This is the work of Tim Ausburn. This is the original version of this song
and the title is Shackles and Chain, (NOT CHAINS). Written and recorded by
Jimmie Davis in the late 1930's. The Bluegrassers started doing this song as
all verses, without a bridge, in the 50's. Jimmie Davis himself re-recorded
the song in the 60's without a bridge! If anyone wants a cassette copy of
the 30's version, e-mail me.
SHACKLES AND CHAIN
(G) ON A LONG LONESOME JOURNEY I'M (C) GOING,
COME MY (D7) DARLING AND PLEASE DON'T YOU (G) CRY,
'THO IN SHACKLES AND CHAIN THEY WILL (C) TAKE ME,
TO A (D7) PRISON TO STAY 'TILL I (G) DIE.
FIRST BRIDGE
AND AT (C) NIGHT THROUGH THE BARS,
I WILL (G) GAZE AT THE STARS,
AND (A7) LONG FOR YOUR KISSES IN (D7) VAIN,
A PIECE OF (G) STONE I WILL USE AS MY (C) PILLOW,
MY COM - (D7) PANION WILL BE SHACKLES AND (G) CHAIN.
(G) PUT YOUR ARMS THROUGH THESE BARS ONCE MY (C) DARLIN',
LET ME (D7) KISS THOSE SWEET LIPS I LOVE (G) BEST,
IN HEARTACHE YOU'RE MY CON-SO- (C) LA-TION,
IN (D7) SORROW MY HAVEN OF (G) REST.
SECOND BRIDGE
AND AT (C) NIGHT THROUGH THE BARS,
I WILL (G) GAZE AT THE STARS,
THE (A7) PLANS THAT WE MADE WERE IN (D7) VAIN,
A PIECE OF (G) STONE I WILL USE AS MY (C) PILLOW,
WHILE I'M (D7) SLEEPING IN SHACKLES AND (G) CHAIN.