Pioneer
View chords used in this chart
capo 3RD
C F C
Go to sleep little Cory for you can't understand
F C G F
you're a sick little baby in your mothers tired hands
C F C
well your Daddy fetched the doctor but he had to use his gun
F C G F
he's always been reckless and he's always on the run
C F C
well the doctor says he's worried cause your fever hadn't broke
F C G F
gonna wrap you in a blanket gonna put you on a boat
C F C
sail across the mississippi to a town where music plays
F C G F
gonna steak you penicillin make your fever go away
Am F C
and when you grow up don't you hate your momma and daddy
Am F C
cause they gave you everything that you ever had
Am F C
and it ain't no wonder that most dont make it
Am F G
no wonder so many die,
C F C Am G C
it ain't easy to be a pioneer when the land that you move to is dry
C F C
wake up little Cory and get the water from the well
F C G F
count to nine Mississippi then your Daddy needs your help
C F C
give the feed to the chickens and in the rows you plant the corn
F C G F
get the rations up for winter and build a fire to keep it warm
C F C
and you'll learn to use a riffle and you'll learn to use a knife
F C G F
and you'll learn how to hunt and you'll learn how to fight
C F C
and you learn to pack a saddle and you take it off to town
F C G F
just a three days of riding sell the skinds and turn around
Am F C
and when you grow up don't you hate your Momma and Daddy
Am F C
cause they gave you everything that they ever had
Am F C
and it ain't no wonder that most don't make it
Am F G
no matter how hard they try,
C F C Am G C
it ain't easy to be a pioneer when the land that you move to is dry
C F C
go to sleep little Cory for you're a grown boy
F C G F
gonna have to be the man now with your Daddy off to war
C F C
keep your eye on the horses and keep your mother safe
F C G F
got two hungry sisters and another on the way
Am F C
and when you grow up don't you hate your Momma and Daddy
Am F C
cause they gave you everything that they ever had
Am F C
and it ain't no wonder that most don't make it
Am F G
no wonder so many die,
C F C Am G C
it ain't easy to be a pioneer when the land that you move to is dry
C F C Am G C
it ain't easy to be a pioneer when the land that you move to is dry
Good luck and have fun!
How to play Pioneer
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.