Rodney Henson
View chords used in this chart
Style
Classic Country Shuffle
82 BPM
4/4 time with a gentle shuffle feel
Intro (8 Bars)
Pedal Steel introduces the melody
| G | G | C | C |
| G | D | G | G |
Acoustic guitar enters on bar three. Piano quietly joins. Brushes on the snare.
[Verso 1]
G
One night at the Cowboy, a long time ago
Em
We saw a tall stranger stumble in from the snow
C
He saddled up, and tipped his hat low
G D G
Three shots of tequila ready to go
[Verso 2]
G
When the band started playin' some Merle Haggard songs
Em
The stranger shook his head, couldn't help but sing along
C
He sang every word with a voice worn by miles
G D G
That's when I noticed those dusty-blue eyes
[Refrão]
C G
Now you might not like country, You may not understand
Em D
But every song's a story, Every singer's just a man
C G
So saddle up and take a shot, Raise one all night long
D G
'Cause even Merle Haggard, Sings a Merle Haggard song
{Instrumental}
First 8 Bars Fiddle
| G | Em | C | G |
| C | G | D | G |
Second 8 Bars Pedal Steel
Repeat.
[Verso 3]
G
He took center stage, and we sang them all
Em
"Workin' Man Blues," and "Mama Tried"
C
"Okie from Muskogee" and "Hungry Eyes"
G D G
Then blue-eyed Merle disappeared, into the Wyoming night
(Hold two beats)
{Final Chorus}
C G
Now you might not like country, But that's all right with me
Em D
Some nights become a memory, That last eternity
C G
Raise a glass to old Merle, And every country song
Am D G
'Cause even blue-eyed Merle, Sang a Merle Haggard song
Outro
Slow everything down.
| C | G | Em | D |
| C | G | D | G |
Gadd9
Raise a glass to old Merle...
Pedal steel answers.
Telecaster plays a gentle descending phrase.
How to play Rodney Henson
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 G. 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.