Hank Williams Sr. Chords and Lyrics
- A Picture From Life's Other Side
- Alabama Waltz
- Can't Get You Off My Mind
- Cold Cold Heart
- Crazy Heart
- Everythings Okay
- Goodbye Little darling Lyrics
- Hey Hey Good Lookin'
- Home In Heaven
- Honky-Tonkin
- House Of Gold
- Howlin' At The Moon
- I Can't Escape
- I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You
- I Could Never Be Ashamed Of You
- I Don't Care (If Tomorrow Never Comes)
- I Heard You Crying In Your Sleep
- I Saw The Light
- I Won't Be Home No More
- I'd Still Want You
- I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
- I'm Sorry For You My Friend
- Jambalaya
- Just Waitin'
- Kaw-Liga
- Long Gone Lonesome Blues
- Lost Highway
- Lovesick Blues
- Mansion On A Hill
- May You Never Be Alone Like Me
- Mind Your Own Business
- Moanin' The Blues
- My Bucket's Got A Hole In It
- My Heart Would Know
- My Sweet Love Ain't Around
- I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive
- No One To Welcome Me Home
- Nobody's Lonesome For Me
- Please Don't Let Me Love You
- Rootie Tootie
- Setting The Woods On Fire
- Singing Waterfall
- Someday You'll Call My Name
- Take These Chains From My Heart
- There's a Tear In My Beer
- Teardrop On A Rose
- Tennessee Border
- The Funeral
- The Pale Horse And His Rider
- They'll Never Take Her Love From Me
- Weary Blues
- Wedding Bells Lyrics
- When God Comes and Gathers His Jewels
- Why Don't You Love Me Like You Used To Do
- Your Cheatin' Heart
- You're Gonna Change
--------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
A Picture From Life's Other Side - Hank Williams, Sr.
CAPO: 2nd Fret/KEY: E/PLAY: D
[D] In the world's mighty gallery of pictures
Hang the [G] scenes that are painted from life [D]
There's pictures of love and of passion
Then there's [E7] pictures of peace and of [A7] strife
There hang [D] pictures of youth and of beauty
Of old [G] age and the blushing young [D] bride
They all [G] hang on the wall - but the [D] saddest of all
Are the [A7] pictures from life's other [D] side.
[D] Just a picture from life's other side
Some-[G] one has fell by the way [D]
A life has gone out with the tide
That [E7] might have been happy some [A7] day
There's a [D] poor old mother at home
She's [G] watching and waiting a-[D] lone
Just [G] longing to hear - from a [D] loved one so dear
It's just a [A7] picture from life's other [D] side.
The first scene is that of a gambler
Who had lost all his money at play
An' he draws his dead mother's ring from his finger
That she wore long ago on her wedding day
It's his last earthly treasure, but he stakes it
Then he bows his head that his shame he may hide
But, when they lifted his head - they found he was dead
That's just a picture from life's other side.
Now the last scene is that by the river
Of a heart-broken mother and babe
As the harbor lights shine and they shiver
On an outcast whom no one will save
And yet, she was once a true woman
She was somebody's darlin' and pride
God help her, she leaps - for there's no one to weep
It's just a picture from life's other side.
EXTRA VERSE:
The next was a scene of two brothers
Whose pathways so diff'rent had led
One lived the life of a rich man
The other one begged for his bread
Then one night they met on the highway
"Your money or life", the thief cried
And then with his knife - took his own brother's life
It's just a picture from life's other side.
----------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
The Alabama Waltz - Hank Williams
Capo on 2nd fret
I was [A] sad and blue, I was [D] down-hearted, too
It [A] seemed like the [E] whole world was [A] lost [E]
And [A] I took a chance, and we [D] happened to dance
To the [A] tune of the [E] ALABAMA [A] WALTZ.
CHORUS
[D] Waltz, Waltz, the [A] ALABAMA WALTZ
[B] There all my fears and [E] tears were lost [E7]
[A] There in your arms, with [D] all of your charms
We [A] danced to the [E] ALABAMA [A] WALTZ.
-------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
I Can't Get You Off Of My Mind - Hank Williams Sr.
CHORUS
Oh, I [D] can't get you [A] off of my [D] mind
When I try I 'm just [D7] wastin' my [A] time
Lord I 've [D] tried and I 've [D7] tried
and [G7] all night long I 've [D] cried
But I can't get you [A] off of my [D] mind.
Didn't think you would leave me behind
But I guess you're the two-timin' kind
Do you think that it's smart to jump from heart to heart
When I can't get you off of my mind.
CHORUS
You believe that a true love is blind
So you fool ev'ry new love you find
You've got stars in your eyes but they can't hide the lies
Oh, I can't get you off my mind.
----------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Cold, Cold Heart - Hank Williams, Sr
I [D] tried so hard my dear to show that you're my every [A7] dream
Yet you're afraid each thing I do is just some evil [D] scheme
A mem'ry from your lonesome past keeps us [D7] so far a-[G] part
Why [A7] can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your Cold, Cold [D] Heart.
Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
And so my heart is paying now for things I didn't do
In anger, unkind words are said that make the teardrops start
Why can't I free your doubtful mind, and melt your Cold, Cold Heart.
You'll never know how much it hurts to see you sit and cry
You know you need and want my love yet you're afraid to try
Why do you run and hide from life, to try it just ain't smart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your Cold, Cold Heart.
There was a time when I believed that you belonged to me
But now I know your heart is shackled to a memory
The more I learn to care for you, the more we drift apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your Cold, Cold Heart.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Crazy Haert - Hank Williams
CAPO: 2nd FRET KEY: E PLAY: D
You [D] thought she'd care for you and [D7] so you acted [G] smart
Go [A7] on an break, you Crazy [D] Heart
You lived on promises I [D7] knew would fall a-[G] part
Go [A7] on and break you Crazy [D] Heart. [D7]
You [G] never would admit you were mis-[D] tak-en
You [G] didn't even know, the [D] chances you were [A7] takin'
I [D] knew you couldn't win, I [D7] told you from the [G] start
Go [A7] on and break you Crazy [D] Heart.
I knew you'd wake up and find her missin'
I tried my best to warn you, but you wouldn't listen
You told me I was wrong, you thought that you were smart
--------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Everything's Okay - Hank Williams, Sr.
I [G] went to the country - just [C] the other day
To see [D7] my Uncle Bill and sorta [G] pass the time away
I asked him how he'd been - since [C] last, I'd passed his way
He rubbed his [D7] chin - here's what he had [G] to say.
"My wife's been sick - the [C] young'ns, too
And I'm [D7] durn near - down [G] with the flu
The cow's gone dry - and them [C] hens won't lay
But - [D7] we're still a-livin' - so EVER'-[G] THING'S Okay.
The hogs took the cholera and they've all done died
The bees got mad - and they left the hive
The weevils got the corn and the rain rotted the hay
But - we're still a-livin' - so EVER'THING'S Okay.
The porch rotted down - that's more expense
The durned old mule - he tore down the fence
The mortgage is due and - I can't pay
But - we're still a-livin' - so EVER'THING'S Okay.
The cow broke in the field and eat up the beans
The durn rabbits - they got the turnip greens
And my Ma-in-law just moved in to stay
But - we're still a-livin' - so EVER'THING'S Okay.
My land's so poor - so hard and "yeller"
You have to set on a sack of fetilizer to raise an "umbreller"
And it rains out here - nearly ever' day
But - we're still a-livin' - so EVER'THING'S Okay.
The well's gone dry and I have to tote the water
Up from the spring - about a mile and a quarter
My helper, he quit - for the lack of pay
But - we're still a-livin' - so EVER'THING'S Okay.
The house it leaks - it needs a new top
When it rains - it wets ever'thing we got
The chimney fell down - just yesterday
But - we're still a-livin' - so EVER'THING'S Okay.
The corn meals gone and the meat's run out
Got nothin' to kill to put in the smokehouse
The preacher's comin' Sunday - to spend the day
But - we're still a-livin' - so EVER'THING'S Okay.
The canned stuff's spoiled - else the jar's got broke
And all we got left is one old Billy goat
We're gonna have a new baby about the first of May
But - we're still a-livin' - so EVER'THING'S Okay.
My crop it rotted - in the ground
I asked for another loan but the banker turned me down
But - we're still a-livin' and we're prayin' for better days
So - after all, ever'thing's in purty good shape."
------------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Goodbye Little Darling - Hank Williams Sr.
Goodbye little darling we're parting
Parting don't always mean goodbye
Although we have to part,you're always in my heart
Goodbye little darling goodbye
Goodbye little darling,I'll miss you
Miss you like the stars would miss the sky
I hate to see you go,I'm going to miss you so
Good bye little darling ,goodbye
Goodbye little darling,I love you
I'll love you till the day I die
Will you dream a dream of me,where ever you may be
------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Hey, Good Lookin' - Hank Williams, Sr
Hey, [C] Hey, Good Lookin', whatcha got cookin'
[D7] How's about cookin' [G7] somethin' up with [C] me ... [G7]
[C] Hey, sweet baby, don't you think maybe
[D7] We could find us a [G7] brand new reci-[C] pe. ... [C7]
I got a [F] hot rod Ford and a [C] two dollar bill
And [F] I know a spot right [C] over the hill
[F] There's soda pop and the [C] dancin's free
So if you [D7] wanna have fun come a-[G7] long with me.
Say [C] Hey, Good Lookin', whatcha got cookin'
[D7] How's about cookin' [G7] somethin' up with [C] me.
I'm free and ready so we can go steady
How's about savin' all your time for me
No more lookin', I know I've been (*tooken)
How's about keepin' steady company.
I'm gonna throw my date book over the fence
And find me one for five or ten cents.
I'll keep it 'til it's covered with age
'Cause I'm writin' your name down on ev'ry page.
Say Hey, Good Lookin', whatcha got cookin'
How's about cookin' somethin' up with me.
--------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
A Home in Heaven - Hank Wiliams Sr
A-[A] round me [E7] many are [A] building
[D] Homes of beauty and [A] wealth
But [D] what of a home in [A] Heaven
Where will you [E7] live after [A] death
CHORUS:
Are you [D] building a Home in [A] Heaven
To live in when this life is [E7] o'er
Will you [A] move to that [D] beautiful [A] city
And live with [E7] Christ ever [A] more.
Long is the [D] road that leads [A] you
To that beautiful home up [E7] there
Is [A] work on your [D] home com-[A] pleted
Death may [E7] be lingering [A] near.
Are you ready [D] for His [A] coming
Have you been true all a-[E7] long
Have you [A] finished your [D] building in [A] Glory
Will you move to this [E7] Heavenly [A] Home.
------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Honky Tonkin' - Hank Williams, Sr
When [G] you are sad and lonely and have no place to go
Call me up, sweet baby, and bring along some dough
And we'll go Honky Tonkin', Honky Tonkin'
Honky Tonkin', Honey Baby
We'll go Honky Tonkin' [D7] 'round this [G] town.
When you and your baby have a fallin' out
Just call me up sweet mama and we'll go steppin' out
And we'll go Honky Tonkin', Honky Tonkin'
Honky Tonkin', Honey Baby
We'll go Honky Tonkin' 'round this town.
We're goin' to the city - to the city fair
If you go to the city then you will find me there
And we'll go Honky Tonkin', Honky Tonkin'
Honky Tonkin', Honey Baby
We'll go Honky Tonkin' 'round this town.
Repeat first verse.
--------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
A House of Gold - Hank Wiliams Sr.
People [D] steal they [G] cheat and [D] lie
For wealth and what it will buy
But don't they [G] know on the judgement [D] day
That Gold and [A] Silver will melt a-[D] way.
I'd rather be in a deep dark grave
And to know that my poor soul was saved
Than to live in this world in a house of Gold
And deny my God and doom my soul.
What good is Gold and Silver too
If your heart's not pure and true
Sinner hear me when I say
Fall down on your knees and pray.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Howlin' At The Moon - Hank Williams, Sr.
I [C] know there's never been a man in the awful [C7] shape I'm [F] in
I can't even [C] spell my name, my [D7] heads in such a [G7] spin
To-[C] day I tried to eat a steak with a big old [C7] table-[F] spoon
You got me chasin' Rabbits, [C] walkin' on my hands
..And [G7] Howlin' At The [C] Moon.
Well, (*SUG), I took one look at you and it almost drove me mad
And then I even went and lost what little sense I had
Now I can't tell the day from night, I'm crazy as a loon
You got me chasin' Rabbits, pullin' out my hair and Howlin' At The Moon.
Some friends of mine asked me to go out on a huntin' spree
'Cause there ain't a hound dog in this state that can hold a light to me
I eat three bones for dinner today, then tried to tree a 'Coon
You got me chasin' Rabbits, scratchin' fleas and Howlin' At The Moon.
I rode my horse to town to day and a gas pump we did pass
I pulled 'im up and I hollered WHOA!, said fill 'im up with gas
The man picked up a monkey wrench and WHAM!, he changed my tune
You got me chasin' Rabbits, spittin' out teeth and Howlin' At The Moon.
I never thought in this old world a fool could fall so hard
But honey baby, when I fell the whole world must have jarred
I think I'd quit my doggish ways if you'd take me for your groom
You got me chasin Rabbits, pickin' out rings and Howlin' At The Moon.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
I Can't Escape From You - Hank Williams, Sr.
I've [C] tried and tried to run and hide
To find a [C7] life that's [G7] new
But [C] where I go, I [F] always [C] know
I can't es-[G7] cape from [C] you.
A jug of wine to numb my mind
But what good does it do
The jug runs dry and still I cry
I can't escape from you.
These wasted tears are souvenirs
Of a love I thought was true
Your memory is chained to me
I can't escape from you.
There is no end, I can't pretend
That dreams will soon come true
A slave too long to a heart of stone
I can't escape from you.
-------------------------------------
Top Of Page
I Can't Help It - Hank Williams Sr.
CAPO: 2nd Fret/KEY: E/PLAY: D
[A7] Today I [D] passed you [A7] on the [D] street
[D7] And my [G] heart fell at your [D] feet
I Can't [A7] Help It If I'm Still In Love With [D] You
[A7] Somebody [D] else stood [A7] by your [D] side
[D7] And he [G] looked so satis-[D] fied
I Can't [A7] Help It If I'm Still In Love With [D] You. ... [D7]
A [G] picture from the past came slowly [D] stealing
As I [A7] brushed your arm and walked so close to [D] you ... [D7]
Then [G] suddenly I got that old time [D] feeling
I Can't [A] Help It If I'm Still In Love With [D] You.
It's hard to know another's lips will kiss you
And hold you just the way I used to do
Oh, heaven only knows how much I miss you
I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You.
-----------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
I Could Never Be Ashamed Of You - Hank Williams
C G
Everybody says you let me down
C
That I should be ashamed to take you 'round
F
Makes no difference what you used to do;
G C
Darling, I could never be ashamed of you.
F C
Maybe you were reckless yesterday
D G
but together, we can find a brighter way.
C G
In my heart, I know that you'll come through
C
Darling, I could never be ashamed of you
All the happiness I've ever known
came the day you said you'd be my own
and it matters not what we go through
Darlin I could never be ashamed of you
Maybe you've been cheated in the past,
and perhaps those memories will always last
even though you proved to be untrue
darlin I could never be ashamed of you.
-----------------------------------------
Top Of Page
I Don't Care (If Tomorrow Never Comes) - Hank Williams Sr.
Capo on 2nd fret: KEY: E PLAY: D
I don't [D] care if to-[A] morrow never [D] comes [D7]
This [G] world holds nothin' for [D] me [D7]
I've been [G] lonely night and day ever [D] since you went away
So I don't care if to-[A] morrow never [D] comes. [D7]
CHORUS
If to-[G] morrow never comes and the sun [D] don't ever shine
It won't matter with [A] me
For [D] when she went a-[D7] way, my [G] world ended that [D] day
So I don't care if to-[A] morrow never [D] comes.
My lonely mind wanders back to days that used to be
My broken heart cries out for you
Oh, if I can't have you here, I can't go on my dear
So I don't care if tomorrow never comes.
----------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
I Heard You Crying In Your Sleep - Hank Williams
C F C
I KNOW YOU TRIED YOUR BEST TO LOVE ME
F C
YOU SMILED WHEN YOUR HEART TOLD YOU TO WEEP
F C
YOU TRIED TO PRETEND THAT YOU WERE HAPPY
G7 C
BUT LAST NIGHT I HEARD YOU CRYING IN YOUR SLEEP
F C
YOU GAVE THE BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE DEAR
F C
AND EACH PRECIOUS VOW YOU TRIED TO KEEP
F C
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH I WANT YOU HAPPY
G7 C
BUT LAST NIGHT I HEARD YOU CRYING IN YOUR SLEEP
C F C
YOUR HEART IS YEARNING FOR AN OLD LOVE
F C
WITH NEW LOVE ITS USELESS TO COMPETE
F C
IT HURTS ME TO KNOW YOU ARE UNHAPPY
G7 C
BUT LAST NIGHT I HEARD YOU CRYING IN YOUR SLEEP
f C
YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE FREE TO GO DEAR
F C
AND DON'T MIND IF I START TO WEEP
F C
I KNOW I CAN NEVER MAKE YOU HAPPY
G7 C
CAUSE LAST NIGHT I HEARD YOU CRYING IN YOUR SLEEP
-----------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
I Saw the Light - Hank Williams Sr.
I [G] wandered so aimless life filed with sin
I [C] wouldn't let my dear saviour [G] in
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night
Praise the Lord [D7] I saw the [G] light.
CHORUS
I saw the light I saw the light
[C] No more darkness no more [G] night
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord [D7] I saw the [G] light.
Just like a blind man I wandered along
Worries and fears I claimed for my own
Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light.
CHORUS
I was a fool to wander and astray
Straight is the gate and narrow the way
Now I have traded the wrong for the right
Praise the Lord I saw the light.
CHORUS
----------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
I Won't Be Home No More - Hank Williams Sr.
Capo on 1st Fret.
[D] Well, you're just in time to be too late
I tried to but I couldn't wait
And [A] now I 've got another date
So I won't be home no [D] more
You're just in time to miss the boat
So don't take off your hat and coat
[A] Be on your way, that's all she wrote
'Cause I won't be home no [D] more.
1st Bridge
I [G] stood around a month or two
And waited for your call
Now [D] I 'm too busy pitchin' woo
So come around next [A] fall
I [D] scratched your name right off my slate
And hung a sign on my front gate
You're [A] just in time to be too late
And I won't be home no [D] more.
Well, you're just in time to turn around
And drive your buggy back to town
You looked me up I turned you down
And I won't be home no more
You're just in time to change your tune
Go tell your troubles to the moon
And call around next May or June
'Cause I won't be home no more.
2nd Bridge
I used to be the patient kind
Believed each alibi
But that's all done, I 've changed my mind
I 've got new fish to fry
Well, you're just in time to celebrate
The things you didn't calculate
You're just in time to be too late
--------------------------------------
Top Of Page
I'd Still Want You - Hank Williams, Sr.
[G] I could shame you 'til you hide your face
And drag you right down in disgrace
But what good would it [D] do
I know I'd still want [G] you.
I could tell the world you're doin' wrong
That I was stringin' you along
And if it all were [D] true
I know I'd still want [G] you.
The [C] world with me might sympathize
[G] When I got thru with all my lies
But I'd be just as [D] blue
'Cause my heart would still want [G] you-ooo-oo
[D] Cry, oh, [G] lord.
I could tell my friends I threw you down
And slander your name all over town
But what good would it do
I know I'd still want you.
If I said I'm happy to be free
The only one I'd fool is me
Because it isn't true
I know I'd still want you.
What's the use to say that you're no good
When I'd crawl back if I could
No matter what you do
I know I'd still want you-ooo-oo
Cry, oh, lord.
I could smIle and say that I don't care
And then go home and pull my hair
But what good would it do
I know I'd still want you.
I could say that someone put me wise
And get revenge by telling lies
But when I got all thru
I know I'd still want you.
If the things I said was to break your heart
I'd be the first to take your part
'Cause if all these lies were true
I know I'd still want you-oooo-oo
Cry, oh, lord.
--------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - Hank Williams
C Em Am C
HEAR THE LONESOME WHIPERWILL
C Em Gm7 C7
HE SOUNDS TOO BLUE TO FLY
F Fm6 C Am
THE MIDNIGHT TRAIN IS WHINING LOW
C G7 C
I'M SO LONESOME I COULD CRY
C Em Am C
I'VE NEVER SEEN A NIGHT SO LONG
C Em Gm7 C7
WHEN TIME GOES CRAWLING BY
F Fm6 C Am
THE MOON JUST WENT BEHIND A CLOUD
C G7 C
TO HIDE IT'S FACE AND CRY
C Em Am C
DID YOU EVER SEE A ROBIN WEEP
C Em Gm7 C7
WHEN LEAVES BEGIN TO DIE
F Fm6 C Am
THAT MEANS HE'S LOST THE WILL TO LIVE
C G7 C
I'M SO LONESOME I COULD CRY
C Em Am C
THE SILENCE OF A FALLING STAR
C Em Gm7 C7
LIGHTS UP A PURPLE SKY
F Fm6 C Am
AND AS I WONDER WHERE YOU ARE
C G7 C
I'M SO LONESOME I COULD CRY
Fm6 xx0111
Gm7 xx3333
-----------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
I'm Sorry For You My Friend - Hank Williams, Sr.
[E] You've known so long that you were wrong
But still you had your [B7] way
You told her lies and alibis
And hurt her more each [E] day
But now your conscience bothers you
You've reached your [E7] journey's [A] end
You're [B7] asking me for sympathy
I'm Sorry For You, My [E] Friend.
You laughed inside each time she cried
You tried to make her blue
She tagged along through right and wrong
Because she worshipped you
You know that you're the one to blame
There's no use to pretend
Today's the day you start to pay
I'm Sorry For You, My Friend.
Today as she walked arm in arm
At someone else's side
It made you stop and realize
That time has turned the tide
You should have known you'd be alone
'Cause cheaters never win
You tried and lost, now pay the cost
---------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Jambalaya - Hank Williams
[A] [D]
1. [D]Goodbye Joe, me gotta go, me oh [A]my oh
Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the [D]bayou
My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh [A]my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have good fun on the [D]bayou
CHORUS:
[D]Jambalaya, a-crawfish pie and-a fillet [A]gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my machez a[D]mio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be [A]gay-oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the [D]bayou.
2. Instrumental Verse (Country Fiddle solo)
3. [D]Thibay-deaux, Fountaineaux, the place is [A]buzzin'
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the [D]dozen
Dress in style, go hog wild, me oh [A]my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the [D]bayou.
REPEAT CHORUS
4. Instrumental Verse (Country Fiddle solo)
FINAL CHORUS:
[D]Jambalaya, a-crawfish pie and-a fillet [A]gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my machez a[D]mio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be [A]gay-oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the b[D]ayou.
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the b[D]ayou.
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the b[D]ayou.
---------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Just Waitin' - Hank Williams, Sr
The [G] old maid's waitin' for leap year to come
The crooner's Just Waitin' to [C] sing
The [D7] old cow's standin' by the Bull Durham sign
Just a-Waitin' for the grass to turn [G] green.
The [G] bar-fly's waitin' for an easy mark
'N' the hitch-hiker's waitin' for a [C] ride
The [D7] life-termer's waitin' for a prison break
The beachcomber's waitin' for the [G] ride.
Farmer's daughter's waitin' for the salesman
To take her into town
The city slicker's waitin' for the country boy
To lay all his money down.
You know ev'rything comes to a standstill
Nothin' seems to make a turn
Worm must be waitin' for the early bird
I guess the early bird's waitin' for the worm.
Nobody wants to do nothin'
Just Waitin' to get a finger in the pie
Waitin' for a call from a big quiz show
Or hopin' and a-waitin' and for some rich uncle to die.
Katy, she's waitin' at the garden gate
The moonshiner's waitin' at the still
'N' the gambler's still waitin' for that Ace in the hole
I guess Jack's still waitin' for Jill.
Ev'rybody's waitin' for som'thin'
Nothing seems to turn out right
'Cause the night shift's waitin' for mornin'
And the burglar Just Waitin' for night.
The congregation's waitin' for the preacher
Preacher Just Waitin' for the groom
The groom's Just Waitin' for the June bride
And the bride's Just Waitin' for June.
Sunflow'rs waitin' for the sunshine
Violets Just Waitin' for dew
Bees Just Waitin' for honey
And, honey, -- I'm -- Just -- Waitin' -- for -- you.
----------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Kaw-Liga - Hank Williams
KEY: E CAPO: 2nd PLAY: D
KAW- [Dm] LIGA, was a wooden Indian standing by the door
He fell in love with an Indian maid over in the antique store
KAW-LIGA - A, just stood there and never let it [A7] show
So she could never answer "YES" or [Dm] "NO".
He always wore his Sunday feathers and held a tomahawk
The maiden wore her beads and braids and hoped someday he'd talk
KAW-LIGA - A, too stubborn to ever show a sign
Because his heart was made of knotty pine.
CHORUS
[D] Poor ol' KAW-LIGA, he never got a kiss
[G] Poor ol' KAW-LIGA, he don't know what he missed
[D] Is it any wonder that his face is [A7] red
KAW-LIGA, that poor ol' wooden [D] head. ... [Dm]
KAW-LIGA, was a lonely Indian never went nowhere
His heart was set on the Indian maiden with the coal black hair
KAW-LIGA - A, just stood there and never let it show
So she could never answer "YES" or "NO".
Then one day a wealthy customer bought the Indian maid
And took her, oh, so far away, but ol' KAW-LIGA stayed
KAW-LIGA - A, just stands there as lonely as can be
And wishes he was still an old pine tree.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Long Gone Lonesome Blues - Hank Williams.
Key of E - Capo 2nd fret. Each letter is one bar (4 beats)
except "A*" in bridge is only half a bar (2 beats).
INTRO: D G D A D D
D D D D
I went down to the river to watch the fish swim by;
G G D[stop] D
But I got to the river so lonesome I wanted to die..., Oh Lord!
A A D D
And then I jumped in the river, but the doggone river was dry.
D G D A D D
She's long gone, and now I'm lonesome blue.
D D
I had me a woman who couldn't be true.
D D
She made me for my money and she made me blue.
G G
A man needs a woman that he can lean on,
D A* D D
But my leanin' post is done left and gone.
D G D A D D
She's long gone, and now I'm lonesome blue.
INSTRUMENTAL: D G D A D D
I'm gonna find me a river, one that's cold as ice.
And when I find me that river, Lord I'm gonna pay the price, Oh Lord!
I'm goin' down in it three times, but Lord I'm only comin up twice.
She's long gone, and now I'm lonesome blue.
She told me on Sunday she was checkin' me out;
Long about Monday she was nowhere about.
And here it is Tuesday, ain't had no news.
I got them gone but not forgotten blues.
She's long gone, and now I'm lonesome blue.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Lost Highway - Hank Williams
D A
I'm a rollin' stone all alone and lost
D A
For a life of sin I have paid the cost
G D
When I pass by all the people say
A D
Just another guy on the lost highway
Just a deck of cards and a jug of wine
And a woman's lies makes a life like mine
O the day we met, I went astray
I started rolling down that lost highway
I was just a lad, nearly 22
Neither good nor bad, just a kid like you
And now I'm lost, too late to pray
Lord I take a cost, o the lost highway
Now boy's don't start to ramblin' round
On this road of sin are you sorrow bound
Take my advice or you'll curse the day
You started rollin' down that lost highway
------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Lovesick Blues - Hank Williams
CAPO: 3rd FRET KEY: F PLAY: D
I got a [D] feelin' called the blu-ues, oh, Lawd
Since my baby said good-[A7] bye
And I don't know what I'll do-oo-oo
All I do is sit and [D] [P] sigh-igh, oh, Lawd
That [D7] last long [G] day she said good-[G7] bye
Well [D] Lawd I thought I would [B7] cry
She'll [E7] do me, she'll do you, she's got that kind of lovin'
[A7] Lawd, I love to hear her when she calls me
Sweet [D] [P] dad-ad-ad-dy, [D] such a beautiful [A7] dream
I hate to think it all o-o-ver
I've lost my heart it [F#] seems
I've grown [D7] so [G] used to you some-[G7] how
Well, I'm [D] nobody's sugar-[B7] daddy now
And I'm [E7] lo-on-lonesome [A7]
I got the Lovesick [D] Blu-ues.
Well, I'm in [F#] love, I'm in love, with a [Bm] beautiful gal
[F#] That's what's the matter with [Bm] me
Well, I'm in [F#] love, I'm in love, with a [Bm] beautiful gal
But [E7] she don't care about [A7] me
Lawd, I tried and I tried, to keep her satisfied
But she [D7] just wouldn't stay
So [E7] now that she is lea-eav-in'
This is all I can [A7] say.
REPEAT 1st VERSE
-----------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
A Mansion On The Hill - Hank Williams Sr.
A D A
Tonight down here in the valley
D A
I'm lonesome and O how I feel
A7 D
As I sit here alone in my cabin
A E A
I can see your mansion on the hill
Do you recall when we parted
The story to me you revealed
You said you could live without loving
In your loveless mansion on the hill
I've waited all through the years love
To give you a heart true and real
Cause I know you're living in sorrow
In your loveless mansion on the hill
The light shine bright from yer window
The trees stand so silent and still
I know you're alone with your pride dear
In your loveless mansion on the hill
--------------------------------------
Top Of Page
May You Never Be Alone Like Me - Hank Williams
Like a bird that's lost in maiden flight
I'm alone and oh so blue tonight
Like a piece of driftwood on the sea
May you never be alone like me
I believed the lies you told to me
When you whispered dear,I'll worship thee
Now here I am all alone and blue
All because I love no one but you
I have left my friends,I left my home
When you promised to be mine alone
Now you're gone our love could never be
May you never be alone like me
In the bible,God's own words do say
For every wrong some day you'll have to pay
I'll pray the Lord to set me free
May you never be alone like me
---------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Mind Your Own Business - Hank Williams
If the [D] wife and I are fussin', brother that's our right
'Cause me and that sweet woman's got a license to fight [D7]
Why don't you [G7] mind your own business
(Mind [D] your own business)
'Cause if mind [A7] your business, then you won't be mindin' [D] mine.
Oh, the woman on our party line's the nosiest thing
She picks up her receiver when she knows it's my ring
Why don't you mind your own business
(Mind your own business)
Well, if mind your business, then you won't be mindin' mine.
I got a little gal that wears her hair up high
The boys all whistle when she walks by
Why don't you mind your own business
(Mind your own business)
Well, if mind your business, then you sure wont be mindin' mine.
If I want to honky tonk around 'til two or three
Now, brother that's my headache, don't you worry 'bout me.
Just mind your own business
(Mind your own business)
If mind your business, then you won't be mindin' mine.
I might tell a lot of stories that may not be true
But I can get to Heaven just as easy as you
Why don't you mind your own business
(Mind your own business)
Well, if mind your business, then you won't be mindin' mine.
Mindin' other people's business seems to be high-toned
I got all that I can do just to mind my own
Why don't you mind your own business
(Mind your own business)
If you mind your own business, you'll stay busy all the time.
----------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Moanin' The Blues - Hank Williams, Sr.
When my [D] baby moved out and the blues moved in
There wasn't nothin' I could do
But mosey around with my head in my hands
Lord [A7] what am I comin' [D] to
I just keep [A7] Moanin' [P]
[NC] Moa-oanin' the blues. [D] ... [D7]
I [*G7] wrote a nice, long [D] letter
Sayin' [*G7] mama please come [D] home
Your [E7] dad-ad-dy is lon-one-some
And [A7] all I [Am] do is [A7] moan ...
I been [D] lovin' that gal for so doggone long
I can't afford to lose her now
I thought I was right but I must of been wrong
'Cause my [A7] head is startin' to bow [D]
And now I'm [A7] Moanin' [P]
[NC] Moa-oanin' The Blues. [D]
If you want a good gal to stay around
You gotta treat her nice and kind
If you do her wrong she'll leave this tonw
And you'll almost lose your mlind
Then you'll moanin'; Moa-oanin' The Blues.
Aw! baby, baby, baby
Honey baby, please come home
Your dad-ad-dy is lon-one-some and all I do is moan
I promise you baby that I'll be good
And I'll never be bad no more
I'm sittin' here waitin' for you right now
To walk through that front door
Then I'll stop moanin'; Moa-oanin' The Blues.
---------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
My Bucket's Got A Hole In It - Hank Williams, Sr.
Capo 2
FIRST CHORUS
INTRO: [D] ...[A7] ...[D] ... [D7]
Yea! My Bucket's Got A [G] Hole In It
Yea! My Bucket's Got A [D] Hole In It
Yea! My Bucket's Got A [A7] Hole In It
I can't buy no [D] beer.
Well I'm standin' on a [G] corner - With a bucket in my [D] hand
I'm waitin' for a [A7] woman - That ain't got no [D] man.
2ND CHORUS
'Cause My Bucket's Got A [G] Hole In It
Yea! My Bucket's Got A [D] Hole In It
Yea! My Bucket's Got A [A7] Hole In It
I can't buy no [D] beer.
Well, I went upon the [G] mountain - I looked down in the [D] sea
I seen the crabs and the [A7] fishes - Doin' the be-bop-[D] bee.
2ND CHORUS
Well, there ain't no [G] use - of me workin' so [D] hard
When I got a [A7] woman - in the boss man's [D] yard.
2ND CHORUS
Extra verse.
Well, me and my baby - we just bought a Ford
And now we sit together - on the running board.
1ST CHORUS
---------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
My Heart Would Know - Hank Williams, Sr.
[C] I could [G7] say it's over [C] now [C7]
That [F] I was glad to see you [C] go
[F] I could hate you for the [C] way I'm [Am] feelin'
My [G7] lips could tell a lie, but My Heart Would [C] Know. [C7]
[F] It's a sin to make me [C] cry
[G7] When you know I love you [C] so [C7]
[F] I could tell my heart that [C] I don't [Am] miss you
My [G7] lips could tell a lie, but My Heart Would [C] Know.
I could give you all the blame
But I'm sure the truth would show
I could tell this world I've found a new love
My lips could tell a lie, but My Heart Would Know.
I can't fool my cryin' heart
'Cause it knows I need you so
I could tell my heart I'm glad we parted
------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
My Sweet Love Ain't Around - Hank Wiliams Sr.
[C] Listen to ---the rain a-fallin'
Can't you hear ---that lonesome sound [C7]
Oh, my [F] poor ---old heart is [C] breakin'
'Cause my sweet ---love [G7] ain't a-[C] round.
Lord, I think ---I'll start to ramble
Got to leave ---this weary town
This old place ---is way too lonely
'Cause my sweet ---love ain't around.
On that train ---tonight I'm leavin'
And don't ask me ---where I'm bound
I can't stay ---here any longer
'Cause my sweet ---love ain't around.
(Two additional verses not on record)
Mem-o-ries ---come back to haunt me
My dream house ---has done fell down
This old world ---is dark around me
'Cause my sweet ---love ain't around.
Something tells ---me that I'm losing
'Cause these weary ---blues I've found
Oh, my bab- ---y left this morning
Lord, my sweet ---love ain't around.
-------------------------------------
Top Of Page
I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive - Hank Williams Sr.
Capo: 1st Fret Key: F# Play: F
Now you're [F] lookin' at a man that's gettin' kind-a mad
I had lot's of luck but it's all been bad
No [C7] matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world a-[F] live.
My fishin' pole's broke the creek is full of sand
My woman run away with another man
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive.
A [Bb] distant uncle passed away [Bb7] and [F] left me quite a batch [F7]
And [Bb] I was livin'g high until that fatal [Bb7] day
A lawyer [C7] proved I wasn't born
I was only hatched.---[F]
Ev'rything's agin' me and it's got me down
If I jumped in the river I would prob'ly drown
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive.
These shabby shoes I'm wearin' all the time
Are full of holes and nails
And brother if I stepped on a worn out dime
I bet a nickel I could tell you if it was heads or tails.
I'm not gonna worry wrinkles in my brow
'Cause nothin's ever gonna be alright nohow
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive.
(ADDITIONAL VERSES)
I could buy a Sunday suit and it would leave me broke
If it had two pair of pants I would burn the coat
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive.
If it was rainin' gold I wouldn't stand a chance
I wouldn't have a pocket in my patched up pants
No matter how I struggle and strive
------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
No One To Welcome Me Home - Hank Williams, Sr.
[E] I went to the old home --- Where I [A] once used to [E] roam
And all of my friends --- had [F#] ev'ryone [B7] gone
How [E] sad and how drear --- No [A] voice did I [E] hear
There was no one --- To [B7] welcome me [E] home.
[E] No one --- to welcome me home;
Oh! No, no one --- To [F#] welcome me [B7] home
How [E] sad and how drear --- No [A] voice could I [E] hear
There was no one --- To [B7] welcome me [E] home.
I went to the old school --- Where I once loved to play
And all of my playmates had every one gone
So lonesome and drear --- No voice did I hear
There was no one --- to welcome me home.
No one - to welcome me home
There was one --- to welcome me home
But, when I behold --- That Mansion of Gold
There'll be Someone --- to welcome me home.
------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Nobody's Lonesome For Me - Hank Williams, Sr.
[G] Ev'rybody's lonesome for somebody else
But nobody's lonesome for [D7] me
Ev'rybody's thinkin' 'bout somebody else
But nobody thinks about [G] me
When the [C] time rolls around for me to [G] lay down and die
I bet [D7] I'll have to go and hire me [A7] someone to [D7] cry
[G] Ev'rybody's lonesome for somebody else
[D7] nobody is lonesome for [G] me.
Ev'rybody's longin' for somebody else
But nobody's lonesome for me
Ev'rybody's dreamin' about somebody else
But nobody dreams about me
All I need is a bride who want's a big-hearted groom
I wouldn't care if she come ridin' in on a broom
Ev'rybody's lonesome for somebody else
No-bod-o-dy lonesome for me.
Ev'rybody's pinin' for somebody else
But nobody's lonesome for me
Ev'rybody's crazy 'bout somebody else
But nobody's crazy 'bout me
Oh, I shined up my shoes and then I slicked down my hair
Put on my Sunday suit, but I ain't goin' nowhere
Ev'rybody's lonesome for somebody else
But nobody's lonesome for me.
Ev'rybody's yearnin' for somebody else
But nobody's lonesome for me
Ev'rybody's fallin' for somebody else
But nobody's fallin' for me
Now I ain't had a kiss since I fell out of my crib
It looks to me like I been cheated out of my rib
Ev'rybody's lonesome for somebody else
No-bod-o-dy lonesome for me.
--------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Please Don't Let Me Love You - Hank Williams, Sr.
Oh! [D] Plea-ease - don't let me [G] love you
Just be-[D] cause I'm feelin' [A7] blue
And [D] Plea-ease - don't let me [G] kiss you
'Cause I [D] know you-[A7] ll be un-[D] true.
Because you're [A7] sweet dear, I want to [D] love you
[E7] Plea-ease - stay away from my [A7] heart
And [D] Plea-ease - don't let me [G] love you
'Cause I [D] know you-[A7] ll break my [D] heart.
Oh! Plea-ease - don't call me darlin'
When I know you don't love me
And Plea-ease - don't whisper sweetheart
For I know it just can't be
When I'm lonely, I want you only
Where is the dream I once knew
Oh! Plea-ease - don't let me love you
'Cause I know you'll be untrue.
------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Rootie Tootie - Hank Williams Sr.
[E] Met my future wife today
And her name is Kathy Mae
[A] Rootie Tootie, (Rootie Tootie)
[E] Rootie Tootie, (Rootie Tootie)
[B7] Rootie Tootie, she's my Sunday [E] gal.
Feelin' dandy, doin' swell
My gal is the village bell
Hotsy-totsy (Rootie Tootie)
Super-duper (Rootie Tootie)
Rootie Tootie, she's my Monday gal.
You should see the people stare
When we walk around the square
Bouncy-bouncy, (Rootie Tootie)
Upsy-daisy, (Rootie Tootie)
Rootie Tootie, she's my Tuesday gal.
I'm not jealous, no siree
Just as long as she's with me
Wicky-wacky, (Rootie Tootie)
Humpty-dumpty, (Rootie Tootie)
Rootie Tootie, she's my Wednesday gal.
She's got "purty" eyes of blue
And she thinks I'm "purty", too
Tootsie-wootsie, (Rootie Tootie)
Hunky-dory, (Rootie Tootie)
Rootie Tootie, she's my Thursday gal.
Gonna make that lady mine
When she signs that dotted line
Hinky-dinky, (Rootie Tootie)
Yipsy-doodle, (Rootie Tootie)
Rootie Tootie, she's my Friday gal.
--------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Setting The Woods On Fire - Hank Williams Sr.
C
Comb your hair and paint and powder
F
You act proud and I'll act prouder
G
You sing loud and I'll sing louder
G
Tonight we're setting the woods on fire
C
You my gal and I'm your feller
F
Dress up in your frock of yeller
G
I'll look swell but you'll look sweller
G C
Setting the woods on fire
F
We'll take in all the honkey tonks
F
Tonihgt we're having fun
D7
We'll show the folks a brand new dance
G No chord
That never has been done
C
I don't care who thinks we're silly
F
You be Daffy and I'll be Dilly
G
We'll order up to bowls of chili
G C
Setting the woods on fire
Solo
C
I'll gas up my hot rod stocker
F
We'll get hotter than a poker
G
You'll be broke but I'll be broker
G
Tonight we're setting the woods on fire
C
We'll sit close to one another
F
Up the one street and down the other
G
We'll have a time O brother
G C
Setting the woods on fire
F
We'll put aside a little time
F
To fix a flat or two
D7
My tires and tubes are doing fine
G No Chord
But the air is showing through
C
You clap hands and I'll start bowing
F
We'll do all the laws allowin'
G
Tomorrow I'll be right back plowing
G C
Setting the woods on fire
-----------------------------------
Top Of Page
Singing Waterfall - Hank Williams, Sr.
There's a [C] singin' waterfall
In the [F] mountains far a-[C] way
That's where I long to be
At the [D7] close of Ev'ry [G7] day
That's [C] where my sweetheart's sleepin'
[F] Down beneath the [C] clay
I [F] often sit and [C] wonder
Why the [G7] Lord took her a-[C] way.
CHORUS
We'd meet there ev'ry Ev'nin'
When the [F] Sun was sinkin' [C] low
And we'd listen to the waters
As they [D7] rippled soft and [G7] low
And [C] since she's gone to Heaven
I [F] miss her most of [C] all
To-[F] night my darlin's [C] sleepin'
By the [G7] singin' water-[C] fall.
Last night as I lay dreamin'
I heard my darlin' call
And then I went to meet her
By the singin' waterfall
She took me in her arms
Just like she used to do
And then I heard her whisper
We'll meet beyond the blue.
CHORUS
-----------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Someday You'll Call My Name - Hank Williams, Sr.
Someday you'll [F] call my name and I won't [Bb] answer
Someday you'll [F] reach for me I won't be [C7] there
For you've grown [F] tired of all the love I [Bb] gave you
But some-[F] day you'll [C7] wish that I still [F] care.
[C7] All these years how I've [F] loved you
Still I [G] know I claim you for my [C7] own
Someday you'll [F] call my name and I won't [Bb] answer
For some-[F] day you'll [C7] find yourself a-[F] lone.
When you hair has turned from Gold to Silver
And your eyes are dimmed by passing years
You'll remember darling what I told you
There'll be no one then to dry your tears.
There'll come a time in your life dear
When you'll need someone who will care
Someday you'll call my name and I won't answer
------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Take These Chains From My Heart - Hank Williams, Sr.
Intro:
-7--8--9------------9--7-----------------7--10--
--------------7--8----------------7--10---------
-----------9---------------9--7-----------------
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
D A
Take these chains from my heart and set me free
A D
You're grow cold and no longer care for me
D G Em
All my faith in you is gone but the heartaches linger on
A D
Take these chains from my heart and set me free
D A
Take these tears from my eyes and let me see
A D
Just a spark of the love that use to be
D G Em
If you love somebody new let me me find a new love too
A D
Take these chains from my heart and set me free
lead chords D A D G Em A D A
D A
Give my heart just a word of sympathy
A D
Be as fair to my heart as you can be
D G Em
Then if you no longer care for the love being there
A D
Take these chains from my heart and set me free
D A
Take these chains from my heart and set me free
A D
You're grow cold and no longer care for me
D G Em
All my faith in you is gone but the heartaches linger on
A D
Take these chains from my heart and set me free
ENDING:
------------------7--10--
-----------7--10---------
---9--7------------------
-------------------------
-------------------------
-------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
There's A Tear In My Beer - Hank Williams Sr.
A7 D
There's a tear in my beer
'cause I'm cryin' for you,
A7
dear you are on my lonely mind.
Into these last nine beers
I have shed a million tears.
D D7
You are on my lonely mind
G
I'm gonna keep on sittin' here
D
until I'm petrified.
E7 A7
And then maybe these tears
will leave my eyes.
D
There's a tear in my beer
'cause I'm crying' for you, dear
E7 A7 D Fdim A7
You are on my lonely mind.
A7 D
Last night I walked the floor
and the night before
A7
You are on my lonely mind.
It seems my life is through
and I'm so doggone blue
D D7
You are on my lonely mind.
G
I'm gonna keep on sittin' here
D
till I can't move a toe
E7 A7
and then maybe my heart
won't hurt me so.
D
There's a tear in my beer
'cause I'm cryin' for you, dear.
E7 A7 D
You are on my lonely mind.
-------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
A Teardrop on a Rose - Hank Williams Sr.
While [C] strolling thru a lovely [G7] garden
As day was drawing to a [C] close...[G7]
My [C] eyes be-[C7]-held a tragic [F] story
I [G7] saw a teardrop on a [C] rose.
It should have been a tear of gladness
But deep inside the sorrow shows
A trusting heart had just been broken
I saw a teardrop on a rose.
A sobbing tear that follows parting
Holds all the pain that sorrow knows
A false goodbye a life is shattered
There lies a story on a rose.
The tear will dry the rose will wither
When spring and winter comes and goes
I loved, I lost, my story ended
With just a teardrop on a rose.
----------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Tennessee Border - Hank Williams, Sr.
Her [G] eyes were blue, her hair was [D7] auburn
Her smile was like an angel [G] fair
She was her daddy's only [D7] daughter
On the Tennessee [G] Border [G7]
CHORUS
One [C] night I took a ride just across the [G] line
I [A7] picked her up in a pickup truck
And she [D] broke this heart of [D7] mine
Her [G] mama said: "No-o, [D7] she's my only daughter,"
But we got married on the Tennessee [G] Border.
The roses were bloomin' [D7] there on the Border
The moon was shinin' [G] there
Her personality made me [D7] want her
On the Tennessee [G] Border.
CHORUS
-----------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
The Funeral - Hank Williams
Thought some of you might enjoy this song, and perhaps even want to perform
it. Hank Williams wrote the original version, which was a bit too
descriptive of Negroid features for the radio listening public of the day.
It was blackballed almost before it was released. Red Foley reworded the
song and so that it was apparently less objectionable and recorded it. He
was obviously successful because it was never blacklisted and I heard him
do it several times on his weekly TV show in the mid-50's. It was much
requested.
I have done this song many times over the years and it has never failed to
move every audience. I even did it once to a 90+% black audience and got a
standing ovation.
When Red did it, he used the old gospel song "Steal Away" for background
while he recited the song. When I do it, I use "What a Friend We Have In
Jesus". I sing one verse of the song, do the recitation with the song in
the background, and end by singing the lines - "What a privilege to carry,
everything to God in prayer." Works very well for me.
Here is the recitation:
I was walking in Savannah past a church decayed and dimmed
When slowly through a window came a plaintive funeral hymn.
A sympathy awakened and a wonder quickly grew
'Til I found myself environed in a little negro pew.
Now up front a couple sat, in sorrow nearly wild
For on the altar was a coffin, and in the coffin was a child.
Rose a sad old negro preacher from behind a wooden desk
with a manner grandly awkward and a countenance grotesque.
And he said: "Now don' go a'weepin' fo dat pretty bit o' clay,
Fo da little boy dat lived there , he done gone and run away.
Now he doin' very finely, and he 'preciate yo' love,
But his sho' nuff Father want him in dat large house up above.
You know He didn't give you dat baby, oh not by a hundred thousand mile --
Why He just figger you need some sunshine, so He lent him for a while.
And He let you love and keep 'im 'til your hearts was bigger grown,
And dem silver tears you're sheddin', why dere jus' interest on da loan.
So my poor dejected mourners, let yo' hearts with Jesus rest,
And now don' go criticizin' da One dat knows da best.
Fo' you see He give us many comforts and He got da right to take away
To da Lord be praise and glory -- now and ever. Let us pray.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
The Pale Horse And His Rider - Hank Williams, Sr.
[G] Listen poor sinner; you're driftin' away
>From the Dear Saviour; who's pleading to-[D] day
[G] What will you do; when the Saviour ain't [C] nigh
When the Pale [G] Horse and his [D] rider goes [G] by?
The time now ain't long; when the Saviour will come
Then you'll be judged; by the deeds you have done
On that judgement day; you'll weep and you'll cry
When the Pale Horse and his rider goes by?
When that trumpet sounds; on the sinners below
Not even the angels; in heaven will know
Then's when you'll wish; you had Jesus nigh
When the Pale Horse and his rider goes by?
Won't you redeem; your poor wicked soul
You can't pay your way; with Silver and Gold
If you're not saved; you'll be lost in the night
When the Pale Horse and his rider goes by?
--------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
They'll Never Take Her Love From Me - Hank Williams Sr.
G C
If today the sun should set on all my hopes and cares
D G
There is one smiling face the gods would see
C
'Cus she'll walk along beside me up the golden stairs
D G
No, they'll never never take her love from me.
C G
What a fool I was to go and break the trust she gave
D
And see her love turn into sympathy
G C
It's the one regret I'll carry with me to my grave
D G
Oh, they'll never ever take her love from me.
(Bridge chords for solos)
C G D G C D G
I'm so thankful for each golden hour of happiness
That we shared together in the used to be
Someone else's arms may hold her now in fond caress
But they'll never never take her love from me.
I thought I'd make her happy if I stepped aside
But I knew her love would never set me free
And even on the morning she became another's bride
I said they'll never never take her love from me.
-----------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Weary Blues - Hank Williams Sr.
CAPO: 3rd FRET KEY: F PLAY: D
The [D] snow falls [G] 'round my [D] window
But [G] it can't chill my [D] heart
God [G] knows it died the [D] day you left
My dream world [A7] fell a-[D] part.
CHORUS
Weary [D] blu-ue-ue [G] ues from [D] waitin'
Lord, I've been [E7] waitin' too [A7] long
These [D] blues have [G] got me [D] cryin'
Oh, sweet ma-a-ma, [A7] please come [D] home.
Thru tears I watch young lovers
As they go strollin' by
Oh, all the things that might have been
God forgive me if I cry.
CHORUS
-------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Wedding Bells - Hank Williams Sr.
I have the invitation that you sent me
You wanted me to see you change your name
I couldn't stand to see you with another
But dear I hope you're happy just the same
Wedding bells are ringing in the chapel
That should be ringing out for you and me
Down the aisle with someone else you're walking
Those wedding bell will never ring for me
I planned a little cottage in the valley
I even bought a little band of gold
I thought some day I'd place it on your finger
But now the future looks so dark and cold
Wedding bells are ringing in the chapel
I hear the children laughing out with glee
At home alone I hang my head in sorrow
Those wedding bells will never ring for me
I fancy that I see a bunch of roses
A blossom from an orange tree in your hair
And while the organ plays I love you truly
Please let me pretend that I am there
Wedding bells are ringing in the chapel
Ever since the dat you set me free
I know someday that you are with another
-----------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
When God Comes and Gathers His Jewels - Hank Williams Sr.
The [G] ceremony was [C] over
A [D7] lad stood alone in [G] tears
For he had just [C] said goodbye
To the [D7] one he had loved thru the [G] years.
He stood all alone with his head bowed down
As though his heart would break
Then the Parson came over and took his hand
And to him these words he did say.
CHORUS
When [G] God comes and gathers his [C] jewels
All his [D7] treasures of diamonds and [G] gold
You'll meet her up there in [C] heaven so fair
When [D7] God comes and gathers his [G] jewels.
(Substitute I'll meet her.....on last chorus)
Each night when the pale moon is shining
You can see this lad all alone
With his eyes lifted to'ard heaven
He's repeating these words he was told.
CHORUS
-------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Why Don't You Love Me - Hank Williams Sr.
Well, [G] Why Don't You Love Me like you used to do
How come you treat me like a [D7] worn out shoe
My [G] hair's still curly and my [C] eyes are still blue
[G] Why Don't You Love Me Like You [D7] Used To [G] Do.
Ain't had no [C] lovin' like a huggin' and a kissin'
in a [D7] long, long [G] while
We don't get nearer or further or closer
than a country [D7] mile;
Why don't you spark me like you used to do
And say sweet nothin's like you used to coo
I'm the same old trouble that you've always been through
So, Why Don't You Love Me like you used to do.
Well, why don't you be just like you used to be
How come you find so many faults with me
Somebody's changed so let me give you a clue
Why Don't You Love Me like you used to do.
Ain't had no lovin' like a huggin' and a kissin'
in a long, long while
We don't get nearer or further
than a country mile;
Why don't you say the things you used to say
What makes you treat me like a piece of clay
My hair's still curly and my eyes are still blue
Why Don't You Love Me like you used to do.
-----------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
Your Cheatin' Heart - Hank Williams
C C7 F
YOUR CHEATIN HEART WILL MAKE YOU WEEP
G7 C
YOU'LL CRY AND CRY AND TRY TO SLEEP.
C7 F
BUT SLEEP WON'T COME THE WHOLE NIGHT THROUGH
G7 C
YOUR CHEATIN HEART WILL TELL ON YOU.
F C
WHEN TEARS COME DOWN LIKE FALLIN RAIN
D7 G7
YOU'LL TOSS AROUND AND CALL MY NAME
N.C. C C7 F
YOU'LL WALK THE FLOOR THE WAY I DO
G7 C
YOUR CHEATIN HEART WILL TELL ON YOU
C C7 F
YOUR CHEATIN HEART WILL PINE SOME DAY
G7 C
AND CRAVE THE LOVE YOU THREW AWAY
C7 F
THE TIME WILL COME WHEN YOU'LL BE BLUE
G7 C
YOUR CHEATIN HEART WILL TELL ON YOU.
F C
WHEN TEARS COME DOWN LIKE FALLIN RAIN
D7 G7
YOU'LL TOSS AROUND AND CALL MY NAME
N.C. C C7 F
YOU'LL WALK THE FLOOR THE WAY I DO
G7 C
YOUR CHEATIN HEART WILL TELL ON YOU
F G7 C
------------------------------------------------------
Top Of Page
You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave) - Hank Williams, Sr.
[G] You wore out a brand new trunk
Packin' and un-[D7] packin' your [G] junk
Your daddy's mad; He's done got pee-eeved
You're Gonna Change [D7] or I'm a-gonna [G] leave.
CHORUS
You're gonna [C7] change your way of livin'
Change the things you do
Stop [G] doin' all the things that you oughten too
Your daddy's mad; He's done got pee-eeved
You're Gonna Change [D7] or I'm a-gonna [G] leave.
This ain't right and that is wrong
You just keep naggin', all the day long
Its gotta stop, I don't mean plea-ease
Now, You're Gonna Change or I'm a-gonna leave.
The way to keep a woman happy
And make her do what's right
Is love her ev'ry mornin', bawl her out at night
Your daddy's mad; He's done got pee-eeved
Now, You're Gonna Change or I'm a-gonna leave.
Ev'ry time you get mad
You pack your rags and go back to dad
You tell him lies he don't belie-ieve
Now, You're Gonna Change or I'm a-gonna leave.
CHORUS
--------------------------------------------------