Capo 1st fret
[Verse 1]
N.C. C
You can put me on a rig
Am
You can put me on a freight dock
F
Put a hammer in my hand
G
I'll give it all I've got
C
It's just what I do
Am
It ain't hard to understand
F G7
You can change the tools
C
But you can't change the working man
[Verse 2]
C
You can sew an old patch on
Am
With a company and a name
F
It may read a little different
G G7
Inside, I'm still the same
C
It's just what I do
Am
It ain't hard to understand
F G
You can change the tools
C
But you can't change the working man
[Chorus]
F C
Whatever it takes, it just does
G C
Living on a dream in a cloud of dust
F C
Riding out is just what I do
G7
Wish I could stay to tell the truth
Am G
It may seem cold, but when I get old
F
You'll know I made a stand
C G7
You can change the tools
C
But you can't change the working man
[Guitar Solos]
C F C G7 C
F C G G7 Am
G F C G C
C7
[Chorus]
F C
Whatever it takes, it just does
G C
Living on a dream in a cloud of dust
F C
Riding out is just what I do
G7
Wish I could stay to tell the truth
Am G
It may seem cold, but when I get old
F
You'll know I made a stand
C G7
You can change the tools
F
But you can't change the working man
C G
Oh, you can change the tools
C
But you can't change the working man
[Outro]
C
You can put me on a rig
Am
You can put me on a freight dock
F
Put a hammer in my hand
G C
I'll give it all I've got
How to play "The Working Man" by Cody Jinks on guitar resonates with the spirit
of resilience and unwavering identity, especially suited for those who take pride
in their labor. With a capo on the 1st fret, it brings the song into a comfortable
vocal range while maintaining the chords' original feel.
Intro and Verses:
The song does not have a specific instrumental intro but dives directly into
the narrative with the chords C, Am, F, and G. This chord progression lays
the foundation for the song's homage to the relentless spirit of the working man.
Begin with a C chord when you start singing about the diverse jobs a working
man might undertake, symbolizing versatility and adaptability.
Transition to Am and F as you describe the essence of labor and the tools of
the trade, emphasizing the worker's enduring spirit.
The G (and later G7) chord brings a resolve to each verse, highlighting the
immutable nature of the working man's identity despite changing roles.
Chorus:
The chorus moves through F, C, G (and G7), back to C, and introduces Am
and G towards the end, capturing the essence of hope, dreams, and
steadfastness amidst life's dust and din.
The F to C transition reflects the ethos of doing whatever it takes to live
the dream, encapsulating the working man's resolve.
G to C and then to G7 chords express a yearning for staying true to oneself,
despite the inevitabilities of change and departure.
Am to G and then F emphasize the narrative of cold realities and the ultimate
recognition of the working man's stand, with C and G7 reinforcing the central
message that while tools may change, the essence of the working man remains constant.
Guitar Solos and Outro:
Guitar solos follow the chord progression C, F, C, G7, Am, G, F, and back to C,
allowing for a reflective musical interlude that echoes the song's themes. The outro
revisits the opening chords, bringing the song full circle to its core message.
Playing Tips:
- Strumming should be steady and robust, reflecting the solid and dependable
nature of the working man's ethos. A mix of down and upstrokes can add texture
and depth, embodying the labor's rhythmic heartbeats.
- Pay attention to the emotional narrative of the lyrics. Let the chord transitions
highlight the song's poignant moments, especially during the chorus and
the reflective solos.
- The capo on the 1st fret brightens the song's tone, making it essential
to tune your guitar accordingly to ensure the chords resonate with clarity and warmth.
"The Working Man" is more than a song; it's a tribute to the unyielding spirit
of laborers everywhere. Playing it on the guitar offers a chance to connect
with this timeless narrative, celebrating the dignity and identity of the working
man through music.
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