The Family
View chords used in this chart
Afinação: E A D G B ECapotraste: Sem capotraste
[Intro]
A G A G
[Verse 1]
A G
Weevils took the cotton and the cows all took to dry
D A
What the varmints left behind, the sun took up to dryin'
G
Trouble took to daddy like dew drops take to night
D A
Mama took to cryin' a lot and daddy took to wine
[Chorus]
A E
And I took the train outta there
D A
I told the engineer, I don't believe there's no help handy
G A
Heaven, help the ties that bind a family
[Verse 2]
A G
Sister took to walkin', and brother he took to cryin'
D A
Mama took up with newfound friends, and I took up with crime
G
Hatred took the nighttime and the government took the day
D A
Can't find no hands at harvest time and the hens refuse to lay
[Chorus]
A E
And I took the train outta there
D A
I told the engineer, I don't believe there's no help handy
G A
Heaven, help the ties that bind a family
[Instrumental]
A G A G A B
[Verse 3]
B A
Flowers took to daddy and daddy took to gone
E B
Sister took to black real nice and Mama cried alone
A
Brother took up preaching and the bank man took the farm
E B
The state came in and took Mama away, and she couldn't do herself no harm
[Chorus]
B F#
And I took the train outta there
E B
I told the engineer, I don't believe there's no help handy
A B
Heaven, help the ties that bind a family
A B
Heaven, help the ties that bind a family
[Outro]
B A B A B
Artist: Tony Joe White
Album: The Train I'm On
Track 5: The Family
Year: 1972
Written by John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins
How to play The Family
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.