[Intro]
G Cmaj7 G
Em D G x2
[Verse 1]
G Cmaj7 G
Well, I'm just a traveling man you see
G G/B G
Wherever this road goes is where I will be
G Cmaj7 G
I'll catch me a ride on a boat to Spain
G Gmaj9/F# Gadd9
Tell a woman that I love her then forget her name
G Cmaj7 G
And I wish I could stay for midday coffee
G Cmaj7 G
But I just can't get this dreamin' off me
G G/B Gadd9
If I could find me a place to rest my mind
G Gmaj9/F# Gadd9
But mama always said you were there in good time
[Chorus]
Cadd11/G G6
There's some headlights burning down the highway
D Em
And I think that I may just hitch me a ride
Cadd11/G G6
Cause I'm a traveling man by trade, sir
D G
We're all running from the things inside
[Interlude]
G Cmaj7 G
Em D G x2
[Verse 2]
G Cmaj7 G
There's a train headed west to south Toledo
G G/B Gadd9
And if the dogs don't sell me to sleep I'll go
G Gmaj9/F# Gadd9
Dreamin' as I'm steamin' past miles of ground
G Gmaj9/F# Gadd9
Through the souls and hymnals that built these towns
G G/B Gadd9
I wanna stay too long and leave too soon
G Gmaj9/F# Gadd9
Best time for going's when the going scared you
[Chorus]
Cadd11/G G6
There's some headlights burning down the highway
D Em/B
And I think that I may just hitch me a ride
Cadd11/G G6
Cause I'm a traveling man by trade, sir
D G
We're all running from the things inside
[Interlude]
G Cmaj7 G
Em D G x2
[Chorus] (light strumming)
Cadd11/G G6
There's some headlights burning down the highway
D Em/B
And I think that I may just hitch me a ride
Cadd11/G G6
Cause I'm a traveling man by trade, sir
D G
We're all running from the things inside
[Interlude]
G Cmaj7 G
Em D G x2
[Chorus] (single strum chords)
Cadd11/G G6
There's some headlights burning down the highway
D Em/B
And I think that I may just hitch me a ride
Cadd11/G G6
Cause I'm a traveling man by trade, sir
D G
We're all running from the things inside
How to play "Traveling Man" by Bryan Zach on guitar.
This song uses a set of open chords that are very common in acoustic guitar
playing, making it a great piece for beginners to intermediate players to
practice. The chords used are primarily G, Cmaj7, Em, D, G/B, Gmaj9/F#, Gadd9,
Cadd11/G, and G6. Each of these chords adds a rich texture to the song, blending
folk and country influences.
The intro and verses utilize a gentle strumming pattern, with a focus on
transitioning smoothly between chords. Let's break down the chord progression
and strumming for each part.
Intro and Interludes:
Start with the G, transition to Cmaj7, and back to G. This is followed by Em,
D, and back to G. Repeat this sequence twice for the intro and interludes. The
strumming here is steady and relaxed, aiming for a flowing sound.
Verse 1 and Verse 2:
The verses follow a storytelling narrative, with the chords providing a
backdrop to the lyrics. Begin with G, move to Cmaj7, then back to G. You'll
use G/B, Gmaj9/F#, and Gadd9 to add depth. Focus on clean transitions between
these chords to maintain the narrative flow. The rhythm here is consistent,
with a slight emphasis on the first beat of each measure.
Chorus:
The chorus introduces Cadd11/G and G6, creating a slightly more uplifting
sound. The transition from D to Em adds emotional depth, underscoring the
lyrics. The strumming pattern can be a bit more pronounced, but keep it
controlled to match the song's overall feel.
Remember, the key to this song is not just in playing the chords but in how you
transition between them and maintain the rhythm. Practice the transitions and
strumming pattern separately, then combine them as you become more comfortable.
The song's lyrics speak to the wanderlust and the constant search for meaning
and belonging that characterizes the life of a "traveling man." The repetition
of the chorus "We're all running from the things inside" suggests an
introspective look at the reasons behind our journeys, hinting at a deeper
search for inner peace or escape from past troubles. The imagery of headlights,
highways, and trains paints a vivid picture of constant movement and change,
which is at the heart of the traveling man's existence.
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