[Intro]
E N.C.
E D E G D E N.C.
[Verse 1]
E D E
Well, it looked like rain when we laid Papa down
G D
But he sure looked good in that suit of brown
E
From the Hubbardville Store
[Verse 2]
E D E
A small gray stone and a box of pine and
G D
Two red roses tied with twine
E
From the Hubbardville Store
D E
Dust to dust who could ask for more
[Verse 3]
E D E
It stood like a ghost on the paved highway
G D
They'd come in their cars and tell us to pay
E
The Hubbardville Store
[Verse 4]
E D E
And I was just a kid and I couldn't plow ground
G D
And Mama would cry when the man came around
E
From the Hubbardville Store
D E
Look yonder Mama, here comes hard times
[Interlude]
E D E G D E
[Verse 5]
E D E
Well, Mama was weak but her pride was strong
G D
She said we'd pay before too long
E
The Hubbardville Store
[Verse 6]
E D E
But Mama knew better I could see it in her eyes
G D
Cause if money was meat we couldn't draw flies
E
From the Hubbardville Store
D E
Look out Mama, here comes the man
[Verse 7]
E D E
They took our house and they took our land
G D
They took everything but the clothes in our hands
E
The Hubbardville Store
[Verse 8]
E D E
And I swore to God I'd do 'em all in
G D
But Mama cried Son, don't you turn to sin
E
For that Hubbardville Store
D E
Look out now, you better hold on, boy
[Interlude]
E D E G D E
[Verse 9]
E D E
Well, I felt like a man on that moonless night
G
With a steady hand and one match
D E
To light the Hubbardville Store
[Verse 10]
E D E
And the people came a-running from miles around
G D
They hid their smiles while it burned to the ground
E
Oh, the Hubbardville Store
D E
Well, come on down who could ask for more
[Verse 11]
E D E
Well, they gave me ten years but they ain't built it back
G D
Cause I burnt everything right down to the sacks
E
And that Hubbardville Store
[Verse 12]
D E
Dust to dust who could ask for more
D E
The sky's on fire from the Hubbardville Store
D E N.C.
Look yonder Mama, could you ask for more
[Outro]
E D E G D E
X
How to play "Hubbardville Store" by Lost Dog Street Band on guitar
Playing Style: This song uses a steady rhythm and a strong narrative focus,
employing a mix of strumming and dynamic emphasis to enhance the storytelling.
[Intro]
Chords: E, N.C., E, D, E, G, D, E, N.C.
- Begin with a firm strum on E, adding pauses (N.C. - no chord) to create
tension and anticipation.
- The progression E, D, E, G, D, E introduces the main melodic theme and sets
the tone for the song.
[Verse 1-12]
Chords: E, D, E, G, D, E
- Maintain a consistent strumming pattern throughout the verses to support the
unfolding story. The transition between these chords underlines the lyrical
themes of loss and resilience.
- Pay attention to the lyrics, adjusting your strumming intensity to match the
emotional content, particularly where the narrative peaks.
[Interlude]
Chords: E, D, E, G, D, E
- Use this section to provide a musical reflection on the verses, maintaining
the same chord progression but possibly varying the strumming pattern to
keep the momentum.
[Outro]
Chords: E, D, E, G, D, E
- Conclude with the same rhythmic and chord pattern as introduced in the intro
and interludes, bringing the song to a cohesive end.
General Tips:
- Tuning: Standard tuning works well for this song.
- Make sure to articulate each chord cleanly, especially during the dynamic
shifts that the narrative requires.
- Practice the chord transitions to ensure smoothness and maintain the pace of
the storytelling.
Common Mistakes:
- Losing the rhythmic structure in the pauses (N.C.). These should be used
effectively to highlight the dramatic parts of the story.
- Overpowering the melody with too aggressive strumming. The guitar should
complement the story, not overshadow it.
Lyrics Meaning:
"Hubbardville Store" is a poignant narrative about struggle, injustice, and
revenge within a community, centered around the symbolic Hubbardville Store.
The song narrates the impact of the store on the singer's family, culminating
in its destruction as an act of defiance and liberation. The recurring themes
of resilience and retribution are vividly portrayed through the lyrics.