I'd Rather Be A Lonesome Pine
View chords used in this chart
Capo 2nd Fret
(D) I'd rather be a fox with the hunters on his trail
I'd rather be an old dog left to (C) stray (A)
(D) I'd rather have no one to come home to
Than to live in (C) love hurtin' day (A) after (D) day
Chorus
I'd rather be a lonesome pine way out on the ridge
All alone blowin' in the wind and (G) rain
I'd (D) rather be a homeless man
Sleepin' underneath a railroad bridge
Than to love a (C) woman who (A) only brings you (D) pain
Instrumental Break – Follow pattern of chorus
(D) The farmer offers life and labor to the land
With a gentle hand he tends the fertile (C) ground (A)
(D) And in the golden fields at harvest time
I offered you my (C) heart but you (A) turned me (D) down
Chorus
Instrumental Break – Follow pattern of chorus
Chorus
(C) (A) (D)
How to play I'd Rather Be A Lonesome Pine
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.