Bold Jack Donohue
View chords used in this chart
Intro
N.C.
Come all you gallant bushrangers that gallop on the plain
That's going to live in slavery,orwear the convictchain
Attention pay to what I say,and value it if you do
I will relate the matchless fate of Bold Jack Donahue
[Verso 1]
Dm F G Dm
Bold Donahue was taken all for a notorious crime
Am Dm F G Am
And sentenced to be hanged upon the gallows tree so high
Dm C Am
But when they brought him to Bathurst Gaol, he left them in a stew
Dm F G Dm
For when they came to call the roll, they missed Jack Donahue
[Verso 2]
Dm F G Dm
When Donahue made his escape, to the bush he went straight way
Am Dm7 F G Am
The squatters they were all afraid to travel by night and day
Dm C Am
And every day in the newspapers, they brought out something new
Dm F G Dm
Concerning that bold bushranger they called Jack Donahue
[Verso 3]
Dm F G Dm
As he and his companions rode out one afternoon
Am Dm F G Am
Not thinking that the pains of death would overtake him soon
Dm C Am
To their surprise the horse police well on they came in view
Dm F G Dm
And in double quick time they did advance to take Jack Donahue
[Verso 4]
Dm F G Dm
Oh Donahue, Donahue, throw down your carabine
Dm F G Am
Or do you intend to fight us all and will you not resign?
Dm F G Am
To surrender to such cowardly dogs is a thing I never would do
Dm F G Dm
This day I'll fight with all me might, says Bold Jack Donahue
[Verso 5]
Dm F G Dm
It never shall be said of me that Donahue the brave
Am Dm F G Am
Surrendered to a policeman or became an Englishman's slave
Dm C Am
I'd rather roam the bush so wide like a dingo or kangaroo
Dm F G Dm
Than work one day for the government, says Bold Jack Donahue
[Verso 6]
Dm F G Dm
The sergeant and the corporal, they did their men divide
Am Dm F G Am
Some fired at him from behind and some from every side
Dm C Am
The sergeant and the corporal, they both fired at him too
Dm F G Dm
And a rifle ball pierced the heart of Bold Jack Donahue
[Verso 7]
Dm F G Dm
Nine rounds he fired and nine men shot before that fatal ball
Am Dm F G Am
That pierced his heart and made him smart and caused him for to fall
Dm C Am
And as he closed his mournful eyes, he bid the world adieu
Dm F G Dm
Saying, Convicts all, pray for the soul of Bold Jack Donahue.
How to play Bold Jack Donohue
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 C. 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.