The Strawberry Roan

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The Strawberry Roan
Marty Robbins
Play with an alternating bass.
[Intro]
D
[Verse 1]
I was hDangin' 'round town, just sA7pendin' my time
Out of a job, not eDarnin' a dime
A fD7eller steps up and he sGaid, "I suppose
YA7ou're a bronc fighter from lDooks of your clothes."
"You figures me right, I'm a gA7ood one." I claim
"Do you happen to have any bDad ones to tame?"
SD7aid "He's got one, a bGad one to buck
At thA7rowin' good riders, he's had lots of lDuck."
[Verse 2]
I Dgets all het up and I aA7sk what he pays
To ride this old nag for a cDouple of days
He offered me ten; I said, G"I'm your man,
A bAronc never lived that I couldn't spDan."
He Dsaid: "Get your saddle, IA7'll give you a chance"
In his buckboard we hopped and he drivDes to the ranch
I stayed 'til mornin' and riGght after chuck
I Dstepped out to see if this A7outlaw can buDck
[Verse 3]
DoDwn in the horse corral staA7ndin' alone
Is an old Caballo, a StrawDberry Roan
His legs are all spavined, he's gGot pigeon toes
LitAtle pig eyes and a bDig Roman nose
LiDttle pin ears that touA7ched at the tip
A big 44 brand was Don his left hip
U-necked and old, with a loGng, lower jaw
I Dcould see with one eye, hA7e's a regular outDlaw
[Verse 4]
I Dgets the blinds on 'im and A7it sure is a fright
Next comes the saddle and I scrDews it down tight
Then I steps on 'im and I raiGses the blinds
Get Aoutta the way boys, Dhe's gonna unwind
He sure is a frog-walker, he hA7eaves a big sigh
He only lacks wings, for to Dbe on the fly
He turns his old belly right Gup to the sun
HDe sure is a sun-fishin', sA7on-of-a-gDun
[Verse 5]
HDe's about the worst bucker A7I've seen on the range
He'll turn on a Nickel and gDive you some change
He hits on all fours and goGes up on high
LeaAves me a spinnin' up thDere in the sky
I turns over twice and I cA7omes back to earth
I lights in a cussin' the dDay of his birth
I know there are ponies that GI cannot ride
There's soAme of them left, they haDven't all died
I'll bet all my money, the mAan ain't alive
That'll stay with Old Strawberry when he makes his high dDive
All chords in this song (5)

The story behind the song

This classic cowboy song tells the story of a boastful horse breaker who finally meets his match in a striking strawberry roan horse. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of this encounter, celebrating the spirit of the American West. It's a tale that has resonated through the decades, becoming one of the most recognized cowboy songs. Marty Robbins, a prominent country and western singer known for his Western balladry, brings this narrative to life. Playing this song channels the rugged charm and humor of the cowboy experience.

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About The Strawberry Roan Chords by Marty Robbins

Learn how to play The Strawberry Roan by Marty Robbins with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Strawberry Roan chords”, “The Strawberry Roan guitar chords”, or “Marty Robbins The Strawberry Roan chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy The Strawberry Roan chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Strawberry Roan lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, A7, D7, G, A.

FAQ — The Strawberry Roan by Marty Robbins

How do I play "The Strawberry Roan" by Marty Robbins on guitar?

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Can I transpose "The Strawberry Roan" to a different key?

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Is "The Strawberry Roan" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "The Strawberry Roan" in?

The chords for "The Strawberry Roan" show the original chord names (including D, A7, D7, G, A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.