The Boston Burglar
View chords used in this chart
Simplificar
Afinação: E A D G B ETecla: DCapotraste: Sem capotraste
The oricginal old Boston Burgler Song appeared in and around the 19th Century, the
version I found in an old
America Reprints from Sing Out,Vol 6, Oak Publications,NY,USA Copyright 1964.
Johnny McEvoy sang only verse 1,2,4 and 6 of the original song. That is what I have
included in this Tab.
D Am D
Oh, I was born in Boston, a city you all know well
Am D
Brought up by honest parents, the truth to you I'll tell,
Am D
Brought up by honest parents, and raised most tenderly,
G A7 D
'Til I became a sportin' man at the age of twenty three
D Am D
My Character was taken, and I was sent to jail,
Am D
My friends found out it was in vain, to try and set my bail:
Am D
The Jury found me guilty, the clerk he wrote it down
G A7 D
The judge then passed the sentence, I was sentenced to Charlestown.
D Am D
I was put on board an eastern train, one cold December day,
Am D
and every station that we passed, I could hear the people say;
Am D
"There goes the Bostn burglar, in strong chains he is bound,
G A7 D
For some crime or another, he is going to Charlestown."
D Am D
All you that have your freedom, pray keep it if you can,
Am D
And don't go 'round the streets at night breaking laws of G-d and man,
Am D
For if you do, you'll surely rue, and find yourself like me,
G A7 D
Serving up full twenty years in the penetentiary
How to play The Boston Burglar
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 E. 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.