Driving Man

—Terry Fell 1954

I stopped at a roadhouse in Texas,
It was a little place called Hamburger Dan's
And I heard that old jukebox a-playin',
A song about a truck drivin' man

Chorus:
Pour me another cup of coffee,
For it is the best in the land
I'll put a nickel in the jukebox,
And play The Truck Drivin' Man

The waitress just brought me some coffee
I thanked her but called her again
I said, "That ol' song sure does fit me
'Cause I am a truck drivin' man"

I climbed back on board my old semi
And then like a flash I was gone
I got them ol' truck wheels a-rollin
I'm on my way to San Antone

Vere and Chorus:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	V	I

Back To Index

True Life Blues

—Monroe Brothers

I hate to see the sun sink low
Just for a cause you ought to know
For it's true love I can't forget
All of my sorrow you'll soon regret

You promised me love that was true
And I'm sorry to say that I believed in you
It's all turned out just like a dream
Left me so sad in the world it seems

There's dishes to wash and a house to clean
There's washing to do, oh it seems so mean
There's a million words I can't explain
Think of this girl, before you change your name

They'll go away and leave you at home
They never care if you're alone
They seem to forget they've got a wife
This story is sad, but it's a true life

Verse:

I	IV	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

Two Glasses Joe

—Ernest Tubb

Set up two glasses, Joe
And turn the jukebox low
And let me sit and reminisce

While I pretend that she
Is sittin' here with me
The way she did not long ago

Bridge:
We used to paint the town red
And dance until two
Well, I don't paint it red no more
But I'm paintin' it blue

He's stole her love I know
But he can't stop me, Joe
From having just a dream or two

Set up two glasses, Joe
Maybe you didn't know
But there's a memory in the room

A memory that walks
A memory that talks
And haunts me everywhere I go

Bridge:
I'm just a fool who loves her
And will till I die
From the very first hello
Until the last goodbye

And this is it you know
So fill two glasses, Joe
Then leave me here alone to cry

Verse:

I

II

V

I

Bridge:

IV

I

II

V

Back To Index

Uncle Pen

—Bill Monroe

Oh the people would come from far away
They'd dance all night till the break of day
When the caller hollered "do-se-do"
You knew Uncle Pen was ready to go

Chorus:
Late in the evening about sundown
High on the hill and above the town
Uncle Pen played the fiddle lord how it would ring
You could hear it talk, you could hear it sing

He played an old piece he called "Soldier's Joy"
And the one called "The Boston Boy"
The greatest of all was "Jenny Lynn"
To me that's where the fiddle begins

I'll never forget that mournful day
When Uncle Pen was called away
They hung up his fiddle, they hung up his bow
They knew it was time for him to go

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	IV	IV
I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Uncloudy Day (also Unclouded Day)

Oh they tell me of a home far beyond the sky
Oh they tell me of a home far away
Oh they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh they tell me of an uncloudy day

Chorus:
Oh the land of cloudless days
Oh the land of an uncloudy sky
Oh they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh they tell me of an uncloudy day

Oh they tell me that he smiles on his children there
And his smile drives the sorrows away
Oh they tell me that now clouds ever come again
In that lovely land of uncloudy days

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I	V
I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Used to Be

Well you don't love me anymore my darling
I'm just a used to be to you
Those cold cold kisses that you gave me little darling
Proved to me you found somebody new

Chorus:
Tomorrow's just another lonesome day
And I know you'll want me far away
Well you don't love me anymore my darling
I'm just a used to be to you

Gone are the good old days that we spent together
And I don't know if I can stand the pain
Of knowing that you'll soon be gone forever
And I'll never know your love again

Verse:

|: I	I	I	I
IV	V	I	I :|

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	V	V
I	I	I	I
IV	V	I	I

Back To Index

Wabash Cannonball

—Williams Kindt, adapted by A.P. Carter

From the great Atlantic Ocean to the wide Pacific shore
From the green ol' Smoky Mountains to the south lands by the shore
She's mighty tall and handsome and she's known quite well by all
She's the regular combination of the Wabash Cannonball

Listen to the jingle, the rumble and the roar
As she glides along the woodland through the hills and by the shore
Hear the mighty rush of the engine, hear the lonesome hobos call
You're traveling through the jungles on the Wabash Cannonball

Our eastern states are dandy, so the people always say
From New York to St Louis with Chicago by the way
From the hills of Minnesota where the rippling waters fall
No changes can be taken on the Wabash Cannonball

Now here's to Daddy Claxton, may his name forever stand
And always be remembered through the courts throughout the land
His earthly race is over, now the curtains round him fall
We'll carry him home to victory on the Wabash Cannonball

Verse:

|: I	I	IV	IV
V	V	V	I :|

Back To Index

Walking in My Sleep

Now, if you see that girl of mine
Tell her if you please
When she bakes those biscuits
To roll up her sleeves

Chorus:
Walkin' in my sleep, baby
Walkin' in my sleep
Up and down that Dixie line
Walkin' in my sleep

Yonder comes my baby
How do you think I know
I know her by her pretty little curls
Hanging down so low

Bake them bisxuits baby
Bake them good and brown
When I get my breakfast
I'm Alabama bound

Pain in my finger
Pain in my toe
Pain in my ankle bone
I ain't a-gonna work no more

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	V
V	V	V	I

Back To Index

Walls of Time

—Peter Rowan

The wind is blowing 'cross the mountain
And down on the valley way below
It sweeps the grave of my darling
When I die that's where I want to go

Chorus:
Lord, send the angels for my darling
And take her to that home on high
I'll wait my time out here on earth love
And come to you when I die

Our names are carved upon a tombstone
I promised you before you died
Our love would bloom forever darling
When we rest side by side

I hear a voice out in the darkness
It moans and whispers through the pines
I know it's my sweetheart a calling
I hear her through the walls of time

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I

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Wandering Boy

—The Carter Family, oddly Bill Monroe's "Out in the Cold World" too, hmm…

Out in the cold world and far away from home
Some mother's boy is wanderin' all alone.
No one to guide him or keep his footsteps right
Some mother's boy is homeless tonight.

Chorus:
Bring back to me my wandering boy
For there is no other who's left to give me joy
Tell him that his mother with faded cheeks and hair
Is at the old home place awaiting him there

Out in the hallway then stands a vacant chair
And an old pair of shoes he used to wear
Empty is the cradle he used to love so well
Oh how I miss him no tongue can tell.

Well I remember those parting words he said
Well meet up yonder where tears are never shed
In that land of sunshine, away from toil and care
When life is over, I'll meet you up there

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	I	V
I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

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Way Downtown

—Traditional

It was late last night when Willie got home
He knocked and he knocked on the door
Slipping and a—sliding with his new shoes on
Willie don't you slip no more

Chorus:
Way downtown just foolin' around
Took me to the jail
It's oh me and it's oh my
No one to go my bail

I wish I was down in sweet Sally's house
Sittin' in my old arm chair
One arm around my old guitar
One arm around my dear

I like the hills of old West Virginia
Be right at home in Tennessee
North or south, east or west
It's home sweet home to me.

Where did you get your shoes pretty girl
And the clothes you wear so fine
Got my shoes from a railroading man
My clothes from a driver in the mine.

One old shirt is all that I got
And a dollar is all that I crave
Brought nothing with me into this old world
Ain't gonna take nothing to my grave

Verse:

|: IV

I

V

I :|

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Wayfaring Stranger

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
While traveling through this world of woe
Yet there's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright world to which I go

Chorus:
I'm going there to see my father
I'm going there no more to roam
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
I know my way is rough and steep
Yet beauteous fields lie just before me
Where God's redeemed their vigils keep

Chorus:
I'm going there to see my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

Verse (minor):

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I

Chorus (first half Major)

VI	VI	III	III
VI	VI	VM	VM
I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I

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Weary Blues From Waitin'

—Hank Williams

Chorus:
Weary blues from waitin'
Lord, I've been waitin' too long
These blues have got me cryin'
Oh, sweet mama, please come home.

The snow falls 'round my window
But it can't chill my heart
God knows it died the day you left
My dream world fell a—part.

Thru tears I watch young lovers
As they go strollin' by
Oh, all the things that might have been
God forgive me if I cry.

Chorus:

I	IV	I	I
I	II	V	V
I	IV	I	I
I	V	I	I

Verse:

I	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	V	I	I

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What a Waste of Good Corn Likker

—Keller Williams

I have lost my blue-eyed darling,
Now I sit with a broken heart
By my cabin in the Carolina hills
Oh I loved a shiner's daughter
Loved her true with all my heart
Till she fell into her pappy's liquor still

Chorus:
Oh what a waste of good corn liquor
From the still they pulled the plug
All the revenuers snickered 'cause she melted in the liquor
And they had to bury poor Lilly by the jug

Cousin Cale upon the Jew's harp
Played a mighty mournful tune
Kinfolks bowed their heads and gathered round
Then I heard the parson sing
Drink me only with thine eyes
As we watch them pour poor
Lilly in the ground

Now I'm sitting in the twilight
Neath the weeping willow tree
The sun is slowly sinking in the west
And I'm clasping to my bosom
A little jug of Lilly Mae
With a broken heart I'm longing for the rest

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	IV	I	I

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

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When I Die I'll Live Again

Because I believe and have found salvation
When I die (when I die) I'll live again
That I may take part in the jubilation
When I die (when I die) I'll live again

Chorus:
When I die (when I die) I'll live again (live again)
Halleluia I'll live again
Because I'm forgiven my soul will find heaven
When I die (when I die) I'll live again (I'll live again)

The fear of the grave is removed forever
When I die (when I die) I'll live again
My soul will rejoice by the crystal river
When I die (when I die) I'll live again

Because to the lord I have made confession
When I die (when I die) I'll live again
But now on my soul there is no transgression
When I die (when I die) 'll live again

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
VI	VI	V	V
I	I	IV	I
VI	VI	V	I

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	II	V	V
I	I	IV	I
VI	VI	V	I

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When I Lay My Burden Down

—Will the Circle Be Unbroken melody

I'll go home to meet my Savior
When I lay my burden down
I'll go home to meet my Savior
When I lay my burden down.

Chorus:
Glory, glory, hallelujah
When I lay my burden down
Glory, glory, hallelujah
When I lay my burden down.

I will give my heart to Jesus
When I lay my burden down
I will give my heart to Jesus
When I lay my burden down.

I will tell Him all my troubles
When I lay my burden down
I will tell Him all my troubles
When I lay my burden down.

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

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When The Angels Carry Me Home

—Charlie Monroe

I'll fly away to heaven and I won't fall
When the angels carry me home
I want to see Jesus first of all
When the angels carry me home

Chorus:
When the angels carry me home
When the angels carry me home
I want to see Jesus first of all
When the angels carry me home

There'll be no more sorrow and no more pain
When the angels carry me home
I'll ride that heavenly glorious train
When the angels carry me home

I'm on my pathway leading to heaven
When the angels carry me home
I'll see Jesus waiting for me in heaven
When the angels carry me home

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I

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When You Are Lonely

—Bill Monroe

Oh I'm thinking of you, little darling
Of the day that we first met
And those words sweetheart that you told me
I'm sure I'll never forget

Chorus:
Oh, someday, sweetheart, when you're lonely
And have no one to care for you
Remember the heart you have broken
And the one that has loved you so true

You told me you always loved me
And no one could ever come between
But it seems to me you've forgotten
All those things you told to me

I'll forget those things that you told me
And try to start our life anew
But remember the heart you have broken
And the one that has loved you so true

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	I	I
V	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	I	I
V	V	I	I

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When Your Phone Don't Ring

—Hank Cochran

Tonight when you lay lonely in your king size bed
With a hunger inside you can feel
I'll be the empty spot laying next to you
And when your phone don't ring it'll be me

Chorus:
It'll be me not calling you crying like I used to do
Crawlin' on my hands and knees
It'll be me not on the phone begging let me come back home
When your phone don't ring it'll be me

And tonight it'll be my car not in your driveway
You'll wonder where on earth I could be
It'll be my footsteps you don't hear in your hallway
And when your phone don't ring it'll be me

Tonight I'll be unfriending you on Facebook,
No IM's, texts or tweets you'll get from me,
It'll be my email that don't show up in your inbox,
And when the phone don't ring it'll be me

Verse:

I	IV	V	I
I	IV	V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	V	I
IV	I	V	I

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Where The Soul of Man Never Dies

To Canaan's land I'm on my way
Where the soul (of man) never dies
My darkest night will turn to day
Where the soul (of man) never dies

(lead)
No sad farewells
No tear dimmed eyes
Where all is love
And the soul never dies

(tenor)
Dear friends there'll be no sad farewells
There'll be no tear—dimmed eyes
Where all is peace and joy and love
And the soul of man never dies

The rose is blooming there for me
Where the soul (of man) never dies
And I will spend eternity
Where the soul (of man) never dies

The love light beams across the foam
Where the soul (of man) never dies
It shines and lights the way to home
Where the soul (of man) never dies

My life will end in deathless sleep
Where the soul (of man) never dies
And everlasting joys I'll reap
Where the soul (of man) never dies

I'm on my way to that fair land
Where the soul (of man) never dies
Where there will be no parting hand
Where the soul (of man) never dies

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

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White Dove

—Stanley Brothers

In the deep rolling hills of old Virginia
There's a place that I love so well
Where I spent many days of my childhood
In the cabin where we loved to dwell

White dove will mourn in sorrow
The willows will hang their heads
I'll live my life in sorrow
Since mother and daddy are dead

We were all so happy there together
In our peaceful little mountain home
But the Savior needs angels up in heaven
Now they sing around the great white throne

As the years roll by I often wonder
If we will all be together someday
And each night as I wander through the grave yard
Darkness finds me as I kneel to pray

¾

Verse:

I	I	IV	IV
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Verse:

I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

White Freight Liner Blues

—Townes Van Zandt

I'm goin' out on the highway
Listen to them big trucks whine
I'm goin' out on the highway
Listen to them big trucks whine

White freight liner
Won't you steal away my mind?
Ah, New Mexico ain't bad, Lord
And the people there, they treat you kind
And the people there, they treat you kind

Well, it's bad news from Houston
Half my friends are dying
Well, it's bad news from Houston
Half my friends are dying

Ah, Lord, I'm gonna ramble
'Til I get back to where I came
Ah, Lord, I'm gonna ramble
'Til I get back to where I came

I'm goin' out on the highway
Listen to them big trucks whine
I'm goin' out on the highway
Listen to them big trucks whine

Verse:

IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
V	IV	I	I

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White House Blues

—Charlie Poole

McKinley hollered, McKinley squalled
Doc said, "McKinley I can't find the cause
You're bound to die, you're bound to die"

Doc told the horse, he'd throw down his rein
He said to the horse, "You gotta outrun the train
From Buffalo to Washington"

The Doc came a-running, he took off his specs
He said, "Mr. McKinley better cash in your checks
You're bound to die, you're bound to die"

Look here, you rascal, see what you've done
Shot down my husband with your lver-Johnson gun
Carry me back to Washington

Well, Roosevelt's in the White house, he's doing his best
McKinley's in the graveyard taking his rest
He's gone, he's gone

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	IV	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Who Will Sing for Me?

Oft I sing for my friends
When death's cold form I see
When I reach my journey's end
Who will sing for me

Chorus:
I wonder (I wonder) who
Will sing (will sing) for me
When I come to the cross on that silent sea
Who will sing for me

When crowds shall gather round
And look down on me
Will they turn and walk away
Or will they sing one song for me

Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

V	V	I	I
V	V	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Whoa Mule, Whoa

(Chorus:)
Whoa, mule, whoa mule I say
Keep your seat, Miss Liza Jane Hold right to the sleigh

I went up on the mountain to get me a sack of corn
Raccoon set his dog on me and the possum blowed his horn

Whoa, whoa mule I holler
Tie a knot in that mule's tail and he'll go through the collar

Went up on the mountain, give my horn a blow
Thought I heard some pretty girl say, yonder come my beau

I would not marry a tall slim gal, tell you the reason why
He r neck's so long and stringy I'm afraid she'd never die

I went to kiss my gal last night, I thought I would do it sneakin'
I missed her mouth and hit her nose and the doggone thing was leakin'

A peanut sitting on a railroad track, his heart was all a—flutter
Around the curve come a passenger train, toot toot —peanut butter!

Chorus and Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	IV	V	I

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Why You Been Gone So Long

Well every time it rains Lord I run to my window
All I do is wring my hands and mourn
Well listen to that thunder roar
Can't you hear that lonesome wind moan
Tell me baby now why you been gone so long

Chorus:
Tell me baby now why you been gone so long
You been gone so long now
Tell me baby now why you been gone so long
Wolfs scratchin at my door lord Lord
I can hear that lonesome wind blow
Tell me baby now why you been gone so long

Well someone said they thought they saw you rollin down in Reno
With a big ol man from San Antone
They tell me I'm a fool to pine for you oh what do they know
Tell me baby now why you been gone so long

Ain't nothin I want to do lord
So I guess I could get stoned
And let the past paint pictures in my head
Drink a fifth of thunderbird and try to write a sad sad song
Tell my baby now why you been gone so long

Chorus and Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	IV	IV
I	I	IV	I
I	V	I	I

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Wicked Path of Sin

—Stoney Cooper & Wilma Lee

In this awful world of sorrow
On this wicked path of sin
Never thinking of tomorrow
Or what I'd lose in the end

Chorus:
Oh I can hear (oh I can hear) the joy bells ringing
Where my friends (where my friends) and loved ones wait
Oh I can hear the angels singing (sweet singing)
Just inside (just inside) those pearly gates

I can hear my savior calling
Saying come unto me
Wash away your sins forever
And you shall rest eternally

Now I'm safe with my Jesus
He will guide me on my way
I will sing His praise forever
We'll meet in heaven some sweet day

Verse:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
I	I	V	V
IV	IV	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Wild Bill Jones

—Stanley Bros, but originally Dock Boggs

As I went down for to take a little walk
I came upon that Wild Bill Jones
He was a walking and a talking by my true lover's side
And I bid him to leave her alone

He said my age is twenty—one
Too old to be controlled
I pulled my revolver from my side
And I destroyed that poor boy's soul

He reeled and he staggered, and he fell to the ground
And then he gave one dying moan
He wrapped his arms around my little girl's neck
Saying honey won't you take me home

So put them handcuffs on me boys
And lead me to that freight car gate
I have no friends or relations there
No—one for to go my bail

So pass around that old long necked bottle
And we'll all go on a spree
For today was the last of that Wild Bill Jones
And tomorrow will be the last of me

They sent me to prison for twenty long years
This poor boy longs to be free
But Wild Bill Jones and that long—necked bottle
Have been the ruin of me

|: I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I :|

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Wildwood Flower

—The Carter Family

Oh, I'll twine with my mingles and waving black hair
With the roses so red and the lilies so fair
And the myrtle so bright with the emerald hue
The pale and the leader and eyes look like blue

Oh I'll dance, I will sing and my laugh shall be gay
I will charm every heart, in his crown I will sway
When I woke from my dreaming, my idol was clay
All portion of love had all flown away

Oh he taught me to love him and promised to love
And to cherish me over all others above
How my heart is now wond'ring no mis'ry can tell
He's left me no warning, no words of farewell

Oh, he taught me to love him and called me his flower
That was blooming to cheer him through life's dreary hour
Oh, I long to see him and regret the dark hour
He's gone and neglected this pale wildwood flower

Verse:

I	I	V	I
I	I	V	I
I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

Will the Circle Be Unbroken

I was standing by the window
On a cold and cloudy day
When I saw the hearse come rolling
To carry my mother away

Will the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye Lord bye and bye
There's a better home a waiting
In the sky Lord in the sky

I said to the undertaker
Undertaker please drive slow
For that body you are carryin
Lord I hate to see her go

Well I followed close behind her
Tried to hold up and be brave
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in that grave

I went back home Lord that home was lonesome
Since my mother, she was gone
All my brothers and sisters crying
What a home so sad and alone

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	I	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Will You Be Lovin Another Man

—Lester Flatt

Now will you love me little darling
When I'm in some other land
When you know I can't be with you
Will you be loving another man?

Chorus:
Will you be loving another man?
Will you be loving another man?
When I return, will you be waiting
Or will you be loving another man?

Now don't come crying on my shoulders
Telling me love is grand
Then when I'm out of sight here
You'll be loving another man

Now if I find this to be true dear
I want you to please understand
When I've turned don't say you're sorry
Just keep on loving the other man

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

Worried Man Blues

Chorus:
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song (X3)
I'm worried now but I won't be worried long

I went across the river and I laid down to sleep (X3)
When I woke up, there were shackles on my feet

Twenty one links of chain around my leg (X3)
And on each link, the initials of my name

I asked the judge what's gonna be my fine (X3)
Twenty one years on the Rocky Mountain Line

If anyone should ask you who composed this song (X3)
Say it was me and I sing it all day long

Chorus and Verse:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	IV	I
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

You Ain't Goin' Nowhere

—Bob Dylan

Clouds so swift, Rain won't lift
Gate won't close, Railings froze
Get your mind off wintertime
You ain't goin' nowhere

Chorus:
Whoo-ee! Ride me high
Tomorrow's the day
My bride's gonna come
Oh, oh, are we gonna fly
Down in the easy chair!

I don't care, How many letters they sent
Morning came and morning went
Pick up your money, And pack up your tent
You ain't goin' nowhere

Buy me a flute, And a gun that shoots
Tailgates and substitutes,
Strap yourself, To the tree with roots
You ain't goin' nowhere

Genghis Khan, He could not keep
All his kings, Supplied with sleep
We'll climb that hill no matter how steep
When we get up to it

Chorus and Verse:

|: I	IIm	IV	I
I	IIm	IV	I :|

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You Are My Sunshine

—Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell

The other night dear, as I lay sleeping,
I dreamed I held you in my arms,
but when I woke dear, I was mistaken,
and I hung my head and cried.

Chorus:
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
you make me happy when skies are gray
you'll never know dear, how much I love you,
please don't take my sunshine away.

I'll always love you and make you happy
if you will only say the same
but if you leave me to love another
you'll regret it all some day

You told me once dear you really loved me
that no one else could come between
but now you've left me and love another
you have shattered all my dreams.

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	I	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

You Let the Dog Off the Chain

—Junior Sisk

From what I hear there's somebody talkin,'
About our broken love affair‚
Somebody better go and try to tell them,
That they might not want ever to go there‚

Chorus:
You wouldn't listen to reason,
I tried to save you all this pain‚
I'm glad to let you go; but I just want you to know,
You let the dog off the chain‚

I'm hearin' through the grapevine your not happy,
And the man your with is treatin' you bad‚
Well you should have thought about that before you left me,
And your wishin' you were with the one you had‚

Could it be your just mad because I don't miss you,
And you thought by now I wanted you home‚
Well I hope you work it out; I ain't doin' here without,
But thanks a lot for throwin' me a bone.

Verse:

I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I

Chorus:

V	V	I	I
II	II	V	V
I	I	I	IV
V	V	I	I

Back To Index

You Rascal You

—Sam Theard 1931

I'll be glad when you dead, you rascal, you! (X2)
When you dead in your grave,
No more women will you crave.
I'll be glad when you dead, you rascal, you!

I'll be…
When they bury you six feet deep
No more fried chicken can you eat,

I'll be…
I trust you in my home,
You wouldn't leave my wife alone.

I'll be…
I fed you since last fall,
Then you got your ashes hauled.

I'll be…
You asked my wife to wash your clothes
And something else I suppose.

I'll be…
Ain't gonna be tears in nobody's eyes
When they drag your sorry butt by,

additional verses include:

You asked my wife for a meal,
And something else you tried to steal.

You done messed with my wife,
And I'm gonna take your life.

You know you done me wrong,
You done stole my wife and gone.

Please don't let me find you
'Cause you'll leave this world behind you.

I'm gonna kill you just for fun;
The buzzards gonna have you when I'm done.

Ain't no use to run,
I done bought a Gatling gun,

Verse:

I	V	I	I
I	I	V	V
I	I7	IV	IV
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

You Waited Too Long

—Washboard Sam

Too long, you waited too long to come home
Now your daddy can't use you no more
Too long, you waited too long to come home
And that is all I can stand

Bridge:
It was late last night, about half past nine
You was in a bad tavern drinkin' bad red wine
Too long, you waited too long to come home
Now your daddy can't use you no more

Too long, you waited too long to come home
Now your daddy can't use you no more
Too long, you waited too long to come home
And this is all I got to say

Bridge:
Now I begged you baby, both night and day
Stop your sinnin' quit your lowdown ways
Too long, you waited to long to come home
Now your daddy can't use you no more

Verse:

I	I	I	VI
II	V	I	V
I	I	I	VI
II	V	V	V

Bridge:

I	I7	IV	IV7
I	I	I	VI
II	V-I	I	I

Back To Index

You're Still On My Mind

—Jeff Daniels 1959

The jukebox is playin' a honky—tonk song
One more, I keep sayin', and then I'll go home
What good will it do me, I know what I'll find
An empty bottle, a broken heart and you're still on my mind

The people are dancin' and havin' their fun
And I sit here thinkin' about what you have done
To try and forget you, I've turned to the wine
An empty bottle, a broken heart and you're still on my mind

Alone and forsaken, so blue I could cry
I just sit here drinkin' till the bottle runs dry
What good will it do me, I know what I'll find
An empty bottle, a broken heart and you're still on my mind

Verse:

I	I	IV	IV
V	V	I	I
I	I	IV	IV
V	V	V	I

Back To Index

You'll Find Her Name Written There

—Harold Hensley

No more no more she'll walk this earth
Her face like a beautiful flower
But all alone is a marble stone
You'll find her name written there

A new voice rings where the angel sings
A voice so pure and so fair
And if you look in the heavenly book
You'll find her name written there

I'm all alone since the call of fate
Left me in the deepest despair
And if you'll wait at the pearly gates
You'll find her name written there

I breathe her name into the air
It goes and I know not where
But if you look to the heart of a friend
You'll find her name written there

Verse*:

I	VII	I	I
I	VII	V	V
I	VII	I	IV
I	V	I	I

*Monroe modulates last verse up a full step

Back To Index

Your Love Is Like A Flower

It was long, long ago in the moonlight
We were sitting on the banks of the stream
When you whispered so sweetly, I love you
As the waters murmured a tune

Chorus:
Oh they tell me your love is like a flower
In the springtime blossoms so fair
In the fall then they wither away dear
And they tell me that's the way of your love

I remember the night, little darling
We were talking of days gone by
When you told me you always would love me
That for me your love would never die

It was spring when you whispered these words dear
The flowers were all blooming so fair
But today as the snow falls around us
I can see that your love is not there

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