The Ballad Of Jesse James
View chords used in this chart
Am C
I was just a boy when they tied me to that tree
G F
They hung my daddy's brother, left him swinging over me
Am C
I went off to get my vengeance underneath a flag of red
G F
And that angel on my shoulder, she ain't spoke to me since then
Hey hey hey
( Am C G F )
( Am C G F )
Am C
Well I tried my hand at working, but working was not me
G F
So I left my wife and children in the state of Missouri
Am C
I went off to make my living for my daughter and my son
G F
And I found an occupation at the wrong end of a gun
Refrão
Am C
Lying here looking up at the cracks in the roof
G E
Well I thought you were my friend, but I guess I was a fool
F Am
There's no pain, only blood and the smoke from your gun
G E Am
And I ain't on the run anymore
Ooohhh
( Am C G F )
( Am C G F )
Am C
Well I joined a band of brothers, those brothers took my name
G F
We were feared across the country, as the gang of Jesse James
Am C
Some folks call me a hero but those folks don't know me well
G
There's no place for me in Heaven, there's no
F
Place for me in Hell
Am C
Lying here looking up at the cracks in the roof
G E
Well I thought you were my friend, but I guess I was a fool
F Am
There's no pain, only blood and the smoke from your gun
G E Am G
And I ain't on the run anymore, no I ain't on the
E Am C G F
Run anymore
Am C
I thought you were my brother but now it's come to this
G F
You'll be off to get your silver, just like Judas with no kiss
Am C
And that angel on my shoulder looked me deeply in the eye
G F
As she turned to face that doorway, I could hear that angel cry
Am C
Lying here looking up at the cracks in the roof
G E
Well I thought you were my friend, but I guess I was a fool
F Am
With my colt forty-four laying cold on the floor
G E Am G
And I ain't on the run anymore, no I ain't on the
E Am
Run anymore
How to play The Ballad Of Jesse James
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.