Bill Monroe Songs & Charts

A-I
1. A Voice from on High
2. Along about Daybreak
3. Baptize Me in the Cumberland River
4. Big Ball in Brooklyn
5. Blue Moon of Kentucky
6. Can't You Hear Me Callin'
7. Cheap Love Affair
8. Close By
9. Come Back to Me in My Dreams
10. Country Waltz
11. Dark as the Night, Blue as the Day
12. Don't Put Off 'Til Tomorrow
13. Flowers of Love
14. Get Down on Your Knees and Pray
15. He'll Take You In
16. Heavy Traffic Ahead
17. Highway of Sorrow
18. I Believed in You Darling
19. I Hear a Sweet Voice Calling
20. I Hope You Have Learned
21. I Want to Go with You
22. I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome
23. I'm Coming Back But I Don't Know When
24. I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky
25. I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky
26. I'm On My Way to the Old Home
27. I'm Travelin' On and On
28. In Despair
29. It's Mighty Dark to Travel

J-R
1. Just a Song of Old Kentucky
2. Kentucky Waltz
3. Legend of the Blue Ridge Mountains
4. Let the Gates Swing Wide
5. Letter from My Darling
6. Little Red Shoes
7. Lord, Protect My Soul
8. Mansions for Me
9. Mary Jane Won't You Be Mine
10. Memories of Mother and Dad
11. Memories of You
12. Mothers Only Sleeping
13. Music Valley Waltz
14. My Dying Bed
15. My Florida Sunshine
16. My Last Moving Day
17. My Last Old Dollar
18. My Little Georgia Rose
19. My Long Journey Home
20. My Louisiana Love
21. My Old Kentucky And You
22. My Rose Of Old Kentucky
23. My Savior's Train
24. My Sweet Blue-Eyed Darling
25. My Sweet Memory
26. New John Henry Blues
27. No One But My Darlin'
28. No Place To Pillow My Head
29. Old Riverman
30. On And On
31. On The Old Kentucky Shore
32. Pretty Fair Maiden In The Garden
33. River Of Death
34. Roane County Prison
35. Rocky Road Blues

S-Z
1. Sally-Jo
2. She's Young and I'm Growing Old
3. Shine, Hallelujah, Shine
4. Shining Path
5. Sitting Alone in the Moonlight
6. Six Feet Under the Ground
7. Six Months Ain't Long
8. Stay Away From Me
9. Summertime Is Past and Gone
10. Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong
11. That Home Above
12. The Bluest Man in Town
13. The First Whippoorwill
14. The Old Cross Road
15. The One I Love Is Gone
16. The Sunset Trail
17. Toy Heart
18. True Life Blues
19. Uncle Pen
20. Used to Be (I'm Just a)
21. What Would You Give in Exchange, Part 2
22. What Would You Give in Exchange, Part 3
23. What Would You Give in Exchange, Part 4
24. When The Golden Leaves Begin To Fall
25. Why Did You Say Goodbye
26. Wishing Waltz
27. You Live In A World All Your Own

A Voice From On High

—with Bessie Lee Maudlin

Chorus:
I hear a voice callin' it must be our Lord
It's comin' from heaven on high
I hear a voice callin' I'll gain the reward
In the land where we shall never shall die

The Savior has paid a great price for me
He gave His life on Calvary
So I'll follow his footsteps up the narrow way
And be ready to meet Him when He calls on that day

He died on the cross, the old rugged cross
That we would be saved from sin and not lost
So I'll follow His footsteps up the narrow way
And we'll pay that debt on the great judgement day

3/4

Chorus:

I	I	IV-I	I	I	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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Along About Daybreak

When we were young and we thought we loved each other
But you didn't love me I guess
For you've gone and you've found another
Everything to you is regret

Chorus:
This morning along about daybreak
You quarreled at me the whole night through
I know it's not too late for your sake dear
But for me I will always be blue

Oh I'm weary my darling weary
Just to know your love's gone cold
For without you life will be so dreary
We'll need each other when we grow old

Oh sweetheart be good to our babies
And I want you to teach them to pray
Tell them to say a little prayer for their daddy
Where he will be no one can say

3/4

Verse:

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

Chorus:

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

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Baptize Me in the Cumberland River

Baptize me in the Cumberland River
Let old Satan look at me
Brother Johnny let me down quickly
for the Lord is calling me.

Chorus:
Oh praise the Lord, glory hallilueah
The Heavenly lights are shining on me.
Baptize me in the Cumberland River
wash my sins out to the sea.

Standing by the old Cumberland River
My friend on earth is harmony
and I walk out into deep water
and I go down she's praying for me.

Lord I want to walk in your footsteps
I'm gonna stand close by your side.
While here on earth I'll be your helper.
The truth I'll tell and never lie.

Verse and Chorus :

IV	I	V	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

Little glass of sherry little glass of wine
Let's have a party let's have a time.

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

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

Look at all the pretty girls walking down the street
Kicking up their heels they're happy on their feet

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

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Blue Moon of Kentucky

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

Tag:
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	I-I7

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

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Can't You Hear Me Calling

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

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Cheap Love Affair

—with Chuck Carson

Chorus:
Don't go so far away love, try to stay around
For losing you would be more than I could bear
Though I'm tied to another, I hope someday she'll set me free
For I don't want a cheap love affair

I knew we loved each other the night that we first met
It just happened there was nothing we could do
Let me stay with my children 'til they can understand
That I love them and they'll know I love you too

So darling please forgive me don't give me all the blame
Though'I know that it doesn't seem so fair
When I'm free I'll make you happy if you'll only wait for me
But I don't want a cheap love affair

3/4

Chorus and Verse:

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

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Close By

—with Robert Van Winkle

You've gone so far away, my darling
Each time I think of you I cry
I press your picture to my bosom
Then I feel that you're close by

Years have passed you've not returned dear
Now they say that you have died
But your soul will live forever
Now I know you'll be close by

I saw you last while you were leaving
The tears from you I tried to hide
You took me in your arms and said dear
Your memory I keep close by

They buried you in a lonely graveyard
And a spot they left beside
There I'll sleep 'till Jesus calls us
So that we can be close by

Verse:

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

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Come Back To Me In My Dreams

When the bright moon shines up in Heaven
And the beautiful stars are a'gleam
It seems that you are so near me
But yet it is only a dream

Chorus:
Come back to me in my dreams love
Come back to me in sweet dreams
I'm heartbroke I'm sad and I'm weary
Come back to me in my dreams

Oh, I'm sending a prayer up to Heaven
On a beautiful cloud you see
So you will know that I want you
In my beautiful dreams with me

Oh I know I shall never more see you
Till we meet in Heaven it seems
But I hold you close to my heart love
In my beautiful memories and dreams

3/4

Verse:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

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Country Waltz

In the longest night
When the moon was shinin"bright
We danced to a country melody
We were young and then we had many friends
So we gathered and danced the country waltz

The fiddle played on the couples danced free
The wind whispered this tune to me
In the wonderful days at that old wood mill
Were the days that we danced the country waltz

3/4

A:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

B:

IV	I	II	V
I	IV	I-V	I

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Dark As The Night, Blue As The Day

Dark as the night and blue as the day
I'm lonesome my darling since you went away
Sometimes I wonder what made you stray
Dark as the night and blue as the day.

Blue as the sky there's blues in my heart
It's dark outside since we've been apart
Oh tell me please tell me why you betray
Dark as the night I'm blue as the day.

Verse:

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

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

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Don't Put Off 'Til Tomorrow

—with Pete Pyle

You have no doubt in your mind
There's a heaven up above
And you mean to change before the end
But you hold onto treasures
You possessed here on earth
Feasting your soul on sin

Chorus:
Don't put off 'til tomorrow
What you can do today
For tomorrow may be too late
Sinner give your heart to Jesus
Won't you kneel down and pray
For tomorrow may be too late

You say you'll change tomorrow
but tomorrow never comes
These words you keep repeating everyday

How sad will be the story
when you're laid in your grave
In torment forever you will pay

There's a wreck on the highway
there's blood on the road
That lifeless body lies cold

They'll never know Jesus
they've waited too long
They'll never live in that heavenly fold

Verse and Chorus:

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

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Flowers Of Love

Those pretty wild flowers I love them so well
The flowers know secrets that I'll never tell
I go out to pick a bouquet of all
And bring them all in before the leaves start to fall

Chorus:
When the leaves start to fall and the flowers have died
If only little darling I could be by your side
Tho' it breaks my heart to hear your name
Soon the wild flowers will bloom again in the spring

I wish I could see her and talk of our love
And of all the pretty flowers sent here from above
Oh maybe I'll see her in Heaven someday
And pick pretty flowers as we go on our way

The memories of you dear I'll never erase
There'll never be another that can take your place
I'll still keep our secret with the flowers of love
And we'll pick them together in Heaven above

3/4

Verse and Chorus:

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

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Get Down On Your Knees and Pray

Oh, my brother
Can't you hear me say
Oh, my brother
You better get down on your knees and pray

Chorus:
1st voice: Get down
2nd voice: Get down
3rd voice: Get down
4th voice: Get down
Get down on your knees and pray
(chorus repeat up to the IV)

Oh, my sister
Can't you hear me say
Oh, my sister
You better get down on your knees and pray

Verse:

|: I	I	I	I
I	I	I	I :|

Chorus:

I	I	I	I
IV	IV	IV	IV-I

(counts are approximate!)

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He'll Take You In

Let not your heart be troubled for He will take you in
His invitation stand forever more
He's right there where you left Him to take you by the hand
And lead you to that everlasting shore

Chorus:
He'll take you in (He'll take you in) and give you shelter from the storm
He'll take you in (He'll take you in) and there your mortal life transform
How can you be so down and out you should jump right up and shout
He'll take you in (He'll take you in) He'll take you in

Let not your soul be weary for He will strengthen you
Even in the weakest times you'll find
Him reaching out his arms to lift you up again
You know He'll take you in every time

You'll be walking on the water with your feet on hallowed ground
If you have the faith to follow in His will
You'll be one with the Spirit the Father and the Son
He'll deliver you sanctified and sealed

Verse:

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

Chorus:

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

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Heavy Traffic Ahead

On Saturday night when our work is done
We load our music up on the run

Refrains:
Heavy traffic ahead, heavy traffic ahead
We got to ramble ramble there's heavy traffic ahead

We pull out of Nashville right on time
The Blue Grass Special heads down the line

We traveled around from state to state
The Bluegrass Boys are never late

Late in the evening about sundown
You know we've come from some other town

We do our work with a good will
On Friday night we head for Nashville

Verse:

I

I

I

I

Refrain:

IV	IV	I	I
V	V	V-I	I

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Highway of Sorrow

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

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I Believed In You Darling

Oh you said that you loved me, that your heart would be true
But now you've gone and left me, I'm so blue
I believed in you darling that your heart would be true
But now you've gone and left me, I'm so blue

Chorus:
Our vows have been broken, you have proven untrue
Another has my sweetheart and the love that I once knew
I believed in you darling that your heart would be true
But now you've gone and left me I'm so blue

Oh the nights are so lonely, dreams of you haunt me so
What's happened little darling I don't know
I believed in you darling that your heart would be true
But now you've gone and left me I'm so blue

3/4

Verse:

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

Chorus:

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

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I Hear A Sweet Voice Calling

Our little girl taken sick one evening
As she walked home from school
And in her death bed soon bring her
It made us so sad and so blue

Then she called me close to her bedside
And whispered these words soft and low,
 Tell Mommy to come to me quickly,
I want to kiss you both then go

Chorus:
I hear a sweet voice calling
Way up in heaven on high
God has made room for you daughter,
Oh Mommy and Daddy don't cry

Take care of my little brother
Tell him I've gone to rest
I know his little heart is broken
He's all that you have left

Then she closed her eyes forever
Never to see us no more
Until we meet our darling
On that bright and peaceful shore

3/4

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
IV	I	I-V	I

Chorus:

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

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I Hope You've Learned

I've been away for just a year
Have you forgotten me my dear
The judge said I must pay the cost
I never knew how much I lost

Chorus:
Until they send me far away
Where each minute seems a day
But maybe someday I'll be free
Will you be waiting there for me

I'm in this cell because of you
The crime I did you drove me too
My jealous heart just could not stand
To see you with another man

I hope someday that you will learn
And broken hearted you return
But listen darlin'please don't wait
For maybe then will be too late

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I	I	V	I

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I Want to Go With You

I'm beggin'to you and I want to go with you
You're breakin'my heart as you say goodbye
I hope and I pray we'll soon be together
My heart is so full It's hard not to cry

What will I do when the leaves start fallin
The far distant hill will make me feel blue
So the flowers will die, dont't let love die with them
And with you gone, dear what will I do

Your sweet ruby lips and hair like an angel
And your mournful eyes, they keep haunting me
But to know that you're mine, it makes life worth living
Oh the times gone by are sweet memories

I'm trustin'in you but each hour seems longer
I'm counting the days when I'll be with you
Our hearts are entwined, their place with the future
A safe journey home I'm waiting for you

3/4

Verse:

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

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I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome

—with Hank Williams

The lonesome sound 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 suitcase* and go *alt: troubles
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

Verse:

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

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I'm Going Back To Old Kentucky

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

When I 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 she is is a beauty
Those pretty brown eyes I love so well
I'm a-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

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I'm Old Kentucky Bound

Somewhere among the hills of old Kentucky
There's two old folks I love with all my heart
They're praying for their boyS to come back safely
And never no more from them depart

Chorus:
There's a little sweetheart waiting for her darling
With her heart all filled with love divine
I long to hold her in my arms and kiss her
So tonight I'm old Kentucky bound

In summer when the birds are singing sweetly
And pretty flowers blooming all around
I love to climb that dear old rocky mountain
So tonight I'm old Kentucky bound

I'll soon be with the ones I love so dearly
Oh, how I wish I had them with me now
They'll greet me when I reach that little cabin
For tonight I'm old Kentucky bound

Verse:

I	V	V	I
I	V	V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I	V	V	I

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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:

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

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I'm Travelin' On and On

Oh, I was lost in the darkness and I wandered astray
With no one to help me along on my way
Until I heard Jesus callin', sayin' come unto me
And I'm travelin' on and on

Chorus:
Oh Lord, I'm travelin' on by the help of my Savior
I can never astray for Jesus leads the way
And my loved one's awaitin' at the end of my journey, my journey
Oh Lord, I'm travelin' on and on

Oh, I could hear Jesus callin' and His voice sounds so sweet
And I knew that the time would come to me that He'd speak
But these trials are over for He bid me, come home
Now I'm travelin' on and on

Oh, the Lord is my savior I will walk with Him each day
He will help and protect me to the end of the way
My journey soon will be over and I'll join a happy band
Now I'm travelin' on and on

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	II
I	I…	…I-V	I

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I'm Coming Back But I Don't Know When

Chorus:
I'm going down this lonesome road
To see my fate or victory
God must help us there to win
I'm coming back but I don't know when

I hate to leave my mother dear
My father who is old and gray
But my true love I know you'll wait
For me to come back to me to stay

Will you be here when I come home
Or will your love fade like a rose
I could never come back should you be gone
My love for you nobody knows

Chorus and Verse:

I	IV	V	I
I	IV	V	I

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In Despair

You made me love you, you made me want you
And now I need you all the time
My heart is sad and I'm so lonely
Each night and day you're on my mind

Chorus:
You broke me heart my little darling
When I called for you, you had another there
But a broken heart will keep on crying
I know you know, I'm in despair

You made me forget of all the others
You made me forget of all the past
And I thought sweetheart you really loved me
My friends told me it would never last

Verse:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	I-V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
IV	I	I-V	I

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It's Mighty Dark To Travel

Chorus:
It's mighty dark for me to travel
For my sweetheart she is gone
The road is rough and filled with gravel
But I must journey on and on

To me she was a little angel
Sent down to me from God above
And on the day that I first met her
Then I told her of my love

Many a night we strolled together
Talking of our love so fair
My love for her will never vanish
Oh I know I'll meet her there

Traveling down this lonesome highway
Thinking of my love who's gone
Knowing soon we'll be together
She's the only love I've known

Verse:

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

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Just a Song of Old Kentucky

Just a song of old Kentucky
Seems to linger in my memory
Await at home in old Kentucky
And a happy day that used to be

Songbirds up in the heavens
Sang this melody
Await at home in old Kentucky
And a happy day that used to be

3/4

Verse:

I	IV	V	I-V
I	IV	V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I	IV	V	I

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Kentucky Waltz

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

3/4
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

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Legend of the Blue Ridge Mountains

There's a legend in the Blue Ridge Mountains
All the mountain folks say it is true
Of a young girl nearly every evening
Walked along the river dressed in blue.

She was on her way to meet her lover
In a lonely secret rendezvous
It was a fatal error that evening
For the young girl always dressed in blue.

Chorus (after 2 verses):
The legend of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Will live forever so they say
And every evening about sundown
She leaves her cold, cold water grave

Some say she left with her lover
Others say the river took her life
Is she now in the cold, cold river
Or is she now her lover's wife

As the legend goes that every evening
When the evening sun is sinking low
The girl in blue still meets her lover
As she did a hundred years ago

Verse:

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

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I-V	I	V	I

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Let the Gates Swing Wide

We go to church on Sunday morning
With mother and dad to hear the Gospel ring
On an old dirt road in a wagon we travel
Those memories they still remain

Chorus:
I'm comin'home, oh Lord I'm comin
For my soul has been set free
All through my life I've been a sinner
But let the gates swing wide for me

Back in the hills of old Kentucky
Where as a boy I was grown
And bluegrass music belongs to America
And praise the Lord, I'm comin'home

All through the years I've sung the Gospel
The Lord has blessed me many ways
I often think back to my childhood
While here on earth I'll sing His praise

Chorus and Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

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Letter From My Darlin

I can't answer her letter
For she left me no address
You should know my little darling
You left my poor heart in distress

Chorus:
I got a letter from my darling
She said she hated to go
It broke my heart the words she wrote me
She closed by saying I love you so

She wrote the words she knew would hurt me
She said I never could be true
I've tried I've tried my little darling
To prove my love was just for you

This letter meant goodbye forever
Though we'll have each other's hearts
Our love will fade away in sadness
Precious one why did we have to part

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

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Little Red Shoes

Where did you get them pretty little shoes
That you wear so fine
Got my shoes from a railroad man
Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo

Who's gonna kiss your red rosy cheeks
Who's gonna glove your little hand
Who's a gonna shoe your pretty little feet
Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo

Brother's gonna kiss my red rosy cheeks
Mama's gonna glove my little hand
Papa's gonna shoe my pretty little feet
Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo

Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo

3/4

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

 

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Lord Protect My Soul

Down life's highway alone I trod
I've always put my trust in God
But you'll find out that your silver and gold
Won't pay the price to protect your soul

Chorus:
Oh I want the Lord to protect my soul
To lead me on to heaven's door
My life down here will soon be o'er
And I want the Lord to protect my soul

There's many a church down life's highway
Where people sing rejoice and pray
Why don't you stop at one and join the fold
And ask the Lord to protect your soul

When this ol'world is doomed in sin
You'll cry oh Lord please let me
It'll be to late to make your call
To ask the lord to protect my soul

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

Mansions For Me

There's folks building homes as sweet as can be
They're leveling their yards they're planting their trees
But my little hut I'll just let it be
For Jesus is building a mansion for me

Chorus:
Mansion for me (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
For Jesus is building a mansion for me

Each day I am getting more ready to go
I'm cleansing my sins more whiter than snow
I'm packing my troubles bound with his love
Getting ready to move to heaven above

To you who have homes in this world below
Driving fine cars wherever you roam
There's coming a time when we'll all pass away
Get ready to move with me on that day

3/4

Verse:

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

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Mary Jane Won't You Be Mine

My little sweetheart of the mountains
with hair as red as any flower
And her lips as sweet as honey
She shines like the morning star

Chorus:
Meet me out in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Come and meet at the lonesome pine
We'll settle down up there forever
Mary Jane, won't you be mine?

I'm going back to North Carolina
Where the mountains are so blue
Mary Jane you know I love you
And I'm coming back for you

Verse and Chorus :

I	I	IV	I
I	I	I-V	I

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Memories Of Mother And Dad

Mother left this world of sorrow
Our home was silent and so sad
Dad took sick and had to leave us
I have no home No mother nor dad

Chorus:
There's a little lonesome grave yard
On these tomestones it did say
On mother's  gone but not forgotten
On dad's  we'll meet again someday

I often go out to the graveyard
Where they laided them down to rest
I can almost hear them whisper
Trust in god He'll do the rest

Their souls have gone up to heaven
Where they'll dwell with god above
Where they'll meet there friends and loved ones
And share with all his precious love

Verse:

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

Chorus:

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

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Memories of You

Chorus:
Memories of you, sweetheart, still haunt me so
Everytime I hear your name I almost cry
But, there's just one thing that I want you to know
I'll love you till the day I die

Oh, we let other people tear us apart
And for no good cause you see
But, I hope and pray you'll be mine someday
We'll live and love each other, you and me

So if you go, don't say goodbye
For you know just what you will cause
Don't leave me here to face this lonesome world
For without you I'm the one that is lost

3/4

Chorus and Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

 

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Mother's Only Sleeping

Well I left my old home way back in the mountains
For mother and father had both passed away
We followed our mother up to the graveyard
For mother was called to heaven that day

Chorus:
Mothers not dead, she's only a sleeping
Just patiently waiting for Jesus to come
The birds will be singing while Mother is sleeping
They will sing o'er as the grave sinks away

Oh how we miss her around the old home place
Everything seems so lonesome since she went away
Mother is sleeping way back the mountains
Yes mother is sleeping way back in the hills

3/4

Verse and Chorus:

I	V	V	I
I	V	V	I

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Music Valley Waltz

—with John Hartford

The fiddle's a playin'the Music Valley Waltz
The banjos are playin'it too
True lovers are dancin'the Music Valley Waltz
Sweetheart may I have a dance with you

Chorus:
Soon you'll believe and I will remain
with a memory of love I have lost
It's a wonderful band, won't you give me your hand
For a dance to the Music Valley Waltz

3/4

Verse:

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

Chorus:

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

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My Dying Bed

Our love first started from childhood days
And parting brought me pain
I'd live for you and no other one
Sin would not have been to blame

Chorus:
I know I'm on my dying bed
I beg you to kneel down and pray
With love from you and the help of God
May save my soul today

If I die this way my soul will be lost
I hear old Satan calling me
It sound so different from God I know
Oh, Lord, please set me free

My friends were here and prayed for me
The lights are fading low
My heart feels light and my sould is not doomed
Dear God, I'm ready to go

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

Back To Index

My Florida Sunshine

Chorus:
Way down in the state of Florida Florida,
Where the old Swannee River flows
Where my sunshine is waiting for me (for me)
Way down where the orange tree grows

In my mind I can see the palm trees waiving
While the moon is shinin' so bright
I know she loved me, and her heart was breaking,
The night we said goodbye

I wanna go back to see my darling
And I wonder if she's still free
To me she's dear and sweet as honey,
And will she be waiting for me?

Tag:
Way down where the orange tree grows

3/4

Chorus:

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

Verse:

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

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My Last Moving Day

—Monroe Brothers

I've been travelin'  for Jesus so much of my time
I've traveled on land and on sea
But I'm counting on taking a trip to the sky
That'll be the last moving for me

I've seen wonderful sights since I've traveled afar
How little they all will seem
When I move to the sky, that city of gold,
And behold what a vision could dream

Chorus:
When I move to the sky up in heaven so high
What a wonderful trip that will be
I'm ready to go washed in Calvary's white snow
That'll be the last moving for me

The province a home while I meet over there (?)
And the visions have guided me right
I will meet the Apostles and Jesus my Lord
I believe I will know them at sight

Here I'm bothered with packing each time that I move
And carry a load in each hand,
But I'll not need one thing that I've used in this world
When I move to that heavenly land.

Everything that I need will be furnished up there
Not even my songbook I'll bring
Or the precious old Bible that showed me the way
I'll not need when I stand by my King.

Verse and Chorus:

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

 

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My Last Old Dollar

I wrote to my girl last night
I wrote to my girl last night
I wrote to my girl that I was comin' home
But my last old dollar is done gone

Chorus:
Oh my last old dollar is done gone
Oh my last old dollar is done gone
Now how can a poor boy get back home
When his last old dollar is done gone

I've drank and I've rambled around
I've drank and I've rambled around
Now the time has come when I wanna go home
But my last old dollar is done gone

Now the east bound train is done run
Now the east bound train is done run
Now that train is done run and left me all alone
Cause my last old dollar is done gone

Verse and Chorus:

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

 

Back To Index

My Little Georgia Rose

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

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My 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

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My Louisiana Love

(pronounced "loo-zi-a-na")

Somewhere down the line you'll say you love me
And that's what I want to hear you say
In the state of Louisiana I lost my heart (?)
Say you love me before I go away

Chorus:
Oh the Louisiana moon is shining so bright
From way up in heaven above
In the state of Louisiana I lost my heart
She'll always be my Louisiana love

3/4

Verse:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Back To Index

My Old Kentucky and You

There's a bluegrass girl a-waiting
In the state of Old K.Y.
Way up in the mountains
Where the tall pines touch the sky
Her hair is like the autumn
And her eyes are heavenly blue
I'm coming back to see you
My Old Kentucky and you

Chorus:
She's the jewel of all the bluegrass girls
A diamond in the rough
Sparkles with love that's just for me
I can't see her enough
Her hair is like the autumn
And her eyes are heavenly blue
I'm coming back to see you
My Old Kentucky and you

In the hills of old Kentucky
Where the bluegrass grows so sweet
A scene from heaven here on earth
Where an angel waits for me
Her lips are sweet as honey
And moist as the morning dew
I'm coming back to see you
My Old Kentucky and You

Chorus 2:
She's the jewel of all the bluegrass girls
A diamond in the rough
Sparkles with love that's just for me
I can't see her enough
Her lips are sweet as honey
And moist as the morning dew
I'm coming back to see you
My Old Kentucky and you

Tag: My Old Kentucky and you

Verse:

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

Chorus:

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

Back To Index

My Rose of Old Kentucky

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 rolled by
And to me there'll never be another
I'll love her till 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

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My Savior's Train

—Monroe Brothers

Since my sins have been forgiven, I'll be on my journey home
I m riding on my Savior's train
He is giving transportation__, I'll go home with Him to reign
I m riding on my Savior's train

Chorus:
I'm riding on my Savior's train
I'm homeward bound, where I'll be crowned
When this train arrives in Heaven, there with Christ I will remain
I'm riding on my Savior's train

I have left all sinful pleasure, and engaged in songs and prayer___
Since Jesus came and paid my fare
Now I'm safely riding homeward there where Christ will ever reign
I m riding on my Savior's train

I shall not refuse a ticket who will leave all sin and shame
To save on love my Savior's train
Sinner if you cannot ride this train, you are the one to blame
I m riding on my Savior's train

II'm riding on my Savior's train
I'm homeward bound, where I'll be crowned

Verse:

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

Chorus:

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

Back To Index

My Sweet Blue-Eyed Darling

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

Chorus:

I	I7	IV	I
II	II	V	V

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My Sweet Memory

The lilys are blooming, that you said to me
That's why I know you was with me (?)
If something calls out yonder and you have to leave
I'll still have your sweet memory

Chorus:
You gave me somethin' time can't take from me
A light that guides me when it's dark and I can't see
When I'm cold a hand to hold will comfort me
And you'll be there, my sweet memory

So I won't cry each night goodbye, it's just so-long
I'll keep the ring that you gave to me
Your lips were sweet, your arms were warm, I tasted life
God bless you, my sweet memory

Tag:
Your lips were sweet, your arms were warm, I tasted life
God bless you, my sweet memory

3/4

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	I
I	V	I	I

Back To Index

New John Henry Blues

John Henry was a little colored boy
You could hold him on the palm of your hand
And his papa cried out this lonesome farewell
Son gonna be a steel drivin'man Lord Lord
Son gonna be a steel drivin'man

John Henry went upon the mountain
Looked down on the other side
Lord the mountain was so tall
John Henry was so small
He laid down his hammer and he cried Lord Lord
He laid down his hammer and he cried

John Henry walked to the top
Had his captain by his side
The last words that John Henry said
Bring me a cool drink of water  fore I die Lord Lord
Bring a cool drink of water  fore I die

Talk about John Henry as much as you please
Say and do all that you can
Never was born in these united states
Nonesuch a steel drivin'man Lord Lord
Nonesuch a steel drivin'man

John Henry told his captain
I want to go to bed
Fix me a pallet of straw to lay down
Got money roarin'in my head Lord Lord
Got money roarin'in my head

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I	I

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No One But My Darlin

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	I
I	I	V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	IV	I-V
I	I	V	I

Back To Index

No Place To Pillow My Head

Once I was happy a heart free from care
Had a daddy and a momma so sweet
Dolls and the doggies and playthings so dear
And stockings and shoes on my feet

But now through this world I must wonder alone
Begging for pennies and bread
For I have no daddy or momma or home
No place to pillow my head

Chorus (after two verses):
No home (no home) no home (no home)
No place to pillow my head
The days seems so sad and the nights are so long
Since daddy and mother are dead

My daddy is resting far over the sea
In the fields were the poppies peek through
Marked by the cross that shines with green leaves
Beside his comrades so true

His soul is gone to the Father above
May slumber be peaceful and sweet
The battle is over for him over there
The bugle has sounded reprieve

3/4

Verse:

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

Chorus:

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

Back To Index

Old Riverman

—with John Hartford

Old riverman's lonesome, old riverman's blue
He's working on the river with the riverman blues
On the Lakeview Highway, that's the riverman's home
And home is where the heart is and he's all alone

Chorus:
But when he hears that steamboat whistle blow
He can feel that river in his soul
Old riverman's lonesome, old riverman's blue
He's working on the river with the riverman blues

Three thousand miles old riverman goes
Down the Mississippi River and the Ohio
The Missouri and the Cumberland, Tennessee and Illinois
Monongahela, Allegheny and the big Conoy

Chorus 2:
But you just watch that old riverman's eyes
He always knows when the river's going to rise
Old riverman's lonesome, old riverman's blue
He's working on the river with the riverman blues
He's working on the river with the riverman blues

Verse:

Im	Im	Im	Im
IV-VII	VII-V	Im	Im
Im	Im	Im	Im
IV-VII	VII-V	Im	Im

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
IV	IV	V	V
Im	Im	Im	Im
IV-VII	VII-V	Im	Im

Back To Index

On and On

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:

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

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On the Old Kentucky Shore

I walked out to the graveyard
Down by the Church of God
I looked upon the one I love
That would soon be covered with sod

Chorus:
Up along the Ohio River
Over on the old Kentucky shore
Once dwelled a fair young maiden
Now there's a crepe upon her door

The angels took my darling
God needed the one I loved
I reached the old Kentucky shore today
I'll make my plans and  meet her up above

The last words that my darling said
Was tell the one I love goodbye
I would like to see him before I go
But I'll meet him in the sky

3/4

Verse and Chorus:

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

 

Back To Index

Pretty Fair Maiden in the Garden

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:

I	I	IV	I
IV	I	V	I

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River of Death

—with Don Reno

Oh the river of death lies just before me
Can I find a place that I can cross
Or will I be in sin forever
Oh Lord don't let my soul be lost

Chorus:
Oh I wanna walk with Christ my savior
For he's the one that'll guide me on
All through my life I've been a sinner
Now I'm right with God so I'm travelling home

Oh I can hear my savior calling
To me his voice sounds sweet and low
For me I hear my loved ones cheering
Oh, praise the Lord I'm ready to go

My life down here will soon be over
And this old world holds nothing for me
He saved my soul and He made me happy
That beautiful land I'm going to see

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV	I
I	I	V	I

 

Back To Index

Roane County Prison

In the beautiful hills in the mists of Roane County
There's where I have roamed for many long years
There's where my heart's been standin' most ever
There's where the first step of misfortune I made

I's about thirty years when I courted and married
Armanda Gilbraith would then call my wife
Her brother he stabbed me for some unknown reason
Just three month's later I'd taken Tom's life

I was captured and tried in the village of Kingston
Not a man in that county would speak one kind word
When the jury came in with the verdict next mornin'
A lifetime in prison was the words that I heard

When the train pulled out poor Mother stood weepin'
And sister she sat all alone with a sigh
And the last words I heard was "Willy God bless you"
Was "Willy God bless you, God bless you goodbye"

In the scorching hot sand of the foundry I'm workin'
Toiling and working my poor life away
They'll measure my grave on the banks of old Cumberland
Just as soon as I finish the rest of my days

Boys when you write home from this prison in Nashville
Place one of my songs in your letter for me

3/4

Verse:

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

 

Back To Index

Rocky Road Blues

Chorus:
Now the road is rocky, but it won't be rocky long
Now the road is rocky, but it won't be rocky long
Another man has got my woman and gone

I've got those blues, I'm wearing out the soles of my shoes
I've got those blues, I'm wearing out the soles of my shoes
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
You'll never miss your water til the well runs dry
You'll never miss your woman until she says goodbye

I wish to the Lord you'd bring my woman back home
I wish to the Lord you'd bring my woman back home
I'm not so lonesome, just don't want to be alone

Chorus and Verse:

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

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Sally-Jo

I jumped in bed and covered up my head
Wish I was dead with Sally Jo
Sally Jo where did you go Sally Jo

Since you have gone my days are turned to night
Nothin'goes right Sally Jo
Sally Jo where did you go Sally Jo

The hurt you left has just begun to show
Sally Jo I've been so low
Sally Jo where did you go Sally Jo

Bridge:
Sally Jo Sally Jo hear my plea
Come back to me

I'm like a little dog left out to stray
No one wants me no place to stay
Sally Jo where did you go Sally Jo

Did I do bad or was I good to you
Yes or no Sally Jo
Sally Jo where did you go Sally Jo

The torch I carried had a light so bright
For me to see Sally Jo
Sally Jo where did you go Sally Jo

Tag:
Sally Jo Sally Jo hear my plea
Come back to me

Verse:

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

Bridge :

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

Back To Index

She's Young and I Am Growing Old

I'm sending a coal to a sweet little lady
For I'm afraid that she will be cold
She once was my sweetheart, but now it's all over
But she's young and I am growing old

Chorus:
She had my heart and it when she knows
And will remain til my body grows cold
She once was my sweetheart, but now it's all over
But she's young and I am growing old

She was born in the mountains in the coal mining country
I loved her in the sunshine and the snow
She once was my sweetheart, but now it's all over
But she's young and I am growing old

3/4

Verse:

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

Chorus:

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

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Shine Hallelujah Shine

Deep in the morrow of sin I was sinking
There was no one to guide my way
All my life I was overshadowed till I heard the Savior say
If you give heed to the blessed promise and become a child of mine
When you enter the gates of heaven, you will, shine, shine, shine

Chorus:
Oh, I'm gonna shine like a star in the morning
Many mansions will be mine
When I enter the gates of heaven
I'm gonna shine, Hallelujah, I'm gonna shine

Jesus the Lord is now my refuge
Daily He leads me by the hand
He will be my steady comfort till I reach the glory land
So I press along with the hopes eternal springing in this heart of mine
When I enter the gates of heaven, I will shine, shine, shine

We were burdened with many afflictions
Often unsightly things we hear
But we'll all be like our Savior when we reach that home up there
Daily I'll walk in His dear footsteps growing more like Him all the time
When I enter the gates of heaven, I will shine, shine, shine

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I	V-I

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Shining Path

The path is narrow all the way
But I can hear my Savior say
Come with me your soul I'll bless
In that home above I'll give you rest

Chorus:
Oh the shining path leads up to Heaven
But you must travel it all alone
And to those who walk the shining pathway
Oh the gates will open when you reach that home

I'm in the shining path at last
Oh I can see my Savior's face
Oh I've been saved by Him today
By His ever loving grace

The path is awful hard to trod
But you must put your trust in God
The path will brighten all the way
In that fair home we'll meet some day

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

Chorus:

I	I	I	V
I	I	VIm	I

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Sitting Alone In The Moonlight

Sitting alone in the moonlight
Thinking of the days gone by
Wondering about my darling
I can still hear her saying goodbye

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

3/4

A:

|:  I	Ib	I	I
IV	V	I	I  :|

B:

|:  IV	V	I	I
IV	V	I	I  :|

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Six Feet Under The Ground

Well they tell me my sweetheart now is leaving
A new love I know she has found
To love you and know I'm gonna lose you
I'd rather be six feet under the ground

Chorus:
Who would take care of my gravesite
Who's footsteps will come walking around
Read my name upon the tombstone
You can bet your life my soul is homeward bound

When the time has come and you are gone dear
You can bet your life I won't be hangin' around
I'd rather be in my dark grave dear
I'd rather be six feet under the ground

Verse:

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

Chorus:

IV	I	IV	I
IV	I	I-V	I

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Six Months Ain't Long

Come all my friends, wherever you may be
And listen to my song
You're all to see I'm in the wrong
Cause all I've got's done gone

Chorus:
Six months ain't long, ain't long my dear
Six months, six months ain't long
Six months ain't long for me to be gone
Oh darling six months ain't long

If I was framed by an upright judge
For six long months of time
I'll do my best to make the test
Darling I'll be home soon

The judge he fixed the sentence here
And the clerk she wrote it down
Six months ain't long in the county jail
For shooting up the town

3/4

Verse and Chorus:

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

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Stay Away From Me

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 (twice):
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

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Summertime Is Past And Gone

Summertime is past and gone
And I'm on my way back home
To see the only one I ever loved
Now the room is shining bright
It lights my pathway tonight
Back to the only one I ever loved

Chorus:
Oh I know she waits for me
Back in old Tennessee
She was sent to me from God above
Now the moon is shining bright
It lights my pathway tonight
Back to the only one I ever loved

3/4

Verse:

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

Chorus:

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

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Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong

—with Lester Flatt

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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That Home Above

Oh the home above (repeat) so far away (repeat)
That's where we pray (repeat ) we'll live someday (repeat)
In the home above (repeat) beyond the starlight sky (repeat)
Where the soul of man (repeat) will never die (repeat)

Chorus:
I'm ready to leave (repeat ) this world below (repeat )
To the home above (repeat ) I'm ready to go (repeat)
Then mother will say (repeat) welcome home our son (repeat)
In a heavenly home (repeat ) our life has just begun (repeat)

Oh my mother and dad (repeat) have gone on before (repeat)
They're waiting for me (repeat) on the heavenly shore (repeat)
I long to see (repeat ) and shake their hand (repeat)
When I'm safe at home (repeat) as they had planned (repeat)

Oh the beautiful land (repeat ) where we'll never die (repeat)
That's where my soul (repeat) shall rest on high (repeat)
I'll sing and shout (repeat) for His face I'll see (repeat)
With God I'll rest (repeat) for eternity (repeat)

Verse:

I	I	I	V
I	I	I-V	I

Chorus:

V	I	V	I
I	I	V	I

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The Bluest Man In Town

You went away to leave me here
To find somebody new
You're happy now with your new love
And I'm alone and blue

Chorus:
Shadows a creepin' around my door
The sun will soon go down
The nightbirds are cryin' away on the mountain
I'm the bluest man in town

You took away the love we knew
You wrecked our happy home
You left me with a broken heart
So blue and all alone

3/4

Verse and Chorus:

I	I	IV-V	I
I	I	I	I

 

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The First Whippoorwill

Springtime is near my darling
You say that you are going away
My heart will be with you my darling
And I'm counting now the days

Chorus:
I know that soon I'll have to travel
I know I'm over the hill
I feel so all alone my darling said she'd be gone
When I heard that first whippoorwill

The flowers are blooming little darling
With the budding of the trees
I hear the night birds a crying
I know that they are warning me

Our love was planted little darling
Just like the farmer plants his grain
But there will never be a harvest
On the hills the whippoorwill now sings

Verse:

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

Chorus:

IV	I	I	I
I	I	I-V	I

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The Old Cross Road

Oh my brother take this warning
Don't let old Satan take your hand
You'll be lost in sin forever
You'll never reach the promised land

Chorus:
The old cross road 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 by the old cross road

Soon your life will be over
You'll have to face the old cross road
Will you be ready then my brother
To shun the one goes down below

Verse:

|:  I	I	I	I
I	IV	I	I  :|

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The One I Love Is Gone

I don't know, I don't know where I'll go or what I'll do
It makes no difference what I do without you
Oh I love you my darling but I'll try and let you be
Goodbye, it's the last you'll hear of me

Chorus:
Well I found a bluebird high on a mountain side
And the little bird would sing its little song
So I'll sigh, I'll cry, I'll even want to die
For the one I love is gone

Verse:

Im	IVm	Im	Im
Im	IVm	V	V7
Im	IVm	Im	Im
IVm	V7	Im	Im

Verse:

IV	IVm	Im	Im
IVm	VII	III	V7
Im	Im	IVm	Im
Im	V	Im	Im

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The Sunset Trail

Chorus:
Yippee ti yi yay, yippee ti yi yo
Down the Sunset Trail
I'm bound to go

Across the plains and the desert
Where the wild winds wail
Someone waits for me
On the Sunset Trail

From the east I will travel
to the west
Lookin' for the one
that I love best

I'll settle back
and then we are ridin'
and I won't stop
Until I'm by her side

Repeat Verse 1 & Chorus

Chorus and Verse:

|:  I

I

V

I  :|

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Toy Heart

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

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True LIfe Blues

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

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Uncle Pen

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	V-I

Chorus:

IV	IV	I	I
I	I	I	V-I

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Used to Be

—with Doc Watson

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	IV-V	I
I	I	IV-V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	IV	V
I	I	IV-V	I

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What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul, Part 2

—Monroe Brothers

Oh weary soul, there's coming a day
Oh weary soul then what will you say
The trumpet will sound, all hasten my friend
So what will you give for your soul in the end

Chorus:
What will you give (what will you give ) for your soul in the end
What will you give (what will you give ) for your soul in the end
The trumpet will sound, all hasten my friend
So what will you give for your soul in the end

Oh weary soul, the one who survived
For you and for me He suffered and died
He will return for judgement my friend
So what will you give for your soul in the end

Some day the gate will swing open wide
Oh weary soul will you meet me inside
Silver and gold won't buy your way in
So what will you give for your soul in the end

Verse:

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

Back To Index

What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul, Part 3

—Monroe Brothers

There's not one price on the earth here below
That I'd accept in exchange for my soul
My home in the sky is dearer to me
Than all of the gold on land or on sea.

Chorus:
I won't accept (in exchange), I won't accept (in exchange)
No price I'd accept in exchange for my soul
In that fair land where the angels will sing
No price for my soul, I'd accept in exchange

Others receive in exchange for their soul
Pleasure and joy and silver and gold
There's coming a time when the young and the old
Will gladly exchange everything for their soul

Brother I warn you to stop and take heed
Your silver and gold some day you won't need
You cannot exchange your silver and gold
Or anything else in exchange for your soul

Verse:

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

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What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul, Part 4

—Monroe Brothers

I wandered apart from my Savior my King
And I have no one on which I can lean
I came my poor soul for pleasure and joy
And now I'm alone, a poor wayward boy

Chorus:
What can I give (in exchange), what can I give (in exchange)
What can I give in exchange for my soul
If I possessed all silver and gold
I'd give it all up in exchange for my soul

Dear mother prayed in the past days of old
For me to reform for the sake of my soul
(Wagering?) and gambling for silver and gold
I accepted the pleasure of life for my soul

Jesus our Savior on the cross long ago
Suffered and died for his loved ones below
Please don't reject what is (safe?) and behold
Accept not one thing in exchange for your soul

Verse:

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

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When The Golden Leaves Begin To Fall

I left the one that love in the mountains
And all the love we shared
But each night as she kneels by her bed side
I know she calls my name in her prayer

Chorus:
When the moon shines on the Blue Ridge mountains
And it seems I can hear my sweetheart call
How I long to be near to my darling
When the golden leaves begin to fall

She knows that I'll return to the mountains
And will bring to her a wedding ring
It will be placed upon her finger
Happiness to us both it will bring

Winter time is so cold in the mountains
The ground will soon be covered white with snow
How I long to keep the home fires burning
For I know my darling needs me so

Verse:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
IV	I	I-V	I

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When You Are Lonely

 with Lester Flatt

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

Back To Index

Why Did You Say Goodbye

I'm all alone tonight dear
And I'm so broken hearted
With head bowed low I sit and cry
That night so sad and lonely
I lost my one and only
Why did you ever say goodbye

Chorus:
Though you have done me wrong
But memory still lingers on
Inside this trusting heart of mine
I'll never love again
Since you said this is the end
Oh why did you ever say goodbye

I gave you all my love
You promised you'd be true
And I believed you at the time
It broke my heart my darlin
To hear you say we've parted
Sweetheart why did you change your mind

Some day you'll be so blue
You'll think of the one who loves you
Tears will fall from your blue eyes
No one will be around
To catch them as they fall down
Oh why did you ever say goodbye

Verse:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I	IV	V	I

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Wishing Waltz

The wedding bells chimed for somebody else
I wish they were ringing for me
And though I was hopin' someday you'd be mine
I guess that it never can be

Chorus:
Wishing wishing never again to be lonely
Waiting praying you know that I love you only so

Verse B:
When you are laughing with somebody else
You know I'll be cryin' for you
I may be smilin' to cover my tears
While waltzing with somebody new
And wishing that someone was you

I'm waltzing with somebody else in my arms
But you're still the one in my heart
I'm always dreamin' of our used to be
Wishing we had a new start

Verse B:
I keep on wishing and hoping you'll find
That I am the right one for you
I may be waltzing with somebody else
But darlin' I'll always be true
'Til I'm wishing and waltzing with you

Verse:

I	V	V	I
I	V	V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	V	I
IV	I	II	V

Verse B:

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

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You Live In a World All Your Own

You tell me that you're discontented
You say that I'm always to blame
But after you left me alone dear
I've been blue but I won't be the same

Chorus:
You live in a world all your own
A world that I wished we could share
But I guess it's too late 'cause you're leavin'
I've been blue for I know you don't care

I thought that you always will love me
Like you did when we both made our vows
But now you are breaking my heart dear
I've been blue but I'll get by somehow

Someday you'll regret your mistake dear
Just as sure as sun's in the sky
You ask me to try and forgive you
When you leave you can call it goodbye

Verse:

I	IV	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

Chorus:

IV	I	I	V
I	IV	I-V	I

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You're Drifting Away

All your life you've lived a sinner the bright way you've never trod
You're drifting away, you're drifting away
When you come to cross the river and you haven't met with God
You're drifting away, you're drifting away

Chorus:
You're drifting away, you're drifting away
On down the dark river I'm sorry to say
You're drifting away, you're drifting away
Don't wait too long to let Jesus hear you pray

You won't give up your earthly treasures to enter the promised land
You're drifting away, you're drifting away
You can hear Jesus callin' and you won't accept his hand
You're drifting away, you're drifting away

When you come to cross the river Jesus don't give the command
You're drifting away, you're drifting away
And that dark rollin' river takes you to the sinkin' sand
You're drifting away, you're drifting away

Verse:

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

Chorus:

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