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The Hobo Song

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Tuning: Standard (CAPO 2nd Fret)
[Intro]
D  A  D
[Verse 1]
There was a Dtime, when Glonely men would Dwander;
Through this Aland, rolling aimlessly aDlong.A  
So many Dtimes, I've Gheard of their sad Dstories;
DWritten in the Awords of dead men's Dsongs.
[Verse 2]
Down through the Dyears, many Gmen have yearned for Dfreedom.
Some Afound it only on the open rDoad.A  
So many Dtears of Gblood have fell aDround us;
'Cause Dyou can't always Ado what you are Dtold.
[Chorus]
Please tell me Dwhere, have Gall the hobos Dgone to.
I sAee no fire burning down by the Drusty railroad Atracks.
Could it Dbe, that Gtime has gone and Dleft them,
Tied Dup in life's eAternal travelling sDack
[Interlude]
D  A  D
[Verse 3]
Last Sunday nightD, I wrote a letter Gto my loved onDe.
I signed my name Aand knew I'd Dstayed away too long.A  
There was a time Dwhen my heart Gwas free to wander.D  
And I remember Das I sing Athis hobo song.D  
[Chorus]
Please tell me Dwhere have Gall the hobos Dgone to.
I Asee no fire burning down by the Drusty railroad Atracks
Could it Dbe, that Gtime has gone and Dleft them,
Tied Dup in life's eAternal traveling sDack
Tied Dup in life's eAternal traveling sDack

All chords in this song (3)

The story behind the song

John Prine was a country-folk singer-songwriter known for his humorous lyrics about love, life, and current events, often incorporating social commentary and satire. He also wrote sweet songs and melancholy ballads, establishing him as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. This song likely carries his signature blend of wit and poignant observation, inviting you to connect with the wandering spirit it embodies.

AI-written from these sources:John Prine — Wikipedia ↗

🎸 Tips from players

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670,000+ free guitar chords · free-chords.com

The Hobo Song

by John Prine

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuning: Standard (CAPO 2nd Fret)

[Intro]

D A D

[Verse 1]

D G D

There was a time, when lonely men would wander;

A D A

Through this land, rolling aimlessly along.

D G D

So many times, I've heard of their sad stories;

D A D

Written in the words of dead men's songs.

[Verse 2]

D G D

Down through the years, many men have yearned for freedom.

A D A

Some found it only on the open road.

D G D

So many tears of blood have fell around us;

D A D

'Cause you can't always do what you are told.

[Chorus]

D G D

Please tell me where, have all the hobos gone to.

A D A

I see no fire burning down by the rusty railroad tracks.

D G D

Could it be, that time has gone and left them,

D A D

Tied up in life's eternal travelling sack

[Interlude]

D A D

[Verse 3]

D G D

Last Sunday night, I wrote a letter to my loved one.

A D A

I signed my name and knew I'd stayed away too long.

D G D

There was a time when my heart was free to wander.

D A D

And I remember as I sing this hobo song.

[Chorus]

D G D

Please tell me where have all the hobos gone to.

A D A

I see no fire burning down by the rusty railroad tracks

D G D

Could it be, that time has gone and left them,

D A D

Tied up in life's eternal traveling sack

D A D

Tied up in life's eternal traveling sack

About The Hobo Song Chords by John Prine

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

FAQ — The Hobo Song by John Prine

How do I play "The Hobo Song" by John Prine on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The Hobo Song" by John Prine 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 "The Hobo Song" by John Prine free?

Yes. The chords for "The Hobo Song" by John Prine are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "The Hobo Song" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "The Hobo Song"?

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

Is "The Hobo Song" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "The Hobo Song" by John Prine with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by John Prine below.

What key is "The Hobo Song" in?

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