[Intro]
Am G Am
Am G Am
[Verse 1]
G Am
Father John was a filthy man but he loved his God
G Am
Sitting by his window late last night he sang a song
C G E7 Am
About the ways he put them wicked ones away
G Am
And on the other side of the mountains where they lay
G Am
On the other side of the mountains where they'll stay
[Verse 2]
G Am
Rumours on the street well, I hear they're coming true
G Am
That filthy man he caught 'em put 'em on a noose
C G E7 Am
'Cause every word he said the people ate out of his hand
G Am
With just one crying word you could be dead
G Am
With just one crying word you could be dead
[Instrumental]
Am G Am
Am G Am
C G Em F C G
F C G Em Am
Am G Am
Am G Am
[Verse 3]
Am
They caught 'em up near Beckett Brook
G Am
When the crew came riding through
Am
They rounded up they young boys
G Am
Chased 'em through the slough
C G E7 Am
I heard one drowned while the others hung around
G Am
Father John caught his prey
[Verse 4]
G Am
With heavy eyes their mommas they came to weep
G Am
Looking down at their young boys Father John did reap
C G E7 Am
Them away from the land and all the families that they had
G Am
And on other side of the mountains where they lay
G Am
On the other side of the mountains where they'll stay
[Instrumental]
Am
[Outro]
G Am
Father John was a filthy man but he loved his God
G Am
Sitting by his window late last night he sang a song
C G E7 Am
About the ways he put them wicked ones away
G Am
And on the other side of the mountains where they lay
G Am
On the other side of the mountains where they'll stay
G Am
On the other side of the mountains where they lay
How to Play:
"Father John" by The Dead South is a compelling song with a dark narrative,
set to a haunting melody that reflects its somber storyline. To play this song on
the guitar, you will need to be familiar with a set of chords that evoke the song's
intense and reflective mood. Here's how to approach playing this song, focusing
on its chord progressions, strumming patterns, and the emotional depth conveyed
in the music.
Chords Used:
Am
G
C
E7
Em
F
Intro and Verse Progressions:
The song starts with an intro that immediately sets the tone with a simple yet
effective Am to G transition, which continues throughout the verses. This back-and-forth
movement between Am and G chords creates a tense atmosphere that matches
the narrative's intensity.
Chorus Progression:
The song does not have a traditional chorus but rather continues with verses
that deepen the story. The progression within these sections uses Am, G, C,
and introduces E7, adding a layer of complexity and emotional depth to the song.
Instrumental Break:
The instrumental break offers a moment of reflection within the song, utilizing the
full range of chords introduced, including an Em to F transition that provides a slight
shift in the song's mood before returning to the primary thematic material.
Playing Tips:
Strumming Pattern: Given the somber mood of the song, a steady, contemplative
strumming pattern works best. Focus on emphasizing the downbeat and allowing
each chord to resonate, reflecting the song's narrative gravity.
Dynamic Expression: Use dynamic variations to highlight the emotional shifts in the song.
Play softly during more reflective moments and increase your intensity during moments
of narrative climax to underscore the story being told.
Emotional Delivery: The key to delivering "Father John" effectively is to connect with
the song's emotional depth. Your playing should convey the somber and reflective
mood of the lyrics, allowing the listener to fully engage with the story.
E7 Chord: The inclusion of the E7 chord adds a unique color to the song's palette.
Ensure your finger placement is precise to capture its distinctive sound,
which contributes significantly to the overall mood of the piece.
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