Jesse James
Woody Guthrie
Traditional
Key of G · Chords: I IV V
Open in Bluegrass Book: transpose, play alongVerse 1
G C G When Jesse James was a lad he’d killed many a man, D7 He robbed the Glendale train, G C G And the people they did say for many miles away G D7 G It was robbed by Frank and Jesse James.
Chorus
C G Poor Jesse had a wife who mourned for his life, D7 Three children - they were brave and true G C G But that dirty little coward who shot Mister Howard G D7 G Has laid poor Jesse in his grave
Verse 2
G C G It was on a Saturday night if I remember it right D7 When they robbed that Glendale train. G C G It was one of the Younger boys who gathered in the spoils, G D7 G And he carried Jesse's monies away.
Chorus
C G Poor Jesse had a wife who mourned for his life D7 Three children - they were brave and true G C G But that dirty little coward who shot Mister Howard G D7 G Has laid poor Jesse in his grave
Verse 3
G C G He was standing on a chair just a dustin pictures there D7 He thought he heard a noise G C G When he turned his head around, then a bullet smacked him down G D7 G And it laid poor Jesse on the floor
Chorus
C G Poor Jesse had a wife who mourned for his life D7 Three children - they were brave and true G C G But that dirty little coward who shot Mister Howard G D7 G Has laid poor Jesse in his grave
Verse 4
G C G Jesse robbed from the rich and he gave to the poor D7 He never did an un-friendly thing G C G And when his best friend died he was right there by her side G D7 G And he lifted off her golden wedding ring
Chorus
C G Poor Jesse had a wife who mourned for his life D7 Three children - they were brave and true G C G But that dirty little coward who shot Mister Howard G D7 G Has laid poor Jesse in his grave