Motherless Child
View chords used in this chart
Intro
E
[Verso 1]
E A
Motherless children have a hard time
E
When your mother is dead
E
Motherless children have a hard time
When your mother is dead
E
They haven't got any place to go, you know they're
A G/A
Wandrin' around from door to door
E A
Motherless children have a hard time
E
When your mother is dead
[Verso 2]
E A
Some people say that your sister will do
E
When your mother is dead
E
Some people say that your sister will do
When your mother is dead
E
Some people say that your sister will do
A G/A
Soon as she's married turn her back on you
E A
Motherless children have a hard time
E
When their mother is dead
[Verso 3]
E A
Your daddy will do the best he can
E
When your mother is dead
E
Your daddy will do the best he can
When your mother is dead
E
You know, your daddy will do the best he can, but there's
A G/A
So many things your daddy can't understand
E A
Motherless children have a hard time
E
When your mother is dead
[Verso 4]
E A
Your wife, your husband will be good to you
E
When your mother is dead
E
Your wife, your husband will be good to you
When your mother is dead
E
Your wife, your husband will be good to you, but
A G/A
Nobody loves you like your mother do
E A
Motherless children have a hard time
E
When your mother is dead
[Verso 5]
E A
Well, a-dig my grave with a bloody spade
E
When I'm dead
E
Well, dig my grave with a bloody spade
When I'm dead
E
Well, dig my grave with a bloody spade
A G/A
Please make sure that the digger gets paid
E A
Motherless children have a hard time
E
When your mother is dead
[Verso 6]
E A
Well, Jesus will be a mother to you
E
When your mother is dead
E
Well, Jesus will be a mother to you
When your mother is dead
E
Well, Jesus will be a mother to you
A G/A
Through trial and tribulations, well, he see you through
E A
Motherless children have a hard time
E
When your mother is dead
How to play Motherless Child
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.