Cocaine Blues
View chords used in this chart
verse 1
C#
Early one mornin' while makin' the round I took a shot of cocaine and I
G#
shot my woman down I went right home and I went to bed
C#
I stuck that lovin' .44 beneath my head
verse 2
C#
Got up next mornin' and I grabbed that gun, Took a shot of cocaine and
G#
away I run, made a good run but I ran too slow
C#
They overtook me down in Juarez, Mexico
verse 3
C#
Late in the hot joints takin' the pills, In walked the sheriff from
G#
Jericho Hill He said Willy Lee your name is not Jack Brown
C#
You're the dirty heck that shot your woman down
verse 4
C#
Said yes, oh yes my name is Willy Lee, If you've got the warrant just
G#
a-read it to me, shot her down because she made me sore
C#
I thought I was her daddy but she had five more
Verse 5
C#
When I was arrested I was dressed in black, they put me on a train and they
G#
took me back, had no friend for to go my bail
C#
They slapped my dried up carcass in that county jail
Verse 6
C#
Early next mornin' bout a half past nine, I spied the sheriff coming
G#
down the line, Ah, and he coughed as he cleared his throat He said
C#
come on you dirty heck into that district court
Verse 7
C#
Into the courtroom my trial began Where I was handled by
G#
twelve honest men, Just before the jury started out
C#
I saw the little judge commence to look about
Verse 8
C#
In about five minutes in walked the man, Holding the verdict in
G#
his right hand, The verdict read murder in the first degree
C#
I hollered Lawdy Lawdy, have a mercy on me
Verse 9
C#
The judge he smiled as he picked up his pen 99 years in the
G#
Folsom pen, 99 years underneath that ground
C#
I can't forget the day I shot that bad bitch down
verse 10
C# F#
Come on you've gotta listen unto me
G# C#
Lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be
How to play Cocaine Blues
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.