A Showmans Life
View chords used in this chart
F C
A showman's life is a smokey bar and
Dm Bb
The fevered chase of a tiny star
Dm Bb
It's a hotel room and a lonely wife
F C
From what I've seen of a showman's life
F
Nobody told me about this part
Bb F
They told me all about the pretty girls and the wine and
C F
The money and the good times
Bb Dm C Bb Bb/A
Gm
No mention of all the wear and tear on an old honkey-tonker's heart
F
Well, I might have known it
C F C
But nobody told me about this part
F C
A boy will dream as children do
Dm Bb
Of a great white way, 'til the dream comes true
Dm Bb
And a phoney smile in a colored light
F C
Is all it is to a showman's life
F
Nobody told me about this part
Bb F
They told me all about the pretty girls and the wine and
C F
The money and the good times
Bb Dm C Bb Bb/A
Gm
No mention of all the wear and tear on an old honkey-tonker's heart
F
Well, I might have known it
C F C
But nobody told me about this part
SOLO
C F
Nobody told me about this part
Bb F
They told me all about the pretty girls and the wine and
C F
The money and the good times
Bb Dm C Bb Bb/A
Gm
No mention of all the wear and tear on an old honkey-tonker's heart
F
Well, I might have known it
C F Bb
But nobody told me about this part
F
Well, I might have known it
C F
But nobody told me about this part
Brady Blade drums
Rick Plant bass
Al Perkins steel guitar
Phil Madeira organ
Emmylou Harris harmony
Buddy Miller vocals/guitar
From Buddy Miller "Midnight And Lonesome"
Hightone Records 2002
Fourth Floor Music/Hot Kitchen Music(ASCAP)
How to play A Showmans Life
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 F. 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.