Rough Road Ahead
View chords used in this chart
Intro: D Am
[Refrão]
N.C. Am
If you’ve got the will, oh, don’t sit still
G Am
Just ride that thrill right up the hill
Before you’re dead, when the weak have fled
G N.C. Am
Or you will tread the rough road ahead
verse 1
The half-hearted getter and the faint-hearted quitter
G Am
Both sit in the gutter and both agree
They moan and they mutter and utter so bitter
D
So double-dipped down, they’ll never get free
verse 2
Am
Locked out, knocked out, feet up like a beat pup
G Am
Ride to your ruin in an old rockin’ chair
Rock till you’re clocked out, eat your defeat up
G Am
Slide some more glue in, ‘cause you ain’t got a prayer
[Refrão]
N.C. Am
If you’ve got the will, oh, don’t sit still
G Am
Just ride that thrill right up the hill
Before you’re dead, when the weak have fled
G N.C. D
Or you will tread the rough road ahead
verse 3
Am
Don’t let the dawn’s light break upon a lost fight
G Am
You gotta get freed from life’s stampede
Goin’ on, on and on, going, going, going, gone
D
Gotta take the lead at breakneck speed
verse 4
Am
Zig-zag a tail spinner, don’t brag before dinner
G Am
Last to the last and show what you know
Not a rag-tag beginner, but an in-the-bag winner
G Am
Goin’ too fast and can’t find slow
[Refrão]
N.C. Am
If you’ve got the will, oh, don’t sit still
G Am
Just ride that thrill right up the hill
Before you’re dead, when the weak have fled
G N.C. Am
Or you will tread the rough road ahead
How to play Rough Road Ahead
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.