ALABAMA JUBLIEE
1
7
7b 6
You ought to see Deacon Jones when he rattles his bones
2
Old Parson Brown dancing ‘round like a clown
5
Old Aunt Jemima, she’s past ninety-three
1
Shouting out full of pep
1
7
7b
Watch your step, watch your step
6
One legged joe spins around on his toe
2m
Throws away his crutch and hollers,
2m7
‘Look at her go’
1
3(7)
4
1
Oh, honey hail, hail, the gang’s all here
2(7) 5(7) 1
At the Alabama Jubilee.
ALL THE GOOD TIMES ARE PAST AND GONE
Chorus:
1
4
1
All the good time are past and gone,
1
5(7)
All the good times are o’er
1
1(7)
4
1
All the good times are past and gone,
1
5(7)
1
Little darling don’t you weep no more.
Verses:
I wish to the Lord I’d never been born,
Or died when I was young.
I’d never have seen your sparklin’ blue eyes,
Or heard your lying tongue.
Now don’t you hear that lonesome 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,
Come stay awhile with me.
For if ever I’ve had a friend in this world,
You’ve been a friend to me.
Don’t you see that passenger train?
Going around the bend?
It’s taking away my own true love,
To never return again.
ASHES OF LOVE
Chorus
1
4 1 5
Ashes of love cold as ice
5
4 5(7) 1
You made the debt and I'll pay the price
1
4 1 5
Our love is gone there's no doubt
5
4 5(7) 1
Ashes of love the flame burned out
Verse
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, its dead
Verse
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 you yet
BANKS OF THE OHIO
1
5(7
1
And only say that you’ll be mine, and our home will happy be.
4
5(7)
1
Down beside where the waters flow, down on the banks of the O-hi-o.
I asked my love to take a walk, just a walk a little way.
As we walked along we talked, all about our wedding day.
I held a knife close to her breast, as into my arms she pressed.
She cried, “Oh, Willie, don’t murder me, I’m not prepared for
eternity”.
I took her by her lily white hand, led her down where the waters stand.
There I pushed her in to drown, and watched her as she floated down.
I started home ‘tween twelve and one, I cried, “Oh, Lord, what have I
done?”
I murdered the only woman I loved, because she would not be my
bride”.
The very next morning ‘bout half past four, the sheriff came knocking
at my door.
He said, “Young man, come with me and go down to the banks of the Ohi-o.
BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY
1
1(7)
4
Blue moon of Kentucky, keep on shining.
1
5(7)
Shine on the one that’s gone and proved untrue
1
1(7)
4
Blue moon of Kentucky, keep on shining,
1
5(7)
1
Shine on the one that’s gone and left me blue.
4
1
‘Twas on a moonlit night, the stars were shining bright,
4
1
5(7)
They whispered from on high, “Your lover said good-bye”
1
1(7)
4
Blue moon of Kentucky, keep on shining,
1
5(7)
1
Shine on the one that’s gone and said good-bye.
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN HOME
Verse:
1
4
There’s a well beaten path on this old mountainside
5
1
Where I wandered when I was a lad
1
4
There I wandered alone to the place I call home
5
1
In those Blue Ridge hills far away.
Chorus:
1
4
Oh I love those hills of old Virginia
5
1
From those Blue Ridge hills I did roam
1
4
When I die won’t you bury on the mountain
5
1
Far away in my Blue Ridge mountain home.
Verses:
Now my thoughts wander back to the ramshackle shack,
In those Blue Ridge hills far away.
My mother and dad, they’re laid there to rest,
They are sleeping in peace together there.
I return to that old cabin home with a sigh,
I’ve been longing for days gone by.
When I die won’t you bury me on the old mountainside,
Make my resting place upon the hill so high.
CATFISH JOHN
Chorus
1
4
1
Mama said don’t go near that river
1
5
Don’t be hangin’ round ole catfish John
1
4
1
Come the morning I’d always be there,
1
5
1
Walking in his footsteps in that sweet Delta dawn.
Verse
4
1
Let me dream of another morning
4
1
And the time so long ago
4
1
When the sweet magnolias blossomed
1
5
1
Cotton fields were white as snow.
Verse
Catfish John was a river hobo,
Living by the river bend.
Thinking back I still remember,
I was proud to be his friend.
Verse
Born a slave in the town of Vicksburg,
Traded for a chestnut mare.
Still he never spoke in anger,
Though his load was hard to bear.
CLUCK OLD HEN
Verse
A
G
A
D
My old hen's a good old hen
A
G
E
A
She lays eggs for the railroad men
A
G
A
D
Sometimes eight and sometimes ten
A
G
E
A
That's enough for the railroad men
Chorus
A
C
A
G
Cluck old hen cluck and sing
A
G
E
A
You ain't laid an egg since late last spring
A
C
A
G
Cluck old hen cluck and squall
A
G
E
A
Ain't laid an egg since late last fall.
Verses;
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 she's a good old hen
She lays eggs for the railroad men
Sometimes 1 sometimes two
Sometimes enough for the whole damn crew
COLUMBUS STOCKADE BLUES
Verse:
1
Way down, in Columbus, Georgia,
5
1
Wanna go back to Tennessee.
1
Way down, in Columbus stockade,
5
1
My friends all turned their backs on me.
Chorus:
4
1
Well you can go and leave me if you want to,
4
5
Never let me cross your mind.
1
For in your heart you love another,
5
1
Leave, little darlin’, I don’t mind.
Verse:
Last night, as I lay sleeping,
I dreamed I held you in my arms.
When I awoke, I was mistaken,
I was lookin’ through prison bars.
DARK AS A DUNGEON
Verse:
1
4
2
Come listen you fellows, so young and so fine,
1
4
1
Oh, seek not your fortune in the dark dreary mine.
1
4
2
It will form as a habit and seep in your soul,
1
4
1
‘Till the stream of your blood is as black as the coal.
Chorus
5
1
It’s dark as a dungeon and damp as the dew,
5
1
Where the danger is double, and the pleasures are few.
1
4
2m
Where the rain never falls and the sun never shines,
1
4
1
It’s dark as a dungeon way down in the mines.
Verse
It’s a many a man I’ve known in my day,
Who lived just to labor his life away.
Like a friend with his dope, and a drunkard his wine,
A man will have lust for the lure of the mine.
The midnight, the morning, or the middle of the day,
It’s the same to the miner who labors away.
Where the demons of death often come by surprise,
One fall of the slate and you’re buried alive.
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 a diggin’ my bones.
DARK HOLLOW
By Bill Browning
Verse:
1
4
1
I’d rather be in some dark hollow,
1
4
1
Where the sun don’t ever shine.
1 3(7)
4
1
Than to be here alone, just knowing that you’re gone,
1
5
1
It would cause me to lose my mind.
Chorus:
1
4
1
So blow your whistle, freight train,
1
4
1
Blow it far on down the track.
1
3(7)
4
1
I’m goin’ away, I’m leavin’ today,
1
5
1
I’m goin’, but I ain’t comin’ back
Verse:
I’d rather be in some dark hollow
Where sun don’t ever shine.
Than to be in some big city,
In a small room with you on my mind.
I’d rather be in some dark hollow,
Where sun don’t ever shine.
Than to see you another man’s darling,
And to know that you’ll never be mine.
DOWN IN THE WILLOW GARDEN
Verse:
1
1
1 6m
1
1
6m
Down in the willow garden, where me and my true love did meet,
1
1
1 6m
1
5
1
There we sat a-courtin’, my true love fell off to sleep.
6m
6m
1
6m
1
1
6m
I had a bottle of burgundy wine, which my true love did not know,
1
1
1
4
1
5
1
And there I poisoned that dear little girl, down on the banks below.
Verse:
I drew my saber through her, which was a bloody knife,
I threw her in the river, which was an awful sight.
My father once had told me, that money would set me free,
If I would murder that dear little girl whose name was Rose Connelly.
Now he sits in his cabin, wiping his tear dimmed 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.
FIREBALL MAIL
1
Here she comes, look at her go,
5
There she goes eatin’that coal.
1
Watch her fly, look at her sail,
5
1
Let her by, by, by, fireball mail.
Verse:
Look at her go, look at her steam,
Hear her blow whistle and scream.
Like a hound dog waggin’ its tail,
Dallas bound, bound, bound, fireball mail.
Engineer makin’ up time,
tracks clear, look at her climb.
See that freight clear the rail,
I betcha he’s late, late, late, fireball mail.
Watch her swerve, look at her sway,
Get that curve out of the way.
Watch her fly, look at her sail,
Let by, by, by, the fireball mail.
FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW
Verse:
1
4
Now some folk like the summertime, when they can walk about,
5
1
Strolling through the meadow green, it’s pleasant there’s no doubt.
4
But give me the wintertime, when the snow is on the ground,
5
1
I found her when the snow was on the ground.
Chorus:
1
5(7)
I traced her little footprints in the snow,
1
I found her little footprints in the snow.
4
Bless that happy day when Nellie lost her way,
5(7)
1
I found her when the snow was on the ground.
Verse
I went out to see her, it was a big round moon,
Her mother said, ‘she just stepped out’ would be returning soon.
I found her little footprints and I trace 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 some day I’ll meet her in that promised land.
Every time the snow falls, it brings back memories,
I found her when the snow was on the ground.
GLENDALE TRAIN
Chorus:
1
4
1
Somebody robbed the Glendale train, this mornin’ at half past nine,
2
5
Somebody robbed the Glendale train, and I swear, I ain’t lyin’.
1
4
1
They made clean off with sixteen G’s, and left two men lyin’ cold,
5
1
Somebody robbed the Glendale train, and they made off with the gold.
Verses
Charlie Jones was the engineer; he had 20 years on the line.
He kissed his wife at the station dear, this morning at six thirty five.
Everything went fine till half past nine, when Charlie looked up and saw
Men on horsed, men with guns, and no sign of the law.
Amos White was the luggage man, and dearly loved his job.
The company rewarded him, with a golden watch and fob.
Well Amos he was workin’ time, when the door blew off his car.
They found Amos White in fifteen pieces, fifteen miles apart.
GOLD WATCH AND CHAIN
Verse:
4
1
Darling, how can I stay here without you
5
1
I have nothing to cheer my poor heart.
4
1
All the world will be sad, love, without you
5
1
Tell me now that we never will part.
Chorus:
4
1
Oh, I’ll pawn you my gold watch and chain, Love
5
1
I will pawn you my gold wedding ring
4
1
I will pawn you this heart in my bosom
5
1
Only say that you love me again.
Verse:
Take back all the gifts you have given
But a ring and a lock of you hair
And a card with you picture upon it
It’s a face that is false but is fair
GREENVILLE TRESTLE HIGH
Verse:
1
1(7)
4
1
I remember as a boy how in wonderment and joy,
1
5
I’d watch the trains as they roll by.
1
1(7)
4
1
And the whistle’s lonesome sound you could hear for miles around,
1
5
1
As they rolled across that Greenville trestle high.
Chorus
4
1
But the whistles don’t sound like they used to,
5
Lately not many trains go by.
1
1(7)
4
1
Hard times across the land means no work for a railroad man.
5
1
And the Greenville trestle now don’t seem so high.
Verse
On the riverbank I’d stand with a cane pole in my hand,
And watch the freight trains up against the sky.
With the black smoke trailin’ back as they moved along the tracks,
That runs across that Greenville trestle high.
When the lonesome whistles whine I get rambling on my mind,
And I wish they still sounded that way.
As I turn and head for home, Lord she’d rumble, low and moan,
Toward the sunset at the break of day.
HIGH ON A MOUNTAIN by Ola Belle Campbell
Chorus
1
7(flat)
1
4
High on a mountain, wind blowing free
1
7(flat)
1
Thinking about the way things used to be.
1
7(flat)
1
4
High on a mountain, standing all alone
1
7(flat)
1
Wondering where the years of my life have flown.
Verse
1
7(flat)
1
As I looked at the valleys down below
1
7(flat)
1
they were green just as far as I could see
1
7(flat)
1
4
My memories returned, oh how my heart did yearn
1
7(flat)
1
For you and the days that used to be.
Verse
Oh, I wonder if you ever think of me
Or has time blotted out your memory
As I listen t the breeze whisper gently through the trees
I shall always cherish what you meant to me.
Verse
As I watch the sun set over yonder hill
I feel the pain in my heart linger still
As I wipe away the tears, I think of all the years
I’ve lived alone with just my memories
Note; last verse by stephen mangold
HIGHWAY OF SORROW
Chorus:
1
4
1
Down the highway of sorrow, I’m traveling alone
1
5
I’ve lost all my true friends; I’ve lost a happy home.
1
4
1
I’m headed for destruction; I’m on the wrong track,
1
4
5
1
Down the highway of sorrow, there’s no turning back
Verses:
I once had a darling; was kind true and sweet,
Life seemed so bright and gay; everything complete.
I fell for another; who led my life astray,
So I’ll live in sorrow till my dying day.
I went back to my darling; I got down on my knees,
I begged her with tear-filled eyes to give my poor heart ease,
But she was hurt so deeply; she could not forgive,
So I’ll live in sorrow as long as I live.
I AM A PILGRIM
Chorus:
1
5
1
1(7)
I am a pilgrim and a stranger
4
1
Travelin’ through this wearisome land.
1(7) 4
4(7)
I’ve got a home in that yonder city, good Lord
1
5
1
And it’s not – not made by hand.
Verses:
I’ve got a mother, sister, and brother,
Who have gone this way before.
I am determined to go and see them, good Lord
Over on – that other shore.
I’m goin’ down to the river of Jordan,
Just to bathe my weary soul.
If I could just touch the hem of his garment, good Lord,
Then I know – he’d take me home.
I WONDER HOW THE OLD FOLKS ARE AT HOME
VERSE:
1
4
1
Well I wonder how the old folks are at home
1(7)
4
I wonder if they miss me while I roam
1
6(7)
I wonder if they pray for the boy who went away
2
5
And left his dear old parents all alone.
Chorus
1
4
1
You could hear the cattle lowing in the lane
1(7)
4
You could see the fields of bluegrass where I’ve grown
1
You could almost hear them cry, as they kissed their boy goodbye
2
5(7)
1
Well I wonder how the old folks are at home.
Verse
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 and a sweetheart who loves you
A village and a homestead on the farm
Tag; last two lines of chorus
I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
by Johnny Bond
1
4
Tonight I’m sad my heart is lonely
5(7)
1
Wondering if I’m wrong or right
1
4
To dream about you though you’ve left me
5(7)
1
I wonder where you are tonight
Chorus:
4
1
That ol’ rain is cold and slowly fallin’
1
6
2
5
Upon my window pane tonight
1
4
And though your love was even colder
5
1
I wonder where you are tonight
Your heart was cold, you never loved me
Though you often said you cared
But now you’ve gone and found another
Someone who’ll know the love we shared
Then came the dawn that 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
I’LL FLY AWAY
Verse:
1
Some glad morning when this life is over,
4
1
I’ll fly away.
1
To a home on God’s celestial shore,
5(7) 1
I’ll fly away.
Chorus:
I’ll fly away, fly away, oh glory,
I’ll fly away.
When I die, hallelujah, by and by,
I’ll fly away.
When the shadows of this life have grown,
I’ll fly away.
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I’ll fly away.
Just a few more weary days and then,
I’ll fly away.
To a land where joys shall never end,
I’ll fly away.
IF I SHOULD WANDER BACK TONIGHT
By Earl Scruggs
Verse:
1
4
For many years I’ve been a rollin’ stone my darling,
1
5
Like a gypsy I have roamed from place to place.
1
4
Fortune never came to me, but how happy I would be,
1
5(7)
1
Just to look again at your smiling face.
Chorus:
1
4
If I should wander back tonight, would you be waiting?
1
5
Would your eyes be filled with love’s own tender light?
1
4
Would your arms be empty, dear, would you thrill to find me near?
1
5(7)
1
Would you love me if I wandered back tonight?
Verse:
When budding flowers lend their fragrance in the springtime,
I recall the roses twining ‘round your door.
Fancy then I homeward stray, I seem to hear you say,
That you’d love 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.
IF THERE’S NOT A COW IN TEXAS
Verse:
C
A(7)
D D(7)
If there’s not a cow, dear, in Texas,
G
G(7) C
Then you’re not the one I love,
C
A(7)
D D(7)
And if I don’t love you my darling,
G
G(7)
C C7
The Lone Star don’t shine up above.
Chorus:
F
Texas has no tumbleweeds,
C
The desert has no sand,
D
G
G(7)
There’s not a drop of water in the rolling Rio Grande,
C
A(7)
D
And if there’s not a cow, dear, in Texas,
G
G(7) C
Then you’re not the one I love.
Verse:
If there’s not a cow, dear, in Texas,
West Virginia ain’t got no hills.
There ain’t a Cherokee in Oklahoma,
And Arkansas ain’t got to whippoorwills.
Chorus:
There ain’t a coyote howling on the lone prairie,
There’s not a city bloomin’ as far as the eye can see.
And if there’s not a cow, dear, in Texas,
Then you’re not the one for me.
JIMMIE BROWN THE NEWSBOY
Chorus
1
5(7)
I sell the morning paper sir, my name is Jimmie Brown,
1
Everybody knows I’m the newsboy of the town.
5(7)
You can hear me yellin’ ‘Morning Star’ runnin’ down the street,
1
I have no hat upon my head, no shoes upon my feet.
Verse
Never mind sir, how I look, don’t look at me an frown,
I sell the morning paper sir, my name is Jimmie Brown.
I’m often cold and hungry sir, my clothes are mighty thin,
I wander ‘bout from place to place, my daily bread to win.
Verse
My father died a drunkard sir, I heard my mother say,
I am helping mother sir, to journey on her way.
My mother always told me sir, there’s nothin’ in this world to
lose,
There’ll be a place in heaven, sir, to sell the Gospel News.
KENTUCKY WALTZ
1
We were waltzing one night in Kentucky,
5(7)
Beneath a beautiful harvest moon.
And I was the boy who was lucky,
1
But it all ended too soon.
1
As I sit here alone in the moonlight,
1(7)
4
I see her smiling face.
1
And I long once more for her embrace,
4
5(7)
1
And the beautiful Kentucky waltz.
LITTLE CABIN HOME ON THE HILL
Verse:
1
4
1
Tonight I’m alone without you, dear,
5(7)
It seems I long for you each day.
1
4
1
All I have to do is sit alone and cry,
5(7)
1
In our little cabin home on the hill.
Chorus:
4
1
Oh, someone has taken you from me,
5(7)
And left me here all alone.
1
4
1
Listen to the rain pat on our window pane,
5(7)
1
In our little cabin home on the hill.
Verses:
I hope you are happy tonight as your 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 your thoughts turn back once more if you will,
To our little cabin home on the hill.
LITTLE GEORGIA ROSE
Verse:
1
4
1
Now come and listen to my story,
5
A story that I know is true.
1
4
1
A little rose that bloomed in Georgia,
5
1
With hair of gold and a heart so true.
Chorus:
4
1
Way down in the Blue Ridge Mountains,
5
Way down where the tall pine grows,
1
1(7)
4
Lives my sweetheart of the mountains,
1
5
1
She’s my little Georgia rose.
Verse:
Her mother left her as a baby
‘Twas a different life than she had planned
The baby grew to be a woman,
It was then that I won her hand.
We often sang those songs together,
I watched her while she sang her part.
She smiled at me when I told her,
That she was my sweetheart.
LONG JOURNEY HOME
Verse:
1
Cloudy in the west and it looks like rain,
4
1
Looks like rain, Boys, it looks like rain
1
Cloudy in the west and it looks like rain,
5
1
I’m on my long journey home.
Chorus:
Lost all my money but a two dollar bill,
Two dollar bill, Boys, a two dollar bill.
Lost all my money but a two dollar bill,
I’m on my long journey home.
Verses:
Black smoke a-risin’ and it surely is a train,
Surely is a train, Boys, surely is a train.
Black smoke a-risin’ and it surely is a train,
I’m on my long journey home.
I hear the train a-comin’ and I’ll soon be gone,
Soon be gone, Boys, I’ll soon be gone.
I hear the train a-comin’ and I’’ soon be gone,
I’m on my long journey home.
LOVE, COME HOME
Verse:
1
(flat)7
As I read this letter that I write to you,
4
1
Sweetheart, I hope you’ll understand,
4
1
That you’re the only love I knew,
5(7)
1
Please forgive me if you can.
Chorus:
1
(flat)7
Sweetheart, I beg you to come home tonight,
4
1
I’m so blue and all alone,
4
1
I promise that I’ll treat you right,
5(7)
1
Love, oh love, please come home.
Verse:
That old wind is cold and slowly creeping around,
And the fire is burning low,
The snow has covered up the ground,
Your baby’s hungry, sick, and cold.
MILK COW BLUES
1
Well I woke up this morning, I looked outdoors,
1(7)
I can tell my milk cow, tell by the way she lows.
4(7)
1 4(7) 1
If you see my milk cow, won’t you please send her on home?
5(7)
1 4(7) 1
I ain’t had no milk or butter, since my cow’s been gone.
Well you’d better treat me right, day by day,
Get out your little prayer book, get on your knees and pray,
You’re gonna need, gonna need my help some day.
Oh, you’re gonna be sorry you treated me this way.
Hey good evening, don’t that sun look good goin’ down?
I say hey good evening, don’t that sun look good goin’ down?
Don’t your little world look lonely,
When your lover ain’t around?
I said sail on, sail on sail on little lady, sail on,
I said sail on, sail on sail on little lady, sail on,
Well you’re gonna be wondering,
Where in this world I’ve gone.
(rhythm stops, ’1’ chord chop on downbeat, ‘1(7)’ chord on ‘days’)
Well, I’ve tried everything baby, to get along with you.
Now I’m gonna tell you just what I’m gonna do.
I’m gonna stop my crying, gonna leave you alone,
1(7)
If you don’t think I’m leaving, baby, count the days ‘till I’m gone.
(rhythm starts, 4(7) chord on ‘see’)
4(7)
1 4(7) 1
You won’t see, my little face around here anymore.
5(7)
1 4(7) 1
You’re gonna be sorry you turned me from your door.
MOONLIGHT ON MY CABIN
by Big Slim & Hawkshaw Hawkins
Chorus:
1
4
When its moonlight on my cabin I’ll be waiting,
1
5(7)
When its moonlight on the pine trees I’ll be there.
1
4
For I know there’ll be someone there to greet me,
1
5(7)
1
With big brown eyes and wavy long black hair.
Verses:
Now that long, long trail and lonesome climb I’ll wander,
When the moonlight shines so softly thru the trees.
To my cabin nestled there up in the mountains,
That’s where my brown eyed darling still waits for me.
In my dreams at night I see that little cabin,
With honeysuckle climbing ‘round the door.
There’s a girl up in the mountains waiting for me,
Oh how I’d like to wander back once more.
MY ROSE OF OLD KENTUCKY
By Bill Monroe
VERSE:
1
4
She bloomed for me, near a little village,
1
5
In a cabin on the hill.
1
4
We made our vows to love each other
1
5
1
And I hope we always will.
CHORUS:
4
1
She’s my rose of old Kentucky,
5
I watched her bloom as the years roll by
1
4
And I know there’ll never be another,
1
5
1
I’ll love her ‘till the day I die.
VERSE
In my dreams, I see my darling,
In a gingham dress she looked so sweet,
Oh, I lon for old Kentucky,
And my darling once more to keep.
Oh I know you often wonder,
So I tell you the reason why,
She’s my rose of old Kentucky,
And I know she’ll never lie.
NELLIE KANE by Tim O’Brien
1
6m
As a young man I went riding out on the western plain,
1
6m
In the state of North Dakota I met my Nellie Kane,
5
1
I met my Nellie Kane.
She was livin’ alone in a cabin with a son by another man,
For five years she waited for him as long as a woman can,
As long as a woman can
Chorus:
1
4
1
I don't know what changed my mind,
5
1
Until then I was the ramblin’ kind.
4
1
The kind of love I can't explain,
5
1
That I have for Nellie Kane.
She took me out to work that day and helped me till the land,
In the afternoon we planted seed, in the evening we held hands,
In the evening we held hands.
Her blue eyes told me everything that you'd want to know,
And it was then I realized that I would never go,
I would never go.
Now many years have gone by her son has grown up tall,
I became a father to him and she became my all,
She became my all.
NEW RIVER TRAIN
Chorus:
1
I’m riding on that new river train,
5
Riding on that new river train.
1
4
Same old train that brought me here,
1
5
1
Gonna take me away again.
Verses:
Darling, you can’t love one,
Darling, you can’t love one.
You can’t love one and have any fun,
Darling you can’t love one.
Darling, you can’t love two,
Darling, you can’t love two,
You can’t love two and still be true,
Darling, you can’t love two.
(three)…and still love me
(four)…and love any more
(five)…and get money from my hive
(six)…for that kind of love don’t mix
NINE POUND HAMMER
1
4
This nine pound hammer’s a little too heavy
1
5
1
For my size, buddy for my size.
1
4
Roll on buddy, don’t you roll so slow
1
5
1
How can I roll when the wheels won’t go.
I’m a goin up a mountain, gonna see my baby
I ain’t coming back, no I ain’t coming back
I say roll on buddy, with a load of coal,
How can I go when my wheels won’t roll
It’s a long way to Harlan, it’s a long way to hazard
Just to get a little brew, just to get a little brew
Roll on buddy, don’t you roll so slow
How can I roll when the wheels won’t go.
Now when I’m long gone, you can make my tombstone
Out of #9 coal, out of #9 coal
Roll on buddy, with a load of coal
How can I go when my wheels won’t roll.
OLD HOME PLACE
1
3(7)
4
1
It’s been ten long years since I left my home
5
In the hollow where I was born.
1
3(7)
4
1
Where the cool fall nights make the wood smoke rise,
5
1
And the fox hunter blows his horn.
I fell in love with a girl from the town
I thought that she would be true.
Then I ran away to Charlottesville,
And worked in a sawmill, too.
Chorus:
5
1
What have they done to the old home place?
2
5
Why did they tear it down?
1
3(7)
4
1
And why did I leave my plow in the field,
5
1
And look for a job in the town?
Verse:
Well, the girl ran off with someone else
The tariff’s took all my pay.
And here I stand where the old home stood
Before they took it all 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 I was dead.
PAIN IN MY HEART
Verse:
1
5
When I first met you, right from the start,
5
1
I knew that I loved you from the pain in my heart.
1
5
So look in my eyes and see that it’s true,
5
1
And say that you love me, please don’t make me blue.
Chorus:
4
1
With pain in my heart, and blues on my mind,
4
5
5(7)
I’ll always love you, but can you be mine?
1
5
Can you be mine with another man’s name,
5
5(7) 1
You know that I love you and I’ll not complain.
Verse:
Say that you love me and you will be mine,
With the pain in your heart and blues on your mind.
Please say that you love me and don’t say goodbye,
You know that I love you, for you I will die.
ROCKY ROAD BLUES
CHORUS
1
1(7)
WELL THE ROAD IS ROCKY, BUT IT WON’T BE ROCKY LONG
4(7)
1
YES THE ROAD IS ROCKY, BUT IT WON’T BE ROCKY LONG
5(7)
4(7)
1
ANOTHER MAN, HAS GOT MY WOMAN AND GONE
VERSE:
I’VE GOT THESE BLUES,
I’M WEARIN’ OUT THE SOLES OF MY SHOES.
I’VE GOT THESE BLUES,
I’M WEARIN’ 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 THE WATER TILL YOUR WELL RUNS DRY,
YOU’LL NEVER MISS THE WATER TILL YOUR WELL RUNS DRY,
YOU’LL NEVER MISS YOUR WOMAN, UNTIL SHE SAYS GOOD-BYE.
I WISH TO THE LORD YOU’D BRING MY BABY BACK HOME,
I WISH TO THE LORD YOU’D BRING MY BABY BACK HOME,
I’M NOT SO LONESOME, JUST DON’T WANT TO BE ALONE.
ROLL IN MY SWEET BABY’S ARMS
Chorus:
1
Roll in my sweet baby’s arms,
1
5(7)
Roll in my sweet baby’s arms,
1
4
4(7)
Gonna lay ‘round this shack ‘till the mail train comes
back,
5
1
And roll in my sweet baby’s arms.
Verses:
I ain’t gonna work on the railroad,
I ain’t gonna work on the farm,
Gonna lay ‘round this 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.
Walkin’ the street with another man,
Wouldn’t even go my bail.
My mother is a beauty operator,
My sister, she sews and spins,
My dad has an interest in an old cotton gin
Oh my, how the money rolls in.
I know your parents don’t like me,
They showed me to the door.
If I had my life to live over,
I’d never go there anymore.
SALTY DOG BLUES
Verse:
1
6
Standin’ on the corner with the low down blues,
2
Great big hole in the bottom of my shoes.
5
1
Honey, let me be your salty dog.
Chorus:
Let me be your salty dog,
Or I won’t be your man at all.
Honey, let me be your salty dog.
Verses:
Now look here Sal, I know you,
Run down stockin’ and a worn out shoe.
Honey, let me be your salty dog.
Down in the wildwood settin’ on a log,
Finger on the trigger and eye on the hog.
Honey, let me be your salty dog.
Pulled the trigger and the gun said go,
Shot fell over in Mexico.
Honey, let me be your salty dog.
SHACKLES AND CHAINS
VERSE 1:
1
4
On a long lonesome road I am going
5
1
Oh Darling, please don’t you cry
1
4
For in shackles and chains, they will take me
5
1
To a prison to stay ‘till I die
Verse 2:
And at night through the bars I will gaze at the stars
And long for your kisses in vain
A piece of stone I will use for my pillow
My companions will be shackles and chains
Verse 3:
Put your arms through these bars once my darlin’
Let me kiss those sweet lips I love best
In heartache, you’re my consolation
In sorrow, my haven of prayer
Verse 4:
And at night through the bars I will gaze at the stars
Those plans that we made were in vain
A piece of stone I will use for my pillow
While sleeping in shackles and chains
Tag
While sleeping in shackles and chains
SWEETHEART YOU DONE ME WRONG
Verse:
1
4
You told me that your love was true,
5
1
Sweetheart I thought the world of you.
4
Now you’ve left me all alone,
5
1
I have no one to call my own.
Chorus:
Now sweetheart you done me wrong,
You have left me all alone.
Maybe there will come a time,
Sweetheart when you will change your mind.
Verses:
I never shall forget the day,
When you said you were goin’ away.
I couldn’t believe that it was true,
After al the love I had for you.
This road is rough and rocky too,
As I travel on, dear, without you.
I’m still praying for the time,
Sweetheart when you will change your mind.
THINK OF WHAT YOU’VE DONE
By the Stanley brothers
Verse:
1
Heart to heart, dear, how I need you,
5
1
Like the flowers need the dew.
4
1
Loving you has been my life, dear,
5
1
I can’t believe we’re really through.
Chorus:
4
1
Is it true that I’ve lost you?
5
1
Am I not the only one?
4
1
After all this pain and sorrow,
5
1
Darling think of what you’ve done.
Verse:
I’m goin’ back to old Virginia,
Where the mountains meet the sky.
In those hills I learned to love you,
Gonna stay there ‘till I die.
WALKING SHOES
CHORUS
1
My walkin’ shoes don’t fit me anymore.
5
My walkin’ shoes don’t fit me anymore.
1
4
Stay on your side of town, honey, I won’t be around
1
5
1
My walkin’ shoes don’t fit me anymore.
Verse:
It’s a long way from here to over yonder,
My feet, they’re getting’ mighty sore.
Ain’t comin’ back, you made your mind to wander,
My walkin’ shoes don’t fit me anymore.
I’ll be a long time gone from you baby,
You’ll never hear me knock upon your door.
Thought you were the one but I was crazy,
My walkin’ shoes don’t fit me anymore.
WHISKEY BEFORE BREAKFAST
1
Well I woke up this morning before the sun could shine,
4
1
5
Took a little walk, not feeling so fine,
1
Saw two old men with a bottle between them,
4
1
5
1
And this was the song I heard them singing.
I walked right up to where they was sitting,
Couldn’t believe how drunk they was getting,
I said, ‘old men, you been here long?’
They said just long enough to sing this song:
Chorus
1
Lord preserve us, saints protect us,
2m
5
We’ve been drinking whiskey for breakfast.
1
5
4
1
Ho, Ho, Ho, Haw, Haw, Haw,
4
1
5
1
We’ve been drinking whiskey rye.
Verse:
Well they passed me the bottle, said, ‘take a little sip.’
I took one drink, just couldn’t quit.
Drank a little more and the next thing I knew,
There were three of us sitting here singing this tune.
Well one by one, everybody in town,
They all heard the rucus, they all come down,
Wasn’t too long ‘fore the streets were a ringing,
With the sounds of the whole town a laughing and a singing.
WILDWOOD FLOWER
1
5(7)
1
I’ll twine ‘mid the ringlets of my raven black hair
5 5(7)
1
The lilies so pale and the roses so fair.
4
1
The myrtle so bright with an emerald hue,
5(7)
1
And the pale arrownetta with eyes of bright blue.
He told me he loved me and called me his flower,
That blossomed for him all the brighter each hour.
Though my heart is now breaking he never shall know,
That his name makes me tremble, my pale cheeks to glow.
I’ll sing and I’ll dance and my laugh shall be gay,
I’ll charm every heart and the crowd I will sway.
I’ll live yet to see him regret the dark hour,
When he won and neglected this frail wildwood flower.
I’ll think of him never, I’ll be wild and gay,
I’ll cease this wild weeping, drive sorrow away.
But I wake from my dreaming, my idol was clay,
My visions of love have all vanished away.
WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN
Verse:
1
4
1
I was standing by my window, on a cold and cloudy day.
1
5
1
When I saw the hearse come rolling, for to carry my mother away.
Chorus:
1
4
1
Will the circle be unbroken, bye and bye Lord, bye and bye.
1
5
1
There’s a better home a-waiting, in the sky, Lord, in the sky.
Verses:
Oh, I told the undertaker, “Undertaker, please drive slow”,
For this body you are hauling, how I hate to see her go.
Lord, I followed close behind her, tried to hold up and be brave,
But I could not hide my sorrow, when they laid her in the grave.
Went back home Lord, my home was lonely, since my mother she had
gone,
All my brothers, sisters crying, what a home so sad and lone.