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Cruel

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Dmajor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Tuning: Drop D (DADGAD)
Capo 1
The song starts on the A of the Chorus
[Chords]
   D054000
   Ax02200
   G550000
  Bmx24400
[Intro]  
A   G      D    A
    G      D    A
[Verse 1]
DCruel were my Aparents, to Gtear my love from Dme
ACruel was the Bmpressgang that Gtook him to the Dsea
DCruel was the Bmlittle boat that Growed him off the Astrand
And Bmcruel was the Gbig ship, that Dtook him from the Aland
[Chorus]
GHaul away, boys, haul DawayA  
GHaul away, boys, haul DawayA  
[Verse 2]
DCruel was the Awater, that Gship it sailed uDpon
ACruel was the Bmfair wind, for Gnow my loves he's Dgone
DHad you blown a Bmroaring gale they'd have Gleft him on dry Aland
Where Bmhe would walk beGsides me and DI would hold his Ahand
[Chorus]
GHaul away, boys, haul DawayA  
GHaul away, boys, haul DawayA  
[Verse 3]
The Dring beneath my Apillow, is the Gring he gave to Dme
I'll Awear it on my Bmfinger, for Gall the world to Dsee
But Dcruel was the Bmcaptain, the Gbo'sun, and the Amen
For they Bmdidn't give a Gfarthing if I Dsaw my love aAgain
[Chorus]
GHaul away, boys, haul DawayA  
GHaul away, boys, haul DawayA  
[Verse 4]
DCruel were my Aparents, to Gtear my love from Dme
ACruel was the Bmpressgang that Gtook him to the Dsea
DCruel was the Bmlittle boat that Growed him off the Astrand
And Bmcruel was the Gbig ship, that Dtook him from the Aland
[Chorus]
GHaul away, boys, haul DawayA  
GHaul away, boys, haul DawayA  
GHaul away, boys, haul DawayA  
GHaul away, boys, haul DawayA  

All chords in this song (4)

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Cruel

by Kate Rusby

Lyrics & chords · Original key · Capo on fret 1 (as written in this song)

Chords in this song · guitar

Tuning: Drop D (DADGAD)

Capo 1

The song starts on the A of the Chorus

[Chords]

054000

x02200

550000

x24400

[Intro]

A G D A

G D A

[Verse 1]

D A G D

Cruel were my parents, to tear my love from me

A Bm G D

Cruel was the pressgang that took him to the sea

D Bm G A

Cruel was the little boat that rowed him off the strand

Bm G D A

And cruel was the big ship, that took him from the land

[Chorus]

G D A

Haul away, boys, haul away

G D A

Haul away, boys, haul away

[Verse 2]

D A G D

Cruel was the water, that ship it sailed upon

A Bm G D

Cruel was the fair wind, for now my loves he's gone

D Bm G A

Had you blown a roaring gale they'd have left him on dry land

Bm G D A

Where he would walk besides me and I would hold his hand

[Chorus]

G D A

Haul away, boys, haul away

G D A

Haul away, boys, haul away

[Verse 3]

D A G D

The ring beneath my pillow, is the ring he gave to me

A Bm G D

I'll wear it on my finger, for all the world to see

D Bm G A

But cruel was the captain, the bo'sun, and the men

Bm G D A

For they didn't give a farthing if I saw my love again

[Chorus]

G D A

Haul away, boys, haul away

G D A

Haul away, boys, haul away

[Verse 4]

D A G D

Cruel were my parents, to tear my love from me

A Bm G D

Cruel was the pressgang that took him to the sea

D Bm G A

Cruel was the little boat that rowed him off the strand

Bm G D A

And cruel was the big ship, that took him from the land

[Chorus]

G D A

Haul away, boys, haul away

G D A

Haul away, boys, haul away

G D A

Haul away, boys, haul away

G D A

Haul away, boys, haul away

About Cruel Chords by Kate Rusby

Learn how to play Cruel by Kate Rusby with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Cruel chords”, “Cruel guitar chords”, or “Kate Rusby Cruel 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 Cruel chords and for experienced players who want accurate Cruel lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, A, G, Bm.

FAQ — Cruel by Kate Rusby

How do I play "Cruel" by Kate Rusby on guitar?

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Can I transpose "Cruel" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Cruel"?

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

Is "Cruel" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Cruel" in?

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