Rough Ride For A Cowboy chords
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Capo 3rd fret
[Intro]
Em C B7
[Verse 1]
Em
He's a Lone Star casanova
Em
Puts the South in South Dakota
C B7
He ain't ever met a mustang he ain't broke
Em
Put a 90 on a Bucker
Em
He's a one night one and diner
C B7
He's a runner but he's running out of road
Em
He'll lasso 'em in, then turn on a dime
C B7
But them papers are turning tonight
[Chorus]
Em
Now he's 'bout to learn what lonely looks like
C B7
When I cut him loose but his hands are tied
Em
Nothing breaks his heart like breaking his pride
C B7
When he ain't got the reigns on goodbye
Em
That's a rough ridе for a cowboy
C B7
That's a rough ride for a cowboy
[Verse 2]
Em
In the morning when hе wakes up
C
Yeah, he'll finally get the taste of his own medicine
B7
A spoon full of bitter
Em
Hell, isn't it ironic?
Em
It's freedom that he wanted
C B7
He got it but don't like how it got delivered
[Chorus]
Em
Now he's 'bout to learn what lonely looks like
C B7
When I cut him loose but his hands are tied
Em
Nothing breaks his heart like breaking his pride
C B7
When he ain't got the reigns on goodbye
Em
That's a rough ridе for a cowboy
C B7
That's a rough ride for a cowboy
[Bridge]
Em
It's his gravel meeting the treads on my tires
C B7
The tables are turning tonight
[Out-Chorus]
Em
Now he's 'bout to learn what lonely looks like
C B7
When I cut him loose but his hands are tied
Em
Nothing breaks his heart like breaking his pride
C B7
When he ain't got the reigns on goodbye
Em
That's a rough ridе for a cowboy
C B7
That's a rough ride for a cowboy
Em
That's a rough ride for a cowboy
How to play "Rough Ride For A Cowboy" by Porter MacKenzie on guitar
- Tuning: Standard tuning with a capo on the 3rd fret.
- Chord Shapes:
Em: 022000
C: x32010
B7: x21202
- Strumming Pattern:
Use a pattern of down-down-up-up-down-up. This strumming pattern provides a rhythmic
and driving feel, suitable for the storytelling nature of this country song.
- Intro & Verse Progression:
The song starts with a chord progression of Em, C, B7. This sequence sets a somber and
introspective mood, fitting the theme of a cowboy facing his personal challenges.
- Playing the Verses:
Strum gently on Em and build up on C to B7 to emphasize the narrative build-up in each
verse. Each chord should be played clearly to maintain the song's strong rhythmic base.
- Chorus Technique:
The chorus uses the same chords but increases in strumming intensity to match the emotional
heightening of the lyrics. Focus on making the transition between chords smooth to maintain
the flow of the music.
- Common Mistakes:
- Rushing the tempo: Keep a steady rhythm to allow the lyrics and melody to be the focal
point of the song.
- Not emphasizing the dynamics between the verse and chorus: Make sure to vary your
strumming intensity between these sections to enhance the storytelling.
- Bridge:
The bridge continues with the Em, C, B7 progression. Play this section with a sense of
finality and resolution, leading into the out-chorus with a strong emotional delivery.
- Lyrics Meaning:
"Rough Ride For A Cowboy" tells the story of a cowboy known for his free-spirited and
carefree lifestyle facing the consequences of his actions. It highlights themes of
loneliness, pride, and comeuppance, using vivid imagery and metaphors typical of
country music storytelling.
Ensure your playing captures the emotional depth and narrative drive of the song, using
dynamic strumming and careful attention to lyrical delivery.