The Border chords
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[Intro]
Am N.C.
[Verse 1]
Am
I work on the border
Am
I see what I see
G
I work on the border
Am
And it’s working on me
[Verse 2]
Am
I lie awake at night
Am
Knowing what I know
G
There’s a price on my head
Am
Of every border patrol
[Verse 3]
Am
Where the smugglers do business
Am
That’s where I make a stand
G
I know this old desert
Am
Like the back of my hand
[Verse 4]
Am
I see greed in the bushes
Am
I see snakes in the dark
G
Some are friends of my brothers
Am
Can’t you hear them dogs bark
[Chorus]
F
I come home to Maria
C
At the end of the day
F
In thе shape of a shadow
G
Holding demons at bay
Am
‘It’s just a border’ thеy say
[Verse 5]
Am
It was Mexican soldiers
Am
Out of a black Humvee
G
With their guns to their shoulders
Am
Aimed at my partner and me
[Verse 6]
Am
As they drove away laughing
Am
But the message was clear
G
We don’t care about nothing
Am
But the money down here
[Chorus]
F
I come home to Maria
C
In a bulletproof vest
F
With the weight of the whole wide world
G
Barring down on my chest
Am
It’s just a border I guess
[Bridge]
Em Am
From the shacks and the shantys
Em Am
Come the hungry and poor
Em Am
Some to drown at the crosses
F
Some to suffer no more
[Verse 7]
Am
Guess you heard about Campos
Am
and Ramien
G
Both of them friends of mine
Am
Both good men
[Verse 8]
Am
They did one thing right
Am
And look what they got
G
Federal prison
Am
Where they’re both going to rot
[Chorus]
F
I come home to Maria
C
Where else would I go
F
Cross the River to die by myself
G
Down In old Mexico
Am
It’s just the border y’know
[Outro]
Am G Am G Am
G Am
X
How to play "The Border" by Willie Nelson on guitar
[Intro]
- Start with an Am chord. Strum smoothly to set the tone.
[Verse 1]
- Play Am: Position fingers on 1st fret of B string, 2nd fret of D and G
strings.
- Repeat Am for the verse.
- Move to G: Position fingers on 3rd fret of E string, 2nd fret of A string,
and 3rd fret of B and E strings.
- Return to Am.
[Verse 2]
- Repeat the same chord progression as Verse 1.
- Practice smooth transitions between each chord.
[Verse 3]
- Follow the same chord progression as Verse 1.
- Emphasize the lyrics with gentle strumming.
[Verse 4]
- Repeat the same chord progression as Verse 1.
- Ensure each chord rings clearly; press firmly on the strings.
[Chorus]
- Start with F: Position fingers on 1st fret of B and E strings, 2nd fret
of G string, and 3rd fret of D and A strings.
- Move to C: Position fingers on 1st fret of B string, 2nd fret of D string,
and 3rd fret of A string.
- Transition to G, then back to Am.
- Focus on clean transitions and consistent strumming.
[Verse 5]
- Follow the same chord progression as Verse 1.
- Focus on the emotional expression in your strumming.
[Verse 6]
- Repeat the same chord progression as Verse 1.
- Maintain a steady rhythm and clean transitions.
[Chorus]
- Repeat the same progression as before: F, C, F, G, Am.
- Ensure the strumming pattern remains steady and matches the song's
energy.
[Bridge]
- Play Em: Position fingers on 2nd fret of A and D strings.
- Alternate between Em and Am, then F.
- Emphasize the emotional content with a steady rhythm.
[Verse 7]
- Follow the same chord progression as Verse 1.
- Ensure smooth transitions between chords.
[Verse 8]
- Repeat the same chord progression as Verse 1.
- Focus on the emotional depth in your strumming.
[Chorus]
- Repeat the same progression: F, C, F, G, Am.
- Ensure the strumming pattern remains steady and matches the song's
energy.
[Outro]
- Finish with the chords: Am, G, Am, G, Am, G, Am.
- End on Am for a strong conclusion.
Common Mistakes:
- Ensure each chord rings clearly; press firmly on the strings.
- Watch for timing issues, especially in the transitions between chords.
- Keep your strumming consistent and smooth.
Song Facts:
- "The Border" is a poignant song by Willie Nelson, reflecting on the
experiences and struggles at the U.S.-Mexico border.
- The song features simple yet evocative chord progressions, enhancing
its emotional depth.
- Willie Nelson, a prolific country artist, is known for his unique voice
and guitar style. He has been a significant figure in country music
for several decades, often addressing personal and social themes
through his songs.