Song For Jake
View chords used in this chart
verse 1
A G
I am an old cowboy
D
I don't ride much no more
A G
I came to this valley
D
right after the war
Bm G
and I used to shoe horses
D
and there's some saddles I built
A G
and I've rode after cattle
D
all over these hills
verse 2
A G
Started out at the pitchfork
D
when I was thirteen
A G
Riding young horses
D
riding my dreams
Bm G
and them old hands they taught me
D
all it takes is some nerve
A G
just throw a leg over and ride what you ride
D
for all that it's worth
Bridge 1
A G
Some folks regret
D
the lives that they lead
Bm G
they stare out the window
D
they yearn to be free
F#
I live the life
Bm G
that was given to me
D
and I threw a leg over
A Bm G
and rode it for all it was worth
D A
Yes I rode it
G D
for all it was worth
verse 3
A G
I was blue eyed and windburned
D
I was every girl's dream
A G
Wild steers on the mountain
D
where the butt brush was green
Bm G
and though some days were dark ones
D
when that old north wind blew
A G
I just gathered my reigns
D
and I rode it through
verse 4
A G
Time comes creeping
D
to wipe out your tracks
A G
but if your trail's been a good one
D
you don't mind looking back
Bm G
Dreams are like horses
D
they roam wild on the earth
A G
catch one and ride it
D
for all that it's worth
Bridge 2
A G
Some folks regret
D
the lives they lead
Bm G
they stare out the window
D
how they yearn to be free
F#
I live the life
Bm G
that was given to me
D
and I threw a leg over
A Bm G
and rode it for all it was worth
D A
Yes I rode it
G D
for all it was worth
Outro
A G
I am an old cowboy
D
I don't ride much no more
How to play Song For Jake
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 A. 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.