First Train Heading South
By Johnny Horton (Circa late 40's to early 50's)
Written by Johnny Horton
Key of F, no capo needed to play with the youtube video.
I usually transpose to play in C for my vocal range.
Note: A fast paced song, listen to the youtube video for the beat.
F
I didn't know my baby loved me so-o-o-o-o
Bb F
Until that letter come to let me know
Bb F
Now I pack my bags and then I'll go
C7 F
And catch the first train I see heading south
If I'd a got this letter in Idaho
Bb F
Where snow's so deep it wouldn't let me go
Bb F
I'd a went hog wild and melted all that snow
C7 F
And caught the first train I saw heading south
If I'd a got this letter in Iowa (*be sure to sing/pronouce it as Io-Way)
Bb F
Nothing in this world could make me stay
Bb F
I'd a grabbed my hat and then been on my way
C7 F
And caught the first train I saw heading south
F
I didn't know my baby loved me so-o-o-o-o
Bb F
Until that letter come to let me know
Bb F
Now I pack my bags and then I'll go
C7 F
And catch the first train I see heading south
Instrumental, basically a whole regular verse with lead guitar in front.
F
I didn't know my baby loved me so-o-o-o-o
Bb F
Until that letter come to let me know
Bb F
Now I pack my bags and then I'll go
C7 F
And catch the first train I see heading south
If I'd a got this letter in Ohio
Bb F
With a busted back two arms and a broken toe
Bb F
There'd be no hesitation I would go
C7 F
And catch the first train I saw heading south
But I got this letter up in Maine
Bb F
You can bet your bottom dollar I feel the same
Bb F
Every clickety clack of the drivers call her name
C7 F
As I ride this fast train I caught heading south
F
I didn't know my baby loved me so-o-o-o-o
Bb F
Until that letter come to let me know
Bb F
Now I pack my bags and then I'll go-o-o
C7 F
And catch the first train I see heading south
End
Hear this 'jumping' song on youtube here;
http://youtu.be/ZQSpys6A3Is