Calloused Hands
View chords used in this chart
E A E
I rise before the sunrise no promises to claim
A E
My boots are full of gravel my back's a burning flame
A E C#m
The boss sits in his tower while I'm down here in the grime
F#m E
He signs with golden ink I bleed to earn a dime
A E
Got these calloused hands and hunger in my soul
A E
Ain't sellin' off my spirit for a paycheck full of holes
A G# C#m A
The world may never see me but I won't bow or break
E E
'Cause the heart of this old country's built on the work we make
A E
That lady in the kitchen the man up on the beam
A E
The driver in the city cleaning floors no one sees
A C#m
Good folks holdin' steady don't beg or ask for grace
F#m
Still dreamin' every evening of a fair and kinder place
A E
Got these calloused hands and hunger in my soul
A E
Ain't sellin' off my spirit for a paycheck full of holes
A G# C#m A
The world may never see me but I won't bow or break
E E
'Cause the heart of this old country's built on the work we make
A
They say your worth is what you earn
E
Well that just ain't the truth
A
You're worth the way you struggle on
Your pride your pain your roots
A E
Got these calloused hands and pride they can't erase
A E
No money ever bought me no man can take my place
A C#m A
Still diggin' in the trenches no medals on my chest
E E A
But I leave a mark behind me-they can't lay to rest
How to play Calloused Hands
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 E. 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.