Cherokee Fiddle
View chords used in this chart
INTRO: D G A Bb Bm Bb
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D G
When the train pulled into the station
A Bb Bm Bb
He'd open up his case and resin up his bow
D G
He'd play upside down the Orange Blossom Special
A7 D
Cause if you want to make a living you've got to put on a good show
Bm D
And when he'd smell the smoke and the cinders
Bm Em A7
He'd slick back his hair, and open up his case
D G
He'd play the Cherokee Fiddle, he'd play it for the whiskey
A7 D
Cause good whiskey never let him lose his place
D G
He was always there, playing for the miners
A Bb Bm Bb
The Devil's Dream was a song they understood
D G
And then he'd go out to Oklahoma
A7 D
But he'd wait till the trains were running and the weather was good
Bm D
And when he'd smell the smoke and the cinders
Bm Em A7
He'd slick back his hair, and open up his case
D G
He'd play the Cherokee Fiddle, he'd play it for the whiskey
A7 D
Cause good whiskey never let him lose his place
INSTRUMENTAL (Like a verse)
D G A Bb Bm Bb
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D G A7 D
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D G
Now the Indians are dressing up like cowboys
A Bb Bm Bb
And the cowboys are putting leather and turquoise on
D G
And the music is sold by lawyers
A7 D
And the fools who fiddled in the middle of the stations are gone
Bm D
Some folks say they'll never miss it
Bm Em A7
That old fiddle squealed like the Indian race
D G
The Cherokee Fiddle is gone forever
A7 D
Like the music of the whistle that the old locomotives made
Bm D
So when you smell the smoke and the cinders
Bm Em A7
Slick back your hair, and open up your case
D G
Play the Cherokee Fiddle, you can play it for the whiskey
A Bb Bm Bb
Good whiskey will never let you lose your place
D A7 D
Good whiskey will never let you lose your place
Bm Bb D G
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D A7 D
Good whiskey will never let you lose your place
How to play Cherokee Fiddle
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.