[Intro]
(Moan) C Am C Am C Am C
F C
I'm lonesome but happy
F C
Rich but I'm broke
F C
And the good Lord knows the reason
F C
I'm just a cowpoke.
F C
From Cheyenne to Douglas
F C
All the ranges I know
F C
'Cause I drift with the wind
Am
No one cares where I go.
(Moan)C Am C Am C Am C
F C
I ain't got a dime
F C
In these old worn out jeans
F C
So I'll stop eatin' steak
F C
And go back to beans.
F C
I'll pick up a ten spot
F C
In Prescot I know
F C
Ridin' the broncs
F C
In the big rodeo.
(Moan)C Am C Am C Am C
(Repeat verse w/o lyrics)
F C
Some evening springtime
F C
A filly I'll find
F C
And I might spend all the summer
F C
With her on my mind.
F C
But I'll never be branded
F C
And never be broke
F C
I'm a carefree range ridin'
Am
Driftin' cowpoke...
(Moan)C Am C Am C Am C
How to play "Cowpoke" by Colter Wall on guitar
Intro & Verse Chord Progression:
- Start with the C major chord and alternate with Am, setting a somber
and reflective tone right from the beginning.
- Continue using this progression to underscore the verses, capturing
the nomadic lifestyle of the song’s protagonist.
Playing the Chords:
- C major: Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string,
middle on the 2nd fret of the D string, and index on the 1st fret of the B string.
- Am: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string,
middle on the 2nd fret of the D string, and ring on the 2nd fret of the G string.
- F major: Barre your index finger across all strings at the 1st fret,
place your middle on the 2nd fret of the G string, ring on the 3rd fret of the A string,
and pinky on the 3rd fret of the D string.
Strumming Pattern:
- Use a steady strumming pattern, alternating between a slower pace for
the reflective parts and a slightly faster, more rhythmic pattern during
the descriptive verses to reflect the changing moods of the lyrics.
Chorus Dynamics:
- There’s no traditional chorus here, but emphasize the narrative sections
where the lifestyle of a cowpoke is described by slightly intensifying
your strumming to highlight the storytelling.
Common Mistakes:
- Ensure the F major chord is fully barred to avoid any buzzing or muted strings,
which can detract from the song's clarity.
- Maintain a smooth transition between C, Am, and F to keep the song flowing seamlessly.
Outro:
- Conclude with the same C-Am progression, echoing the song’s intro,
and gradually slowing down to reflect the song's contemplative ending.
Song's Theme:
- The lyrics reflect on the solitary, drifting life of a cowboy, embracing
both the freedom and the inherent solitude of this lifestyle.
Practice maintaining the emotional depth of the song through controlled
strumming and careful attention to the lyrical delivery to fully capture
the essence of "Cowpoke."
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