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Arkansas Dave

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Written by George "Bubba" Strait, Jr.
Performed by George Strait on Twang (2009), MCA Nashville
[Intro]
 C G C C G C
[Verse 1]
CHe rode up on a wGinter Cday
CSteam rising off a sGtreak-faced Cbay
FSaid, you probably kCnow my nFame
CIf you don't it's AGrkansas DCave
[Verse 2]
He tCalked of fifteen yGears aCgo
And hCow he got the bGay he rCode
Said, he kFilled a man in COh - i - Fo
First mCan he killed, first hGorse he sCtole
[Chorus 1]
It was a lFong road for ACrkansas DFave
He sChot and left him wGhere he lCay
Said, he'd nFever forget that wCinter dFay
CHe rode off on a sGtreak-faced Cbay
[Verse 4]
CI stood up and I sGhook his hCand
Told Cno one that I kGnew this Cman
StFarted thinking Cof a pFlan
'Bout hCow I'd deal him Ghis last hCand
[Verse 5]
Didn't tCake him long to cGome uCnwound
CHe jumped up and gunned tGwo men dCown
RFan outside to lCeave the tFown
But ol' bCay was nowhere Gto be fCound
--Modulate up to D--
[Verse 6]
I hDid out with my fAorty-fDour
And wDhen he walked back tAhrough the dDoor
I sGhot till I could sDhoot no mGore
And Dave RuDdabaugh fell Ato the fDloor
[Chorus 2]
It was the eGnd of the road for ADrkansas GDave
I sDhot and left him wAhere he lDay
I'll nGever forget that wDinter dGay
DI rode off on the sAtreak faced bDay
No I'll nGever forget that wDinter Gday
DI rode home on daddy's sAtreak faced bDay
[Outro]
D A D D A D

All chords in this song (5)

The story behind the song

"Arkansas Dave" finds its home in the world of George Strait, an artist celebrated for pioneering the neotraditional country style and his authentic cowboy image. Known as the "King of Country Music," Strait has left an indelible mark on the genre with his roots-oriented sound. This song, appearing on the album Twang, connects to the legacy of an artist who holds the record for the most number one songs across all charts. Playing it channels a piece of that enduring country tradition.

AI-written from these sources:George Strait — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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Arkansas Dave

by George Strait

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Written by George "Bubba" Strait, Jr.

Performed by George Strait on Twang (2009), MCA Nashville

[Intro]

C G C C G C

[Verse 1]

C G C

He rode up on a winter day

C G C

Steam rising off a streak-faced bay

F C F

Said, you probably know my name

C G C

If you don't it's Arkansas Dave

[Verse 2]

C G C

He talked of fifteen years ago

C G C

And how he got the bay he rode

F C F

Said, he killed a man in Oh - i - o

C G C

First man he killed, first horse he stole

[Chorus 1]

F C F

It was a long road for Arkansas Dave

C G C

He shot and left him where he lay

F C F

Said, he'd never forget that winter day

C G C

He rode off on a streak-faced bay

[Verse 4]

C G C

I stood up and I shook his hand

C G C

Told no one that I knew this man

F C F

Started thinking of a plan

C G C

'Bout how I'd deal him his last hand

[Verse 5]

C G C

Didn't take him long to come unwound

C G C

He jumped up and gunned two men down

F C F

Ran outside to leave the town

C G C

But ol' bay was nowhere to be found

--Modulate up to D--

[Verse 6]

D A D

I hid out with my forty-four

D A D

And when he walked back through the door

G D G

I shot till I could shoot no more

D A D

And Dave Rudabaugh fell to the floor

[Chorus 2]

G D G

It was the end of the road for Arkansas Dave

D A D

I shot and left him where he lay

G D G

I'll never forget that winter day

D A D

I rode off on the streak faced bay

G D G

No I'll never forget that winter day

D A D

I rode home on daddy's streak faced bay

[Outro]

D A D D A D

About Arkansas Dave Chords by George Strait

Learn how to play Arkansas Dave by George Strait with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Arkansas Dave chords”, “Arkansas Dave guitar chords”, or “George Strait Arkansas Dave 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 Arkansas Dave chords and for experienced players who want accurate Arkansas Dave lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C, G, F, D, A.

FAQ — Arkansas Dave by George Strait

How do I play "Arkansas Dave" by George Strait on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Arkansas Dave" by George Strait 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 "Arkansas Dave" by George Strait free?

Yes. The chords for "Arkansas Dave" by George Strait are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Arkansas Dave" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Arkansas Dave"?

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

Is "Arkansas Dave" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Arkansas Dave" by George Strait with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by George Strait below.

What key is "Arkansas Dave" in?

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