When Cowboys Didn't Dance
View chords used in this chart
INTRO: Am
(The riff is made up of three notes: open 5th string A note, open 6th
string
E note and 6th string, 3rd fret G note)
Am F
Seven hundred heads of cattle, an old forgotten trail
G Am
Six cowboys, one old man and another day of hell
Am F
Chuckwagon lagging behind from the strain of a broken wheel
G E
The only thing to look forward to is a campfire and a meal
Am (repeat riff)
Am F
Sleeping 'neath an open sky, with just stars above their heads
G Am
A saddle for a pillow and some sagebrush for a bed
Am F
Waking up tomorrow was merely done by chance
G E
Back when the west was wild and cowboys didn't dance
C G Dm
CHORUS: When cowboys didn't dance, didn't wear designer shirts
F
And their hearts were filled with memories
E
Their bodies filled with hurt
C G
They would sit around the campfire
Dm
And exchange a piercing glance
F E
Am
Back when the west was wild and cowboys didn't dance.
Am (repeat riff)
Am F
Pour coffee from an old tin cup, more sweat upon the brow
G Am
Another day of chasing that same old lonely cow
Am F
And every new horizon began a brand new day
G E
Thirteen hundred miles to go, slowly made their way
Am F
Across the plains of Texas through the Colorado snow
G E
Final destination, Blackfoot, Idaho
CHORUS
CHORUS
Am F
Seven hundred heads of cattle, an old forgotten trail
G Am
Five cowboys, one old man and another day of hell
SOLO (Chorus chord progression)
How to play When Cowboys Didn't Dance
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.