Now playing

Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train

Chords
Fmajor
90BPM
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Recorded in 1925 this was a million seller. Carson Robison recorded his own version and Michael
Holliday had a hit with it in the UK in 1956. The song was played regularly in the UK in the 1950's
on a childrens request show, Childrens Choice.
Dalhart recorded other versions for other labels which have slightly different words and chords.
Original Key: Pitched in Gb but the guitars sound as though they are playing in F with capo.
Chord in () is optional to help the singer.
Capo I
Intro(tune of verse):
F
F C
F C7 F C7
F C7 F
Dm A7 Dm A7
DmT'was in the year of 'A789 Dmon that old ChicA7ago line,
DmWhen the winter A7wind was blowin' Dmshrill,A7  
DmThe rails were froze, the A7wheels were cold, and Dmthen the air brakes A7wouldn't hold,
And A7Number 9 came roaring down the Ahill -- A7oh!
#1:
C7The Frunaway train come down the track and she blew,
FThe runaway train came down the track and she C7blew,
The Frunaway train come C7down the track, her Fwhistle wide and her C7throttle back,
And she Fblew, blew, C7blew, blew, Fblew.
#2:
FThe engineer said the train must halt and she blew,
FThe engineer said the train must halt and she C7blew,
The Fengineer said the tC7rain must halt -- he Fsaid it was all the C7fireman's fault,
And she Fblew -ew, C7blew, blew, Fblew.
Instrumental (tune of verse):
F
F C7
F C7 F C7
F C7 F
#3:
FOh the fireman said he rang the bell and she blew,
FThe fireman said he rang the bell and she C7blew,
The Ffireman said he C7rang the bell -- the Fengineer said "You C7did like ****!"
And she Fblew, blew, C7blew, blew, Fblew.
#4:
FThe conductor said there'd be a wreck and she blew,
FThe conductor said there'd be a wreck and she C7blew,
The Fconductor said there'd C7be a wreck and he Ffelt the chills run C7up his neck,
And she Fblew, blew, C7blew, blew, Fblew.
Instrumental(tune of verse):
F
F C7
F C7 F C7
F#5:C7  F  
FOh the fireman tried to shovel the coal and she blew
FThe fireman tried to shovel the coal and she C7blew
The Ffireman tried to C7shovel the coal but Fhe opened the door and C7fell in the hole
And she Fblew, blew, C7blew, blew, Fblew.
#6:
FThe porter got an awful fright and she blew,
FThe porter got an awful fright and she C7blew,
The Fporter got an C7awful fright -- he Fgot so scared that C7he turned white,
And she Fblew -ew, C7blew, blew, Fblew.
Instrumental(tune of verse):
F
F C7
F C7 F C7
F C7 F
#7:
FOh, a mule was standing in the way and she blew,
FA mule was standing in the way and she C7blew,
A Fmule was standing C7in the way and Fall they found was C7just his bray,
And she Fblew -ew, C7blew, blew, Fblew.
#8:
FA drummer sat in the parlor car and she blew
FA drummer sat in the parlor car and she C7blew
A Fdrummer sat in the C7parlor car and he Fnearly swallowed a C7fat cigar
And she Fblew blew, bC7lew, blew, bFlew.
#9:
FThe runaway train went over the hill and she blew,
FThe runaway train went over the hill and she C7blew,
The Frunaway train went C7over the hill and the Flast we heard she was C7going still,
And she Fblew -ew, blC7ew, blew, blFew
Instrumental outro(tune of verse):
F
F C7
F C7 F C7
F C7 F
All chords in this song (6)

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

About Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train Chords by Misc Unsigned Bands

Learn how to play Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train by Misc Unsigned Bands with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train chords”, “Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train guitar chords”, or “Misc Unsigned Bands Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train 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 Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train chords and for experienced players who want accurate Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Gb, F, C, C7, Dm, A7.

FAQ — Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train by Misc Unsigned Bands

How do I play "Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train" by Misc Unsigned Bands on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train" by Misc Unsigned Bands 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 "Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train" by Misc Unsigned Bands free?

Yes. The chords for "Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train" by Misc Unsigned Bands are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train" by Misc Unsigned Bands with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Misc Unsigned Bands below.

What key is "Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train" in?

The chords for "Vernon Dalhart - The Runaway Train" show the original chord names (including Gb, F, C, C7, Dm, A7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.

Report a problem with this sheet · Copyright concern?