50 Tons On Your Back
View chords used in this chart
D A
Well I was high in the saddle at Tarcutta,
D
When a boy in blue pulled me over for a chat.
A
He said 'I think you need a little air in those tyres'.
G A D
I said 'You would too with a 50 ton load on your back'.
A D
Well I was barreling down ol' Highway 31,
A D
Admiring the scenery in the hot sun.
G D
Pulled over 'cross the Murray to fuel up,
E7 A
Have a shower and throw some coffee in my cup.
D
Then wait for the midnight rush,
A D
You know a boy loves to smell that charcoal dust.
G D
Something appeared from nowhere out behind,
A D
It was a flash of a red and blue light.
D A
Well I was high in the saddle at Tarcutta,
D
When a boy in blue pulled me over for a chat.
A
He said 'I think you need a little air in those tyres'.
G A D
I said 'You would too with a 50 ton load on your back'.
A D
Well the coppers eyes opened wider than Ayres Rock,
A D
He grabbed me by the arm and did his block.
G D
When I asked him where he was taking me,
A D
He said 'Son you've got a date with destiny'.
D A
Well I was high in the saddle at Tarcutta,
D
When a boy in blue pulled me over for a chat.
A
He said 'I think you need a little air in those tyres'.
G A D
I said 'You would too with a 50 ton load on your back'.
G D A D G D E7 A
INSTRUMENTAL
D
I did my time in cell block 21,
A D
The copper said 'I hope you've learned your lesson son'.
Well I thought about it for a while, and this is what I told him:
G D
'Next time I'm overweight I won't push my luck,
A D
I'll remember to pump those bloody tyres up'.
D A
Well I was high in the saddle at Tarcutta,
D
When a boy in blue pulled me over for a chat.
A
He said 'I think you need a little air in those tyres'.
G A D
I said 'You would too with a 50 ton load on your back'.
D A G A D
Well I was high in the saddle at Tarcutta.
How to play 50 Tons On Your Back
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is D. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.