Old King Coal
View chords used in this chart
verse 1
E
Many a man down in these here hills
B7 E
Made a living off that old black gold
E
Now there ain't nothing but welfare and pills
B7 E
And the wind never felt so cold
verse 2
E
I'll be one of the first in a long long line
B7 E
Not to go down from that old black lung
E
My death will be slower than the rest of my kind
B7 E E/F# E/G#
And my life will be sadder than the songs they all sung
[Refrão]
A E
Old King Coal what are we gonna do
B7 E E/F# E/G#
When the mountains are gone and so are you
Bridge
A E
They come from the city to lend a hand
B7
Carrying signs saying, "Shut the mines down"
A E E/F# E/G# A
We ain't looking for pity and you don't un - der - stand
E B7 E
So go back to your city now cause this ain't your town
Instrumental A E E B7 E
verse 3
E
My Great Grandfather spent his days in a coal mine
B7 E
And his nights on the porch in a chair
E
Now he's in heaven and down here in hell
B7 A A/G# A/F# E E/F# E/G#
The rivers run muddy and the moun - tains are bare
[Refrão]
A E
Old King Coal what are we gonna do
B7 E E/F# E/G#
When the mountains are gone and so are you
A E
Old King Coal what are we gonna do
B7 E
When the mountains are gone and so are you
How to play Old King Coal
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.