Words and music Hoyt Axton and Ken Ramsey 1962 and 1963
Play muted bass strings only, except in chorus.
(4 bar introduction)
Em G
Some people say I'm a no count,
C G
Others say I'm no good,
Gm
but I'm just a natural born traveling man,
D Em
doin' what I think I should, O yeah,
D Em
Doin' what I think I should.
Chorus:
G C G C
And I don't give a damn about a greenback - a dollar
G C G C
Spend it fast as a can.
G C G C
For a wailin' song a good gui-tar
D7 Em
The only thing that I under-stand, O boy
D7 Em
The only thing that I under-stand
(Last Time Only)
D7 Em
The only thing that I under-stand, O boy
D7 Em
The only thing that I under-stand
2nd Verse
Em G
When I was a little baby
Em G
My Mama said, "Hey Son,
Gm
Travel where you will and grow to be a man,
D Em
and sing what must be sung, O boy
D Em
Sing what must be sung". (Repeat Chorus)
3rd verse
Em G
Now that I'm a grown man,
Em G
I've traveled here and there,
Gm
I've learned that a bottle of brandy and a song,
D Em
the only ones who ever care, O boy,
D Em
the only ones who ever care.
(Repeat 1st verse and Chorus)