That’s the Way that it Goes

Gillian Welch

Key of G · Chords: I IV V

Verse 1

Becky Johnson bought the farm
E-
Put a needle in her arm
B7                          E-
That's the way that it goes That's the way

Verse 2

And her brother laid her down
In the cold Kentucky ground
That's the way that it goes That's the way
G           E-
That's the way that it goes
C                              G      D
Everybody's buying little baby clothes
G           E-
That's the way that it ends
C               B7               E-
Though there was a time when she and I were friends

Verse 3

Well, Miranda ran away
Took her cat and left LA
That's the way that it goes That's the way

Verse 4

She was busted, broke and flat
Had to sell that pussy cat
That's the way that it goes That's the way

Verse 5

Though there was a time when he and I were friends

Verse 6

See the brightest ones of all
Early in October fall
That's the way that it goes That's the way

Verse 7

While the dark ones go to bed
With good whiskey in their head
That's the way that it goes That's the way

Solo

Now Billy Joe's back in the tank
You tell Russo, I'll tell Frank
That's the way that it goes That's the way

Verse 8

Did he throw her down a well?
Did she leave him for that swell?
That's the way that it goes That's the way

Verse 9

Though there was a time when all of us were friends

Verse 10

When you lay me down to rest
Leave a pistol in my vest
That's the way that it goes That's the way

Verse 11

Do you miss my gentle touch?
Did I hurt you very much?
That's the way that it goes That's the way

Verse 12

Though there was a time when you and I were friends