Soldier’s Joy 1864
View chords used in this chart
Capo on 2
Am Dm Am E7
First I thought a snake had got me it happened dreadful quick
Am Dm Am G Am
Was a bullet bit my leg, right off I got sick
Am Dm Am E7
I came to in a wagon load of ten more wounded men
Am Dm Am G Am C/G
Five was dead by the time we reached that bloody tent
C F C G7
Gimme some of that Soldier’s Joy, you know what I mean
C F C G7 Am
I don’t want to hurt no more my leg is turnin’ green
The doctor came and looked at me and this is what he said
Your dancin’ days are done, son, it’s a wonder you ain’t dead
Then he went to work with a carvin’ knife sweat fell from his brow
‘Bout killed me tryin’ to save my life when he cut that lead ball out
Give me some of that Soldier’s Joy, ain’t you got no more
Hand me down my walkin’ cane I ain’t cut out for war
Red blood run right through my veins run all over the floor
Run right down his apron strings like a river out the door
He handed me a bottle and said, son drink deep as you can
He turned away then he turned right back with a hacksaw in his hand
Gimme some of that Soldier’s Joy you know what I like
Bear down on that fiddle boys just like Saturday night
Gimme some of that Soldier’s Joy you know what I crave
I’ll be hittin’ that Soldier’s Joy til I’m in my grave
C F C G
C F C G Am
How to play Soldier’s Joy 1864
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 Am. 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.