The Rose Of The San Joaquin
View chords used in this chart
G Em G Em
G Bm C G
Farewell to the lights of Madera, I'm leaving with the wind at my back
G Bm C G
Tell all of my friends in Dos Palos, I'm gone but I'll be circling back
G Em
Now I'm crossing the Chowchilia River
G Em
By the light of a ragged moonbeam
C Cm G Em
Lord I'll miss the Rose of San Joaquin
Em G Bm C G
I'll miss the sun on the Sierra Nevadas, adobe moon on the rise
G Bm C G
Shining down on my love in Madera, shining into her dark Spanish eyes
G Em
Oh she taught me those Mexican love songs
G Em
"Volver, Volver" in my dreams
C Cm G
And I miss the Rose of San Joaquin
G Em
Caught somewhere between
C Cm G Em
The road and the Rose of San Joaquin
Em G Bm C G
Oh her black hair fell on the blanket in the tall grass we with the dew
G Bm
Making love through the night by the river
C G
Oh Magdalene how my heart cries for you
G Em
Alone on this highway of darkness
G Em
You are the light of my dreams
C Cm G
And I miss the Rose of San Joaquin
G Em
Caught somewhere between
C Cm G Em
The road and the Rose of San Joaquin
G Em C Cm G
From the album The Rose Of The San Joaquin 1995 Hightone Records
Transcribed by: Greg Yuriy
Feel free to send comments to yuriym@cyberbeach.net
How to play The Rose Of The San Joaquin
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 G. 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.