The Sheriff
View chords used in this chart
Intro: A D C# F# B E
A D
Big Kid Josie rode away
D F#m/C# Bm7 A
In the sunset covered sky
E A
A lynching mob had strung his friend up
B D
Right before his eyes
A D
He didn't know what they'd both done
F#m D
He sure as hell would end up hung
F#m G#m A D
Or have to notch the sheriff's gun
B
If he didn't move on
C# F# B E
Get out of here
A D
The sheriff followed Josie's trail
D F#m/C# Bm7 A
From Kansas City West
E A
He said he'd put a bullet right
B D
Through poor old Josie's chest
A D
But Josie wasn't like the rest
F#m D
He don't like bullet holes in his vest
F#m G#m A D
In fact he'd do his very best
B
Don't want any arrest
C# F# B E
Don't want to be the guest of the sheriff
C F
The nights got so damned cold
F Am/E Dm7 C
He couldn't stand the pace
G C
He looked again for sheriff's men
D F
But couldn't see a trace
C F
Josie found a nice warm place
Am F
But then the sheriff solved the case
D Em F
Poked a gun in Josie's face
G4
And said: lookee here...
( Am F )
( E F G G# )
( F D )
( C Bm C )
( C D E )
( F G C Eb )
( G Eb G Eb )
( Eb G# G4 )
( A D )
( C# F# B E )
A D
Sheriff rode him into town
D F#m/C# Bm7 A
With Josie lookin sad
E A
He didn't know about the six-gun
B E
Big Kid Josie had
A D
Then Josie drew his gun real fast
F#m D
Gave the sheriff one big blast
F#m G#m A
And Josie runs the town at last
B
A legend from the past
C# F# B E
Nobody ever messed with the sheriff
How to play The Sheriff
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.