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Tough Mama

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Tough Mama
Bob Dylan
-classic Bob Dylan and The Band
from the album Planet Waves-
 DTough BmMama, 
Ameat shaking on your bones
 DI'm gBmonna  tAake you down to the river and get you stoned.
BmSister's on the highway with thaAt steel driving crew
BmPapa's in the big house her woF#mrking dayEms are thrGough
 CTough GMama, Acan I blow a little smoke on you?
DDark BBmeauty, 
AWon't you move it on over and make some room?
DIt's mBmy duty to bAring you down to the field where the flowers bloom.
BmAshes in the furnace, dust on thAe rise,
BmYou came through it all the waF#my, flyin' Emthrough Gthe skies.
CDark BeGauty AWith that long night's journey in your eyes.
DSweet GBmoddess, 
Aborn of a blinding light and a changing wind,
DNow, dBmon't be modeAst, you know who you are and where you've been.
BmJack the Cowboy went up north HeA's buried in your past.
BmThe Lone Wolf went out drinkinF#mg That waEms over prGetty fast.
CSweet GGoddesAs Your perfect stranger's comin' in at last.
DSilver BmAngel, 
Awith the badge of the lonesome road sewed in your sleeve,
DI'd be gBmrateful if tAhis golden ring you would receive.
BmToday on the countryside it was Aa-hotter than a crotch,
BmI stood alone upon the ridge aF#mnd all I Emdid was wGatch.
CSweet GGoddesAs It must be time to carve another notch.
DI'm creBmstfallen, 
Athe world of illusion is at my door,
DI ain't Bmhaulin' any oAf my lambs to the marketplace anymore.
BmThe prison walls are crumblin', Athere is no end in sight,
BmI've gained some recognition bF#mut I lost Emmy appetGite.
CDark BeGauty AMeet me at the border late tonight.
D  Bm    A    D  Bm   A
Bm      A
Bm     F#m  Em  G
C   G   A

All chords in this song (7)

The story behind the song

"Tough Mama" is a Bob Dylan song that emerged in the mid-1970s. Dylan is known for his sophisticated and poetic lyrics, which often infuse folk music with literary intellectualism and explore political, social, and philosophical themes. His work has defied pop music conventions throughout his long career, appealing to the counterculture. This song, appearing on the album Planet Waves, plays like a raw and passionate declaration, capturing a feeling of intense, almost desperate, devotion.

AI-written from these sources:Bob Dylan — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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Tough Mama

by Bob Dylan

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

F#m

Tough Mama

Bob Dylan

-classic Bob Dylan and The Band

from the album Planet Waves-

D Bm

Tough Mama,

meat shaking on your bones

D Bm A

I'm gonna take you down to the river and get you stoned.

Bm A

Sister's on the highway with that steel driving crew

Bm F#m Em G

Papa's in the big house her working days are through

C G A

Tough Mama, can I blow a little smoke on you?

D Bm

Dark Beauty,

Won't you move it on over and make some room?

D Bm A

It's my duty to bring you down to the field where the flowers bloom.

Bm A

Ashes in the furnace, dust on the rise,

Bm F#m Em G

You came through it all the way, flyin' through the skies.

C G A

Dark Beauty With that long night's journey in your eyes.

D Bm

Sweet Goddess,

born of a blinding light and a changing wind,

D Bm A

Now, don't be modest, you know who you are and where you've been.

Bm A

Jack the Cowboy went up north He's buried in your past.

Bm F#m Em G

The Lone Wolf went out drinking That was over pretty fast.

C G A

Sweet Goddess Your perfect stranger's comin' in at last.

D Bm

Silver Angel,

with the badge of the lonesome road sewed in your sleeve,

D Bm A

I'd be grateful if this golden ring you would receive.

Bm A

Today on the countryside it was a-hotter than a crotch,

Bm F#m Em G

I stood alone upon the ridge and all I did was watch.

C G A

Sweet Goddess It must be time to carve another notch.

D Bm

I'm crestfallen,

the world of illusion is at my door,

D Bm A

I ain't haulin' any of my lambs to the marketplace anymore.

Bm A

The prison walls are crumblin', there is no end in sight,

Bm F#m Em G

I've gained some recognition but I lost my appetite.

C G A

Dark Beauty Meet me at the border late tonight.

D Bm A D Bm A

Bm A

Bm F#m Em G

C G A

About Tough Mama Chords by Bob Dylan

Learn how to play Tough Mama by Bob Dylan with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Tough Mama chords”, “Tough Mama guitar chords”, or “Bob Dylan Tough Mama 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 Tough Mama chords and for experienced players who want accurate Tough Mama lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, Bm, A, F#m, Em, G.

FAQ — Tough Mama by Bob Dylan

How do I play "Tough Mama" by Bob Dylan on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Tough Mama" by Bob Dylan on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Tough Mama" by Bob Dylan free?

Yes. The chords for "Tough Mama" by Bob Dylan are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Tough Mama" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Tough Mama" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Tough Mama"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Tough Mama" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Tough Mama" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Tough Mama" by Bob Dylan with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Bob Dylan below.

What key is "Tough Mama" in?

The chords for "Tough Mama" show the original chord names (including D, Bm, A, F#m, Em, G). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.