Saved

High Water For Charley Patton

Chords
4.911 votes
Get the app
App StoreGoogle Play
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
1/12
Sound:
123456789101112131415eBGDAE11234
Step 1 / 12Position: 3
1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO open
HIGHWATER (FOR CHARLEY PATTON)
Released on "Love And Theft"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G   F5   F#5   G(C)
. : . . . : . . . : . . . : . . .
e|-------|-------3-/(7)7---|-----------------|-3---------------|----------------|
B|-------|-------3-/(8)8---|*----------------|-3--------------*|----------------|
G|-------|-------4-/(7)7---|-----------------|-4---------------|----------------|
D|-3h0---|-5---------------|-----------------|-5----(3-5)------|----------------|
A|----1b-|-5---------------|*--------3---4---|-5--------------*|----------------|
E|-------|-3---------------|---------1---2---|-3---------------|----------------|
[Verse 1]
GHigh water rising, rising night and day
All the gold and silver are being stolen away
Big Joe Turner looking east and west from the dark room of his mind
He made it to Kansas City, Twelfth Street and Vine
F5Nothing F#5standing Gthere
High F5water F#5everyGwhere
[Verse 2]
GHigh water rising, the shacks are sliding down
Folks lose their possessions and folks are leaving town
Bertha Mae she shook it, broke it, and she hung it on the wall
Say: "You dancin' with whom they tell you to, or you don't dance at all"
F5It's F#5tough out Gthere
High F5water F#5everyGwhere
[Verse 3]
GI got a craving love for blazing speed, got a hopped up Mustang Ford
Jump into the wagon, Love, throw your panties overboard
I can write you poems, make a strong man lose his mind
I'm no pig without a wig I hope you treat me kind
Things F5are breaking F#5up out Gthere
High F5water F#5everyGwhere
[Verse 4]
GHigh water rising, six inches 'bove my head
Coffins dropping in the street, like balloons made out of lead
Water poured into Vicksburg, don't know what I'm gonna do
"Don't reach out for me," she said, "Can't you see I'm drowning too"
F5It's F#5rough out Gthere
High F5water F#5everyGwhere
[Verse 5]
GWell, George Lewes told the Englishman, the Italian and the Jew,
"You can't open up your mind, boys, to any conceivable point of view,
They got Charles Darwin trapped out there on Highway 5"
Judge says to the High Sheriff, "I want him dead or alive,
F5Either F#5one, I don't Gcare"
High F5water F#5everyGwhere
[Verse 6]
GWell, the cuckoo is a pretty bird, she warbles as she flies
I'm preaching the word of God, I'm putting out your eyes
I asked fat Nancy for something t' eat, she said, "Take it off the shelf
As great as you are, man, you'll never be greater than yourself."
I told her I F5didn't F#5really Gcare
High F5water F#5everyGwhere
[Verse 7]
GI'm gettin' up in the morning, I believe I'll dust my broom
Keeping away from the women, I'm giving them lots of room
Thunder rollin' over Clarksdale, everything a-lookin' blue
I just can't be happy, love, unless you're happy too
It's F5bad F#5out Gthere
High F5water F#5everyGwhere
[Outro]
G
F5 F#5 G
F5 F#5 G
All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

Bob Dylan is celebrated for his sophisticated lyrical techniques, weaving intellectualism from classic literature and poetry into his folk music. His work often explores political, social, and philosophical themes, challenging pop music norms. This particular song, appearing on the album Heartbreak Hotel, carries the evocative title "High Water For Charley Patton," suggesting a deep dive into American musical roots and the powerful forces that shape them. It plays like a tribute to the enduring spirit of blues and folk tradition.

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

🎸 Tips from players

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

About High Water For Charley Patton Chords by Bob Dylan

Learn how to play High Water For Charley Patton by Bob Dylan with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “High Water For Charley Patton chords”, “High Water For Charley Patton guitar chords”, or “Bob Dylan High Water For Charley Patton 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 High Water For Charley Patton chords and for experienced players who want accurate High Water For Charley Patton lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, F5, F#5, C, B, D.

FAQ — High Water For Charley Patton by Bob Dylan

How do I play "High Water For Charley Patton" by Bob Dylan on guitar?

Open the free chords for "High Water For Charley Patton" 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 "High Water For Charley Patton" by Bob Dylan free?

Yes. The chords for "High Water For Charley Patton" by Bob Dylan are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "High Water For Charley Patton" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "High Water For Charley Patton"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "High Water For Charley Patton" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "High Water For Charley Patton" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "High Water For Charley Patton" 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 "High Water For Charley Patton" in?

The chords for "High Water For Charley Patton" show the original chord names (including G, F5, F#5, C, B, D). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.