Merle Haggard Chords and Lyrics
- All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers
- Always Wanting You
- Are The Good Times Really Over For Good
- Back In Love By Monday
- Big City
- Branded Man
- Cherokee Maiden
- Corrine Corrina
- Daddy Frank
- Dad's Old Fiddle
- Everybody's Had The Blues
- From Graceland To The Promised Land
- Goodbye Lefty
- High On A Hilltop
- Holding Things Together
- Hungry Eyes (Lyrics)
- I Take A Lot Of Pride In What I Am
- I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink
- If We Make It Through December
- I'm A Lonesome Fugitive
- I'm Always On A Mountain When I Fall
- It's Been A Great Afternoon
- It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)
- Kern River
- Let's Chase Each Other 'Round The Room
- Life Of Wine & Roses
- Mama Tried (CHORDS)
- Mama Tried (TABS)
- Misery And Gin
- My Favorite Memory
- My Own Kind Of Hat
- Natural High
- Okie From Muskogee
- Rainbow Stew
- Ramblin' Fever
- Sam Hill
- Set Me Free
- Silver Wings
- Sing Me Back Home
- Soldier's Last Letter
- Swingin' Doors
- Take These Chains From My Heart
- That's The Way Love Goes
- The Bottle Let Me Down
- The Fightin' Side Of Me
- The Runnin' Kind
- The Way I Am
- The Way It Was In 51
- Today I Started Loving You Again
- Under The Bridge
- Valentine
- White Line Fever
- Workin Man Blues
- You Take Me For Granted
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All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers - Merle Haggard
(C) Oh the love you promised would be mine
(F) forever. I (C) would have bet my bottom
dollar (G7) on. Well it (C) sure turned out
to be a short (F) forever. Just (C) once I
turned by (G7) back and you were (C) gone.
CHORUS: (C) From now on all my friends are
gonna be (F) strangers. I'm all (C) through
ever trusting (G7) anyone. The only (C) thing
I can count on now is (F) my fingers. I was
a (C) fool believing in (G7) you and now you
are (C) gone.
(C) It amazes me not knowing any (F) better.
Than to (C) think I had a love that would be
(G7) true. Well I (C) should be taken out
and tarred and (F) feathered. To (C) have
let myself be (G7) taken in by (C) you.
LAST: (C) I was a fool believing in (G7) you
and now you are (C) gone.
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Always Wanting You - Merle Haggard
CHORUS:
(G) Always (C) wanting you, but never (G) having you,
makes it (Am) hard to face (D) tomorrow 'cause I
(Am) know I'll be (D) wanting you (G) again.
(G7) Always (C) loving you, but never (D7) touching you,
some (Am) times hurts (D) me (Am) almost more (D) than
I can (G) stand.
INTERLUDE: ( G, C, G, AM, D, AM, D, G )
VERSE:
I'd been (G) better off if I'd turned (D7) away and never
looked at you the (G) second time. 'Cause I really had
my life all (D7) together till your eyes meet (G) mine.
And there I say a (G7) yearning and a (C) felling 'cross
the room that you (G) felt for me. Wish I'd (Am) had
away of (D) knowing that the (Am) things we had in
(D) mind could never (G) be.
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Are The Good Times Really Over For Good Merle Haggard
D G
I wish a buck was still silver, and it was back when the country was strong,
A7 D
Back before Elvis, and before the Vietnam war came along,
G D G
Before the Beatles and yesterday, when a man could still work, and still would,
A7
is the best of the free life behind us now,
D
and Are The Good Times Really Over For Good.
G
Are we rollin' downhill like a snowball headed for hell.
A D
With no kind of chance for the flag or the liberty bell.
G
I wish a Ford or a Chevy, would still last ten years like they should.
A7
Is the best of the free life behind us now,
D
And Are The Good Times Really Over For Good.
D G
I wish Coke was still cola, and a joint was a bad place to be.
A7 D
It was back before Nixon lied to us all on TV.
G D G
Before Microwave ovens, when a girl could still cook, and still would,
A7
Is the best of the free life behind us now,
D
and Are The Good Times Really Over For Good.
G
Stop rollin' downhill like a snowball headed for hell.
A D
Standup for the flag, and let's all ring the liberty bell.
G
Let's make a Ford and a Chevy that'll still last ten years like they should.
A7
The best of the free life is still yet to come,
D
And the good times ain't really over for good.
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If We're Not Back In Love By Monday - Merle Haggard
Verse 1:
Em A7 D
We can call Mrs. Johnson to keep the kids a day or two.
Em A7 D
Take the early flight to Florida, just the way we used to do.
Em A7 D
Have room service bring us breakfast, make love all through the day.
Em A7 D
If We're Not Back In Love By Monday, we can go our sep'rate ways.
Chorus:
G D
If We're Not Back In Love By Monday we can't say we didn't try.
Em A7 D
Just before we bury our love, Let's make sure we've let die.
G D
Sleep a few more nights together, say the things we used to say
Em A7 D
If We're Not Back In Love By Monday, we can go our sep'rate ways.
Verse 2:
Em A7 D
We could find that little cafe with funny sounding name.
Em A7 D
Get the table by the window, I'll say I love you once again.
Em A7 D
If the vi'lin player's still there, we'll dance until the break of day.
Em A7 D
If We're Not Back In Love By Monday, we can go our sep'rate ways.
Chorus
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Big City - Merle Haggard
Verse 1:
F Bb
I'm tired of this dirty old city.
F C
Entirely too much work and never enough play.
F Bb
And I'm tired of these dirty old sidewalks.
F C F
Think I'll walk off my steady job today.
Chorus:
F Bb F
Turn me loose, set me free, somewhere in the middle of Montanna.
C
And gimme all I got comin' to me,
F Bb F
And keep your retirement and your so called social security.
C F
Big City turn me loose and set me free.
Verse 2:
F Bb
Been working everyday since I was twenty.
F C
Haven't got a thing to show for anything I've done.
F Bb
There's folks who never work and they've got plenty.
F C F
Think it's time some guys like me had some fun.
Chorus
F Bb C
--1----1----0
--1----3----1
--2----3----0
--3----3----2
--3----1----3
--1----x----x
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Branded Man - Merle Haggard
G C G
I'd like to hold my head up and be proud of who I am
D
But they won't let my secret go untold
G C G
I paid the debt I owed them,but they're still not satisfied
D G
Now I'm a branded man out un the cold
G C G
When they let me out of prison,I held my head up high
D
Determined I would rise above the shame
G C G
But no matter where I'm living,the black mark follows me
D G
I'm branded with a number on my name
Repeat verse 1
G C G
If I live to be a hundred,I guess I'll never clear my name
D
'Cause everybody knows I've been in jail
G C G
No matter where I'm living,I've got to tell them where I've been
D G
Or they'll send me back to prison if I fail
Repeat verse 1
D G
Now I'm a branded man out un the cold
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Cherokee Maiden - Merle Haggard
G A7 D7 G
My little Cherokee Maiden, I love her so. And tho we're far apart,
D7 G A7 D7
I know I'll never be tradin' my love for her, For anybody else's heart.
B7 Em
Someday I'll make a trip back to the Cherokee Strip
A7
And I'll carry her away with me.
Cm G E7 Am Cm
And straight as an arrow flies, we'll ride to paradise,
G E7 Am7 D7 G
My sweet little chickadee, My little Cherokee Maiden and me.
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Corrine, Corrina - Merle Haggard
[D] I love Corrina; tell the world I do ... [D7]
I love Cor-[G] rina; tell the world I [D] do
Just a little more [A7] lovin'; Let your heart beat [D] true.
[D] Corrine, Corrina; Where've you been so long? ... [D7]
Corrine, Cor-[G] rina; Where've you been so [D] long?
Ain't had no [A7] lovin'; Since you've been [D] gone.
Corrine, Corrina; Where'd you stay last night?
Corrine, Corrina; Where'd you stay last night?
Came home this mornin'; Sun was shinin' bright.
Goodbye Corrina; This is fare thee well
Goodbye Corrina; This is fare thee well
When I get back, Babe; Lawd! you never can tell.
Extra verses not on Merle Haggard version.
I met Corrina; far across the sea
I met Corrina; far across the sea
She didn't write me no letter; She doesn't care for me.
I love Corrina; I'll tell the world I do
Oh, I love Corrina; I'll tell the world I do
Can't wait'll Corrina, says: "I love you too."
TAG: Sweet, sweet Corrina; say you love me too.
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Daddy Frank Merle Haggard
Daddy Frank played the guitar and the french harp
Sister played the ringing tambourine
Mamma couldn't hear the pretty music
She read our lips and helped the family sing
That little band was all a part of living
And our only means of living at the time
And it wasn't like no normal family combo
Cause Daddy Frank the guitar man was blind
Chorus
Frank and mamma counted on each other
Their one and only weakness made them strong
Mamma did the driving for the family
And Frank made a living with a song
Home was just a camp along the highway
Pick-up bed was where we bedded down
Don't ever once remember going hungry
But I remember mamma cooking on the ground
Can't remember how they came acquainted
Can't recall just how it came to be
There had to be some special help from someone
And blessed be the one that let it be
Fever caused my mamma's loss of hearing
Daddy Frank was born without his sight
And mamma needed someone she could lean on
And I believe the guitar man was right
Repeat chorus...
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Dad's Old Fiddle Merle Haggard
[D] There's two nails in the wall
Above the [G] door in the hall
Where [D] Dad's old fiddle hung for twenty [A7] years
I [D] recall as just a boy
How my [G] heart would beat with joy
When [D] Daddy would play the [A7] song I loved to [D] hear:
And Daddy would [G] play: - Fiddle ...
Daddy never left us any will
Tellin' us what he'd give
But ev'rybody knew his fiddle was mine
But the fiddle was all he left
So I had to teach myself
And I bet I played his song a million times:
And I would play: - Fiddle ...
Well, if Dad could see me now
Oh, I know that he'd be proud
To hear his old fiddle play once again
But mayble it won't be long
'Til I join him in a song
And together we play this song once again:
And then we'll play: - Fiddle ...
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Everybody's Had The Blues - Merle Haggard
I play this one with my fret bar on the fourth fret to bring it
into my voice range.
(G) Everybody's had the (Am7) blues sometimes and
(D7) everybody knows the (G) tune. And everybody
knows the (Am7) way I'm feelin' cause (D7) everybody's
had the (G) blues.
CHORUS: A (D) lonely, (Am7) song some (D) one is (Am7) gone,
a (G) story old as (D) time. Love, (Am7) hate, or (D) want
and (Am7) wait till (G) misery fills your (D) mind.
But (G) everybody knows the (Am7) way I'm fellin' cause
(D7) everybody's had the (G) blues.
Interlude, Repeat Verse and Chorus.
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From Graceland To The Promised Land written by Merle Haggard
Em: 022000 A7: 002020 Em/A: 3x2200
D6: x20202 D7: xx0212
D Em G D
>From the sun years of the Fifties and the birth of rock and roll,
A D
Millions screamed to see him do his thing.
Em G D
Elvis touched the life of ev'ry ear that heard him,
A7 D
And they couldn't help but listen when he sang.
G D Em/A D
It's a long way from Memphis to that mansion in the sky,
A D D6 D7
But he kept his faith in Jesus all along,
D D Em/A G
It's a long way from Graceland across Jordan to the Promised Land,
D A A7 D
But Jesus fin'ly came to lead him home.
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Goodbye Lefty Words and music by Merle Haggard
CAPO: 2nd Fret/KEY: A/PLAY: G
[G] I'd love to hear a [D7] jukebox [G] play
I love you a [C] thousand [G] ways
Or if [C] you've got the [G] money, I've got the [D7] time
I'd walk a [G] mile for [D7] Mom and [G] Dad
And the good times [C] that we [G] had
Look what [C] thoughts will do
When you [G] sing old [D7] pal of [G] mine.
CHORUS
But the [D7] old, old man is gone
There'll be [C] no more Lefty [G] songs
How [C] much he meant to [G] me, nobody [D7] knows
The long black [G] veil that [D7] Alice [G] wore
Like words he sang some [C] years be-[G] fore
[C] she loved him, too [G] ...
[D7] That's the way love [G] goes.
CHORUS
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High On A Hilltop - Merle Haggard
[D] High on a hilltop over-[G] looking the [D] city
I can see the [A7] bright lights as they [D] gleam [A7]
And [D] somewhere you're dancing in [G] some dingy [D] barroom
And the lure of the gayness takes the [A7] place of our [D] dream.
CHORUS
[G] High on a hilltop my heart cries, Oh [D] Lord
Forgive her she knows not the [A7] way
And [D] give me the power to be-[G] lieve and some [D] day
High on a hilltop to-[A7] gether we'll [D] pray.
I can vision a rounder with a line so smooth
And a promise of riches for you
But you see not the danger, 'cause you're silly with booze
And high on a hilltop I see the devil win you.
CHORUS
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Holdin' Things Together Merle Haggard
CHORUS
CAPO: 1st FRET KEY: Bb PLAY: A
[A] HOLDING [E] THINGS [A] TOGETHER
Ain't no easy [A7] thing to [D] do
When it comes to raisin' [A] children
It's a job - meant for [E] two
[A] Alice [E] please be-[A]lieve me
I can't go [A7] on and [D] on
Holding things [A] together [E]
With you [A] gone.
Today was [E] Angie's [A] birthday
I guess it [A7] slipped your [D] mind
I tried twice to [A] call you
But no answer either [E] time
But the [A] postman [E] brought a [A] present
I mailed some [A7] days [D] ago
I just signed it love from [A] mama
So [E] Angie wouldn't [A] know.
CHORUS
Alice please believe me
I can't go on and on
Holding things together
With you gone.
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Hungry Eyes Merle Haggard
A canvas covered cabin in a crowded labour camp
Stand out in this memory I revived
Cause my daddy raised a family there,with two hard working hands
And tried to feed my mammas hungry eyes
He dreamed of something better and my mamma's faith was strong
And us kids were just to young to realize
That another class of people put us somewhere down below
One more reason for my mamma's hungry eyes
Mamma never had the luxuries she wanted
but it wasn't cause my daddy didn't try
she only wanted things she really needed
One more reason for my mamma's hungry eyes
I remember daddy praying for a better way of life
But I don't recall a change of any size
Just a little loss of courage,as their age began to show
And more sadness in my mamma's hungry eyes
Mamma never had the luxuries she wanted
But it wasn't cause my daddy didn't try
She only wanted things she really needed
One more reason for my mamma's hungry eyes
I can still recall my mamma's hungry eyes
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I Take Alot OF Pride In What I Am Merle Haggard
Capo 1st fret
Cadd2/B: x20010 G7/A: 300001
Am7: x02010 F/D: xx0211
Intro:
C Cadd2/B Am7 G7/A
C Cadd2/B Am7 G7/A
Verse 1:
Dm
Things I learned in a hobo jungle
C Cadd2/B Am7 G7/A
Were things they never taught me in a classroom,
Dm
Like where to find a handout
C Cadd2/B Am7 G7/A
While thumbin' through Chicago in the afternoon.
C (strum, no walk on base here)
Hey, I'm not braggin' or complainin',
F F/D Dm
I'm just talkin' to myself man to man.
This ole' mental fat I'm chewin' didn't take alot of doin'.
C Cadd2/B Am7 G7/A
But I Take Alot Of Pride In What I Am.
Verse 2:
I guess I grew up a loner, I don't remember ever havin' any folks around.
But I keep thumbin' through the phone books,
And lookin' for my daddy's name in every town.
And I meet lots of friendly people, that I always end up leavin' on the lam.
Hey, where I've been or where I'm goin' didn't take alot of knowin',
But I Take Alot Of Pride In What I Am.
Verse 3:
I never travel in a hurry, 'Cause I got nobody waitin' for me anywhere.
Home is anywhere I'm livin',
If it's sleepin' on some vacant bench in City Square,
Or if I'm workin' on some road gang,
Or just livin' off the fat of our great land.
I never been nobody's idol, But at least I got a title,
And I Take Alot Of Pride In What I Am.
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I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink Merle Haggard
A D
Could be holding you tonight
D A
Could be doing wrong or doing right
A E
You don't care about what I think
E A
I think I'll just stay here and drink
A D
Hey, putting you down won't square the deal
D A
A least you'll know what I feel
A E
Hey, take all the money in the bank
E A
I think I'll just stay here and drink
A D
Hey, listen close and you can hear
D A
That loud jukebox playing in my ear
A E
Ain't no woman gonna change the way I think
E A
I think I'll just stay here and drink
[INSTRUMENTAL: SAME PROGRESSION ONCE AROUND]
A D
Hey, hurtin' me know don't mean a thing
D A
Since love ain't here I don't feel a thing
A E
My mind ain't nothing but a total blank
E A
I think I'll just stay here and drink
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If We Make It Through December Merle Haggard
Bb F
If We Make It Through December ev'rything's gonna be alright I know;
F7 Gm7 C7 F
It's the coldest time of winter and I shiver when I see the falling snow;
F7 Bb
If We Make It Through December,
F
Got plans to be a warmer town come summer time;
F7 Gm7
Maybe even California,
C7 Gm7 C7 F
If We Make It Through December, we'll be fine;
Gm7
Got laid off down at the fact'ry
C7 Gm7 C7 F
And their timing's not the greatest in the world;
F7 Gm7 C7 Gm7 C7 F
Heaven knows I been working hard, wanted Christmas to be right for daddy's girl;
F7 Bb
I don't mean to hate December,
F
It's meant to be the happy time of year;
F7 Gm7 C7 F
And my little girl don't understand why daddy can't afford no Christmas here;
Bb F
If We Make It Through December ev'rything's gonna be alright I know;
F7 Gm7 C7 F
It's the coldest time of winter and I shiver when I see the falling snow;
F7 Bb
If We Make It Through December,
F
Got plans to be a warmer town come summer time;
F7 Gm7
Maybe even California,
C7 Gm7 C7 F Eb Bb F
If We Make It Through December, we'll be fine.
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I'm A Lonesome Fugitive Merle Haggard
G C D
Down every road there's always one more city
C D G
I'm on the run, the highway is my home
G C D
I raised a lot of cane back in my younger days
C D G
While Mama used to pray my crops would fail
G C D
Now I'm a hunted fugitive with just two ways:
C D G
Outrun the law or spend my life in jail
CHORUS
G C D
I'd like to settle down but they won't let me
C D
A fugitive must be a rolling stone
G C D
Down every road there's always one more city
C D G
I'm on the run, the highway is my home
I'm lonely but I can't afford the luxury
Of having one I love to come along
She'd only slow me down and they'd catch up with me
For he who travels fastest goes alone
CHORUS
C D G
I'm on the run, the highway is my home
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I'm Always On A Mountain When I Fall
(Em, F, Dm, G7, C)
(C) Most of my life I've almost been a (G7) winner. I've come so
close but never really (C) won. Just when I thought I finally
(F) made it. I (G7) found myself back where I started (C) from.
CHORUS:
(Em) I hate to say I'm (Am) giving up but I (F) believe, (G7) losin's
just become a way of (C) life for me. (Em) Losin' wouldn't be so
bad at (F) all. But I'm (Dm) always on a (G7) mountain when I
(F) fall.
INTERLUDE: (Em, F, Dm, G7, C)
(C) Then you came along and had me, had me (G7) believin', for once
in my life my luck had finally (C) changed. And now you say you're
gonna (F) leave me. (G7) Seems everything I do winds up the (C) same.
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It's Been A Great Afternoon - Merle Haggard
[A] Last night we had a hell raisin' time
[D] Nippin' on tequila and suckin' on [A] limes
Sunrise chased the good time [D7] away
And good [B7] morning would have been the wrong [E7] thing to say
'Cause the [A] poundin' in the top of my head
Hey [D] didn't leave me any too [A] soon
I can't say we've had a good [B7] morning
But [D7] babe it's been a [E7] great after[A]noon
Well you [D] nursed me through the morning while [A] I was really down
Then one [B7] rowdy afternooner got me [E7] up and around
Yes last [A] night we had one hell raisin' time
But [D] today won't be forgotten too [A] soon
I can't say we've had a good [B7] morning
Oh but [D7] babe it's been a [E7] great after[A]noon, yes sir
(break)
Well you [D] nursed me through the morning while [A] I was really down
Then one [B7] rowdy afternooner got me [E7] up and around
Yes last [A] night we had one hell raisin' time, he he
But [D] today won't be forgotten too [A] soon
I can't say we've had a good [B7] morning
But [D7] dang it's been a [E7] great after[A]noon
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It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad) - Merle Haggard
Verse 1:
G G7 C
She was always there each time I needed you,
G D7
holding on to me like I held on to you,
G G7 C
We still don't have what you and I once had;
G D7 G G7
No, It's Not Love, But it's not bad.
Chorus:
C G
No, It's Not Love, not like ours was. It's Not Love,
C G D7
but it keeps love from driving me mad;
G G7 C
And I don't have to wonder who she's had.
D7 G D7 G C G D7
No, It's Not Love, But it's not bad
Verse 2:
G G7 C
I turn to her when you leave me alone,
G D7
sometimes even when you're here, and you're still gone.
G G7 C
She'e slowly changing what you leave so sad;
G D7 G G7
No, It's Not Love, But it's not bad.
Chorus
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Kern River Merle Haggard
CHORUS:
D A
I'll never swim Kern River again.
A
It was there that I met her.
A E E7
It was there that I lost my best friend.
D
And now I live in the mountains.
C#m D
I drifted up here with the wind.
A
And I may drown in still water,
E A
But I'll never swim Kern River again.
VERSE
A
I grew up in an oil town,
D A
But my gusher never came in.
A
And the river was a boundary
A E (E7) E9
Where my darlin' and I used to swim.
A
One night in the moonlight
D A
The swiftness swept here life away.
A
And now I live on Lake Shasta and
A E A
Lake Shasta is where I will stay.
CHORUS
A
There's the South San Joaquin,
D A
Where the seeds of the dust bowl are found.
A
And there's a place called Mount Whitney
A E (E7) E9
>From where the mighty Kern River comes down.
A
Well, it's not deep nor wide,
A D A
But it's a mean piece of water my friend.
A
And I may cross on the highway,
E A
But I'll never swim Kern River again
CHORUS
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Let's Chase Each Other Around The Room Merle Haggard
CHORUS
Bb F
Let's chase each other 'round the room tonight
Bb
Let's play the games we played on our wedding night
F
To lock and bolt the door is only right
Bb
Let's chase each other 'round the room tonight
F
Seems like lately people love to play with fire
Bb
The other games they play are just as bad
F
I'd rather stay at home and feel your burning lips
Bb
And play the kind of games that make me glad
(Repeat CHORUS)
Bb F
Let's don't chase around and make each other weary
Bb
Let's keep all our love at home and out of sight
F
Let's leave everything like jealousy behind us
Bb
And let's chase each other 'round the room tonight
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Life Of Wine And Roses - Merle Haggard
(C) Once I lived a life of (F) wine and (C)Roses.
I (G7) drank a lot back then for one (C) concern.
Success for me lay (F) just around the corner. I
thought my (G7) social friends would help me make
the (C) turn.
CHORUS: (C) Now I'm paying for the (F) days of
wine and (C) and roses. A (G7) victim of the
drunken life I (C) chose. Now all my social
(F) friends look down their (C) noses. Cause I
(G7) kept the wine and through away the (C) rose.
Interlude: (C, F, C, G7, C)
(C) I stood by and watched the (F) bottle take
(C) control of me. The (G7) turn I made was not
the one I (C) planned. And I watched my social
(F) standing slip (C) away from me. While I
(G7) watched the bottle slowly take (C) command.
(repeat chorus)
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Mama Tried Merle Haggard
D G D G
First thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'
D G A7
And a young-on's dream of growing up to ride
D G D G
On a freight train leaving town, not knowing where I'm bound
D A7 D
And no one could change my mind, but Mama tried
One and only rebel child, from a family meek and mild
Mama seemed to know what lay in store
'Spite of all my Sunday learnin', toward the bad I kept on turnin'
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore
CHORUS:
D G D
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole
G D A7
No one could steer me right, but Mama tried, Mama tried
D G D
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied,
A7 D
that leaves only me to blame, 'cause Mama tried
Dear old Daddy rest his soul, he left my mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Working hours without rest, she wanted me to have the best
She tried to raise me right, but I refused
CHORUS
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Momma Tried Merle Haggard
D G D G
One and only Rebel child from a family meek and mild
D A7
my Momma seemed to to know what lay in store
D G D G
In spite of all my Sunday learning towards the bad I kept on turning
D A7 D
til Momma couldn't hold me anymore
D7 G D
And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole
D A7
No one could steer me right but Mamma tried, Momma tried
D7 G D
Momma tried to raise me better but her pleadings I denied
D G A7 D
And that leaves only me to blame, cause Momma tried
Dear old Daddy, rest his soul left my Mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to feel his shoes
Don't remember the rest-anyone?
ending
r r
e---(14)-12------------------------------------------ pre bend note to 14
B-----------13-----(7)-5----------------------------- then release to 12
G------------------------5---------------------------
D---------------------------/7---7-------------------
A---------------------------/5---5-------------------
E----------------------------------------------------
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Misery and Gin Performed by Merle Hagard
Verse 1:
D
Memories and drinks don't mix too well.
G
And jukebox records don't play those wedding bells.
C
Starin' at the world through the bottom of a glass,
D D7
All I see is a man who's fading fast.
Verse 2:
D
Tonight I need that woman again.
G
What I'd give for my baby to just walk in.
C
Sit down beside me and say it's alright.
D D7
Take me home and make sweet love to me tonight.
Chorus
G G7 C
But here I am again, mixin' misery and gin.
D D7 G
Sittin' with all my friends and talkin' to myself.
C C(barre) B C
I look like I'm havin' a good time but any fool can tell,
G D D7 G D7
That this Honkytonk Heaven really makes ya' feel like hell.
Verse 3:
D
I light a lonely womans cigarette,
G
We both start talkin' 'bout what we want to forget.
C
Her life story and mine are the same.
D D7
We both lost someone and only have ourselves to blame.
Chorus
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My Favorite Memory Merle Haggard
F Bb Gm Dm Bb
The first time we met is a favorite mem'ry of mine.
C7
They say time changes all it pertains to
F
But your memory is stronger than time.
Bb
I guess everything does change except what you choose to recall.
C7
There's a million good daydreams to dream on
F C7 F C7 F C7 F
But, baby, you are My Favorite Mem'ry of all.
Like the night we made love in the hallway,
C7 Bb Gm Dm Bb
Slept all night long on the floor.
C7 F
Like the winter we spent at Lake Shasta alone, and closer than ever before.
And I remember that London vacation.
Bb Gm Dm Bb
It was you who made the whole thing a ball.
C7
There's a million good-times I could dwell on,
F C7 F C7 F C7 F
But, baby, you are My Favorite Mem'ry of all.
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My Own Kind Of Hat Merle Haggard
Chorus:
D G
Cowboys and outlaws, right guys and southpaws,
A
Good dogs and all kinds of cats.
D G
Dirt roads and white lines and all kinds of stop signs,
A
But I stand right here where I'm at,
G A D
'Cause I wear My Own Kind Of Hat.
Verse 1:
Bm A
There's two kind of lovers and two kind of brothers,
G D
And two kind of babies to hold.
Bm A
There's two kind of cherries and two kind of fairies,
G A A7
And two kind of mothers I'm told, and told
Chorus
Verse 2:
Bm A
There's two kind of brothers and two kind of lovers,
G D
And two kind of babies to hold.
Bm A
There's two kind of cherries and two kind of fairies,
G A A7
And two kind of mothers I'm told, and told
Chorus
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Natural High Merle Haggard
E
You stayed with me thru thick and thin
A E
You watched me lose, you watched me win
You picked me up off of the ground
F# F#m B
You never one time let me down
E Ab A F#
And you put me on a natural high
E B7 E
And I can fly, I can fly
E
I was drowning in a sea of make-believe
A E
As helpless as a falling leave
You gave your hand to me that day
F# F#m B
And you did it, 'cause you're made that way
E Ab A F#
And you put me on a natural high
E B7 E
And I can fly, I can fly
(Instrumental)
E
You always seem to let your feelings show
A E
You love me and you let me know
Darling just remember these three words
F# F#m B
I love you, I love you, I love you
E Ab A F#
And you put me on a natural high
E B7 C#m B A
And I can fly, I can fly
E Ab A F#
And you put me on a natural high
E B7 A E
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Okie From Muskogee - Merle Haggard
E
We don't smoke marijuana in Muskogee;
B7
We don't take our trips on LSD
B7
We don't burn our draft cards down on Main Street;
E
We like livin' right, and bein' free.
E
I'm proud to be an Oakie from Muskogee,
B7
A place where even squares can have a ball ----
B7
We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse,
E
And white lightin's still the biggest thril of all
We don't make a party out of lovin';
We like holdin' hands and pitchin' woo;
We don't let our hair grow long and shaggy,
Like the hippies out in San Francisco do.
And I'm proud to be an Oakie from Muskogee,
A place where even squares can have a ball.
We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse,
And white lightin's still the biggest thril of all.
Leather boots are still in style for mainly footwear;
Beads and roman sandals won't be seen.
Football's still the roughest thing on campus,
And the kids here still respect the college dean.
We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse,
In Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA.
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Rainbow Stew Merle Haggard
Verse 1:
Bb Eb Bb
There's a big, brown cloud in the city, And the country side's a sin.
F
The price of life is too high to give up, It's gotta come down again.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
The world wide war is over and done, And the dream of peace come thru.
Bb F Bb
We'll all be drinkin' that free bubble-ubb, And eatin' that Rainbow Stew.
Verse 2:
Bb Eb Bb
When they find out how to burn water, And the gasoline car is gone.
F
When an airplane flies without any fuel, And the satellite heats our home.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
One of these days when the air clears up, And the sun comes shinin' thru.
Bb F Bb
We'll all be drinkin' that free bubble-ubb, And eatin' that Rainbow Stew.
Chorus
Bb Eb Bb
Eatin' Rainbow Stew in a silver spoon underneath that sky of blue.
F Bb
We'll all be drinkin' that free bubble-ubb, And eatin' that Rainbow Stew.
Verse 3:
Bb Eb Bb
You don't have to get high to get happy, Just think about what's in store.
Bb
When people start doin' what they oughta be doin',
F
Then they won't be booin' no more.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
When a President goes through the White House doors, Does what he says he'll do.
Bb F Bb
We'll all be drinkin' that free bubble-ubb, And eatin' that Rainbow Stew.
Chorus
Chorus
Bb Eb F
--1----1----1----
--3----2----1----
--3----1----2----
--3----3----3----
--1----x----3----
--x----x----1----
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Ramblin' Fever Merle Haggard
G C
My hat don't hang on the same nail too long
G D
My ears can't stand to hear the same old song
G G7 C
And I don't leave the highway long enough
G
To bog down in the mud
G D G
Cause I've got ramblin' fever in my blood
I caught this ramblin' fever long ago
When I first heard a lonesome whistle blow
If someone said I ever gave a damn
They damn sure told you wrong
I've had ramblin' fever all along
CHORUS:
G C G D
Ramblin' fever, the kind that can't be measured by degrees
G C G D G
Ramblin' fever, there ain't no kind of cure for my disease
D7 G C
There's times I'd like to bed down on a sofa
G C
And let some pretty lady rub my back
C Am C G
And spend the early morning drinking coffee
D G
And talking about when I'll be coming back
G C
Cause I don't let know no woman tie me down
G D
And I'll never get too old to get around
G C
I'm gonna die along the highway and rot away
C G
Like some old high-line pole,
D
Rest this ramblin' fever in my soul
CHORUS
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Sam Hill - Merle Haggard
capo 3
D Bm
There's a certain hill outside of town called Sam Hill
D A
And a certain guy used to go there every day
D Bm
They said a certain girl lived up in Sam Hill
Em A
Aw, a pretty girl, not hep to city ways
D G
This certain guy would come down the hill a smilin'
Em A
Headed back to town at the crack of dawn
D G
And he had 'em all a wonderin' what he was doin'
D A D
Yeah, wonderin' what in Sam Hill's goin' on
Bm
We knew this certain guy was not a goldminer
D A
Cause he never took a shovel or a pick
D Bm
He only took a little box of candy
Em A
And disappeared in Sam Hill mighty quick
D G
We tried to follow him to his destination
Em A
But he had a secret path and soon he was gone
D G
And he had us all a wonderin' what he was doin'
D A D G A D
Yeah, wonderin' what in Sam Hill's goin' on
Bm
I know that you have wondered too about Sam Hill
D A
You've probably asked "What in Sam Hill's goin' on?"
D Bm
All I can say in answer to your question
Em A
Is the goin's on are still goin' on
D G
This certain guy's still takin' up his candy
Em A
He's 99 and all his youth is gone
D G
But he climbs that hill and still comes down a smilin'
D A D
And we're wonderin' what in Sam Hill's goin' on
Bm Em
Wish I knew
A D
What in Sam Hill's goin' on
Bm Em
He won't tell us'
A D
What in Sam Hill's goin' on
Bm Em
He just snickers
A D
What in Sam Hill's goin' on
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Set Me Free Merle Haggard
Eb Ab Bb7 Eb
If you think you've had enough, if you think you're life's been rough,
Fm Bb7 Eb
Why not take your love light off of me? Come on and Set Me Free.
Eb Ab Bb7 Eb
If you think our love's all wrong, if you feel the fire is gone,
Fm Bb7 Eb
If I'm not what you'd like for me to be, Come on and Set Me Free.
Eb Ab Bb7 Eb
Set Me Free and let me fly like a bluebird flying high.
Eb7 Ab Fm
Release the chains that bind you and me;
Bb7 Eb Bb9 Ab Eb
Come on and Set Me Free. Set Me Free.
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Silver Wings Merle Haggard
E
Silver wings shining in the sunlight
F#m B
Roaring engines headed somewhere in flight
E
They're taking you away, and leaving me lonely
F#m B E
Silver wings slowly fading out of sight
F#m B
Don't leave me I cry
E F#m B
Don't take that airplane ride
F#m
But you locked me out of your mind
B
Left me standing here behind
Verse 1
Solo
Verse 1
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Sing Me Back Home Merle Haggard
A E D A
The warden led a prisoner down the hallway to his doom
A E
I stood up to say good-bye like all the rest
A E D A
And I heard him tell the warden just before he reached my cell
A E A
'Let my guitar playing friend do my request.' (Let him...)
CHORUS:
A E D A
Sing me back home with a song I used to hear
A E
Make my old memories come alive
A E D A
Take me away and turn back the years
A E A
Sing Me Back Home before I die
A E D A
I recall last Sunday morning a choir came in from town
A E
Just to sing a few old gospel songs
A E D A
And I heard him tell the singers 'There's a song my mama sang.
A E A
Can I hear once before we move along?'
CHORUS
[A E D - A]
[Sing Me Back Home before I die ]
A E D
--0----0----2----
--2----0----3----
--2----1----2----
--2----2----0----
--0----2----x----
--x----0----x----
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Soldier's Last Letter Merle Haggard
I'm writing this down in a trench mon
Don't scold if it isn't so neat
The way that you did, when I was a kid
When I'd come home with mud on my feet
The captain just gave us our orders
And mom we must carry them through
I'll finish this letter the first chance I get
But for now I'll just say I love you
Then the mothers old hands began to tremble
And she fought back the tears in her eyes
But they came unashamed,for there was no blame
And she knew that her soldier had died
Then the mother knelt down by her bedside
And she prayed Lord above hear my plea
Please protect all the boys who are fighting tonight
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Swinging Doors Merle Haggard
G C
This old smoke filled bar is something I'm not used to
G D7
But if gave up my home to see you satisfied
G C
And I just called to let you know where I'll be living
C G D7 G
It's not much but I feel welcome here inside
And I've got swinging doors a jukebox and a barstool
And my new home has got a flashing neon sign
Stop by and see me anytime you want to
Cause I'm always here at home till closing time
I've got everything I need to drive me crazy
I've got everything it takes to lose my mind
And in here the atmosphere's just right for heartaches
And thanks to you I'm always here till closing time
And I've got swinging doors a jukebox and a barstool
And my new home has got a flashing neon sign
Stop by and see me anytime you want to
Cause I'm always here at home till closing time
Yeah, I'm always here at home till closing time
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TAKE THESE CHAINS Merle Haggard
Take these chains from my heart and set me free
You've grown cold and no longer care for me
Though your faith in me is gone but the heartaches linger on
Take these chains from my heart and set me free
Take these tears from my eyes and let me see
Just a spark of love that used to be
If you love somebody new,let me find a new love too
Take these chains from my heart and set me free
Give my heart just the words of sympathy
Be as fair to my heart as you can be
Then if you no longer care
for the love that's beating there
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That's the Way Love Goes - Merle Haggard
Verse (the only one; chorus chords are the same):
G Dm G
I've been trowing horseshoes
C D
Over my left shoulder
C G
I've spent most all my life
A D
Looking for that four-leafed clover
G Dm G
When you run with me,
C D
Chasing my rainbows
C G
Honey I love you, too
D G
And that's the way love goes.
Chorus:
That's the way love goes, babe
That's the music God made
For all the world to sing
It never gets old; it grows
Losing makes me sorry
You say, "Honey, don't worry."
Honey, I love you, too
And that's the way love goes.
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The Bottle Let Me Down Merle Haggard
D
Each night I leave the barroom when it's over
A7
Not feeling any pain at closing time
A7
But tonight you memory found me much to sober
D
Couldn't drink enough to keep you off my mind
CHORUS:
D
Tonight the bottle let down
A7
and let you memory come around
A7
The one true friend I thought I'd found
D
Tonight the bottle let down
I've always had a bottle I could turn to
And lately I've been turning everyday
But the wind don't take effect the way it used to
And I'm hurting in an old familiar way
CHORUS
Tonight the bottle let down
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The Fightin' Side Of Me Merle Haggard
Verse 1:
D A7
I hear people talking bad about the way they have to live here in this country.
D
Harpin' on the wars we fight gripin' 'bout the way things ought to be.
A7
I don't mind them switchin' sides and standin' up for things they beleive in,
When they're runnin' down our country man,
D
They're walkin' on The Fightin' Fide Of Me.
Chorus
A7 D A7
They're walkin' on The Fightin' Side Of Me.
A G D
Runnin' down a way of life our fightin' men have fought and died to keep,
If you don't love it, leave it,
D7 G
Let this song that I'm singin' be a warnin',
A7
When you're runnin' down our country (hoss - 1st // man - 2d)
D
You're walkin' on The Fightin' Side Of Me.
Verse 2:
I read about some squirley guy
Who claims that he just don't beleive in fightin',
And I wonder just how long the rest of us can count on bein' free.
They love our milk and honey but they preach about some other way of livin',
When they're runnin' down our country man
They're walkin' on The Fightin' Side Of Me.
Chorus
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The Running Kind Merle Haggard
G
I was born the running kind, leaving always on my mind
G C
Home was never home to me at anytime
C D
Every front door found me open I would find the back door open
G
There just had to be a lesson for the running kind
Within me there's a prison, surrounding me alone
As real as any dungeon with a wall of stone
I know running's not the answer, but running's been my nature
And a part of me that keeps me moving on
I was born the running kind, leaving always on my mind
Home was never home to me at anytime
Every front door found me open I would find the back door open
There just had to be a lesson for the running kind
(repeat progession once or twice and fade)
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The Way I Am - Merle Hagard
CAPO: 1st Fret/KEY: F#/PLAY: F
[F] Wish I was down on some blue [Bb] bayou
With a bamboo [F] cane stuck in the [C7] sand
But the road I'm [F] on - don't seem to [Bb] go there
So I Just [F] dream - keep on [C7] bein' the way [F] I am.
Wish I enjoyed what makes my living
Did what I do with a willin' hand
Some would run - but that ain't like me
I just dream and keep on bein' the way I am.
Chorus:
The way I [Bb] am, don't fit my [F] shackles
The way I am - re-ali-[C7] ty
I can almost [F] see - that bobber [Bb] dancin'
But I just [F] dream - keep on [C7] bein' the way I [F] am.
Repeat Chorus:
TAG: I just dream - keep on bein' the way I am.
Yod-el lay-te-ee he-ee, yod-el lay-te-ee.
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The Way It Was In '51 Merle Haggard
[C]Sixty-Six was still a narrow two-lane highway
Harry Truman was the man who ran the [G]show
The bad Korean was was just begining
And I was just three years too young to [C]go
Country Music hadn't gone to New York City yet
And a service man was proud of what he'd [F]done
Hank and Lefty crowded ev'ry [C]jukebox
[G]That's the way it was in fifty [C]one.
CHORUS
[G]There's so much about the good old days I'd love to [C]tell
And there's folks around I know still remember [G]well
Slow [C]dancin' close together when a ballad played
'Cause a thing called Rock and Roll was yet to [F]come
(It was) a big year for a drive-in rest'rant [C]carhop
[G]That's the way it was in fifty [C]one.
REPEAT CHORUS
Yeah! Hank and Lefty crowded ev'ry jukebox
Oh Lord That's the way it was in fifty one.
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Today I Started Loving You Again -- Merle Haggard
G C G
Today I started loving you again
C G
Now I'm right back to where I've really always been
C G
I got over you, just long enough to let my heartache mend
D G
And today I, started loving you again.
What a fool I was to think, I could get by
With only these few million tears I cried
Should have known, the worst, was yet to come
And the crying time for me, had just begun
repeat the first stanza
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Under The Bridge - Merle Haggard
CAPO 1ST FRET: KEY:Eb PLAY:D
D
I lost my job in Saginaw
G
Working on the railroad
D
After twenty years
Bbm E7 A7
They just put me on the side
D
Now I'm hungry in the street
G Gm
With no place to hang my hat
D A7 D
And nothin' but an empty dream to ride
But,
[CHORUS]:
D
Under the bridge
D7 G
I can make believe I'm living in a castle
D Bb7 E7 A7
Under the bridge, my baby and me
D D7
And I can pretend that I'm a king
G Gm
And this is my kingdom
D A7 D
Under the bridge, making beleive
[INSTRUMENTAL]
D
Hey, the doors are always open
G
To any old weary traveller
D
And you'll find some great grub
Bbm E7 A7
Feedin' here below
D D7
Any old bridge can be a palace
G Gm
Call it what you wan't to
D A7 D
It's a place to be when you got no place to go
[CHORUS]
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Valentine Merle Haggard
D G D
Valentine, won't you be my Valentine. Introduce your heart to mine.
A7 D
And be my Valentine.
D G
Summertime. We could run and play like summertime.
D A7 D D7
Storybooks and nursury rhymes. And you could be my Valentine.
G D
Candy heart. If anyone could you could have a candy heart.
Em A7
You're the sweetest of all sweethearts. Won't you give your heart to me.
Em
Can't you see. I love you.
D G D
Valentine, won't you be my Valentine. Won't you share your space with mine.
A7 D
And be my Valentine.
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White Line Fever - Merle Haggard
CHORUS:
D G D D A D
White Line Fever a Sickness born down deep within my soul
D G D D A D D7
White Line Fever the Years keep flyin' by like the high line poles
VERSE:
G A D
The wrinkles in my forehead show the miles I've left behind me
G A
They continue to remind me How fast I'm growin' old
D
Guess I'll die with this fever in my soul.
BRIDGE:
A D
Well, I wonder just what makes a man keep pushin' on
A D
Why must I keep on singin' this old highway song.
G A D
I've been from coast to coast a hundred times or more,
G A D
And I ain't seen one place that I ain't been before.
[CHORUS]
[solo over verse]
[BRIDGE]
[CHORUS]
tag:
D G D
White Line Fever
D G D
White Line Fever
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Workin' Man Blues - Merle Haggard
Intro: A7 (8 bars)
Verse1: A
It's a big job just gettin' by with 9 kids and a wife
I been a workin' man dang near all my life
D7
I'll be working
A
long as my two hands are fit to use
E7
I'll drink my beer in a tavern,
D7 A
sing a little bit of these working man blues
Verse2: I keep my nose on the grindstone, I work hard every day
might get a little tired on the weekend, after I draw my pay
but I'll go back workin,
come Monday morning I'm right back with the crew
I'll drink a little beer that evening,
sing a little bit of these working man blues
Verse3: Hey hey, the working man, the working man like me
I ain't never been on welfare, that's one place I won't be
cause I'll be working
long as my two hands are fit to use
I drink a little beer in a tavern
sing a little bit of these working man blues
[SOLO - one verse]
Verse4: Sometimes I think about leaving, do a little bummin around
I wanna throw my bills out the window catch a train to another town
but I go back working
I gotta buy my kids a brand new pair of shoes
yeah drink a little beer in a tavern,
cry a little bit of these working man blues
[VERSE3]
yeah drink a little beer in a tavern,
cry a little bit of these working man blues
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You Take Me For Granted Merle Haggard
D
My legs and my feet
G D
Have walked 'till they can't hardly move from tryin' to please you
And my back is sore
G E7 A7
From bendin' over backwards to just lay the world at your door.
D G
I've tried so hard to keep a smile on a sad face while deep down
D
It's breakin' my heart
G D G
And as sure as the sunshines I'll be a lifetime
D A7 D
Not knowin' if I've done my part
A7 D A7 D
'Cause You Take Me For Granted And it's breakin' my heart
A D G C9
As sure as the sunshines I'll be a lifetime
D A7 D
Not knowin' if I've done my part.
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