[Intro]
D G D G D
G A D
[Verse 1]
D
There is trouble in the darksome sky, he saw it as a boy
G D A
From great-grandad's covered wagon, from the crux of Illinois
D
For the promise of the daffodils amongst the hard limestone
G D A D
They carved the die of fortune out of buffalo bones
[Chorus 1]
G D A
They all wandered o'er the salty seas the prairies wide and more
G D A
Just to make a foolish man like me that's darkenin' your door
D G
If the Great Depression made us, therе is no need to despair
D A D G A D
I won't waste a single momеnt of the work that brought us here
[Verse 2]
D
From the needle-prickin' mothers who were never taught to read
G D A
To the barefoot hungry soldiers that enlisted at sixteen
D
Oh in my dumb debasement, I still find great relief
G D A D
That on the lam and on the dole they counted themselves free
[Chorus 2]
G D A
I have hustled towards the overpass to sleep there in the rain
G D A
I have settled with my pocketknife and carved out all their names
D G
If the Great Depression made us, there is no need to despair
D A D
I won't waste a single moment of the work that brought me here
[Harmonica Solo]
D G D A
D G D A D
[Verse 3]
D
From the jailhouse on the border, to the hold beneath the ship
G D A
To the weed-fields out in Oregon, to the first night that we kissed
D
From the dungeon of the coalmine to the brightest factory floor
G D A D
To win our kin a better life is still worth dying for
[Chorus 3]
G D A
And I still cry my eyes out every time I dare to touch the spirit
G D A
And if this is our small lot in life I'll love it like I mean it
D G
The blood is strong with victory that brought us our despair
D A D
I won't waste a single moment of the love that's buried here
[Outro]
D G D G
If the great depression made us, there is no need to despair
D A D
I won't waste a single moment of the love that brought me here
Introduction & Verse Chords
The song kicks off with an intro that uses D, G, and A chords, setting the stage
for the narrative to unfold. The verses follow a similar chord pattern, starting
with D to establish the narrative's base, then moving to G and A to add depth
and contrast, reflecting the ups and downs of the stories being told.
Playing Technique
For the intro and verses, begin with a strong strum on the D chord to draw
listeners into the narrative. As you transition to G and then A, use a mix of
strumming patterns to keep the rhythm engaging and dynamic. The transitions
between these chords are crucial for maintaining the flow of the song and
should be practiced to ensure smoothness.
Emotion and Narrative
The lyrics of the verses paint vivid pictures of historical and personal struggles,
from ancestors' journeys to personal battles with depression. The chord
progressions support these stories, with the transitions from D to G
and A adding a musical narrative of resilience and determination.
Chorus Dynamics
The chorus introduces a powerful emotional shift, continuing with the G, D,
\and A chords but with a focus on delivering the message with conviction.
This is where the song's theme of overcoming adversity through the lessons
of the past comes to the forefront. The chorus should be played with a sense
of resolve, emphasizing the song's message of hope and perseverance.
Harmonica Solo and Versatility
Following the second chorus, there's a harmonica solo, which can be adapted
for guitar. This section can be played by mimicking the harmonica's melody
with single notes on the guitar, using the D, G, A progression as a backdrop.
This solo serves as a reflective moment, offering a break from the lyrical narrative.
Outro and Conclusion
The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus's sentiment, reinforcing
the message of hope and the importance of remembering the struggles
that have shaped us. The outro, using the D, G, and A chords, offers a final,
reflective moment to underscore the song's themes.
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