Ragged Ol Hobo
View chords used in this chart
(D) Rain had grounded (D7) all the planes
At the (G) airport in Louisville (D) Kentucky
So I bought me a railroad (D7) ticket
Had to (G) close a deal in New (D) Orleans
When a (G) hobo at the track
Said he's gona ride the rail to (G7) Ari (D) zona
I had to (Em) fight the (G) tears
That wailed up in (A7) me
Cause a (Em) ragged ol' (G) hobo
Is really better off than (D) me
He ain't nothin but a (G) hobo
But he's livin his hobo (D) dreams
(D) Got a new car and a (D7) house
And a good ol (G) job in the suburbs of St. (D) Louie
And the woman in the (D7) gateway
To the (G) west has made me everything I (D) am
But (G) this three piece suit is gettin tight
The walls are closin in down at (G7) the (D) office
Lord I've (Em) been to (G) cautious
With all my best laid (A7)plans
Cause a (Em) ragged ol (G) hobo
Is really better off than (D) me
He ain't nothin but a (G) hobo
But he's livin his hobo (D) dreams
(D) He said son you ought (D7) to come along
And (G) watch the eagles fly in (D) Arizona
You'll never see an (D7) eagle fly
With (G) neon light reflecting off (D) wings
As he (G) climbed into the box car
His words echoed back like crashin (G7) thun (D) der
Lord if (Em) I was (G) younger
I'd ride me a different (A7) train
Cause a (Em) ragged ol (G) hobo
Is really better off than (D) me
He ain't nothin but a (G) hobo
But he's livin his hobo (D) dreams
He ain't nothin but a (G) hobo
But he's livin his hobo (D) dreams
How to play Ragged Ol Hobo
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.