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The Ghost Of Tom Joad

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Song: The Ghost of Tom Joad
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album: The Ghost of Tom Joad
Year: 1995
I've seen a few versions, but none have really had it written out the way in which it is played.
Chord Variants Used:
Am/G C/B
E   A   D   G   Be E   A   D   G   B  E  
------------- -------------
3 x 2 2 1 0 x 2 2 0 1 0
**Capo 2nd fret** (All chords relative to capo)
[Intro]
(Studio Version): Am
Intro W/Harmonica*: Am   F   C   C/B   Am   G  Am  
*Some live versions and his recording for "The People Speak"
[Verse]
AmMan walkin‘ long the raAm/Gilroad Amtracks
CGoin‘ some place there’s no going Gback
Highway patrol choppers comin‘ up over the ridge
Hot Amsoup on a campfire uAm/Gnder the bAmridge
Shelter line stretchin‘ Am/Ground the Amcorner
CWelcome to the new world Gorder
Families sleepin‘ in their cars in the Southwest
AmNo home no job no Am/Gpeace no Amrest
[Chorus]
FThe highway is alive tonight
But nobody’s Ckiddin‘ nobody about C/Bwhere it Amgoes
GI’m sittin‘ down here in the campfire light
AmSearchin‘ for the Am/Gghost of Tom AmJoad
[Verse]
AmHe pulls a prayer book out of his Am/Gsleeping Ambag
Preacher Clights up a butt and takes a dGrag
Waitin‘ for when the last shall be first and the first shall be last
In a Amcardboard box neath Am/Gthe underAmpass
Got a one-way ticket to Am/Gthe promised Amland
You got hCole in your belly and a gun in your hGand
Sleeping on a pillow of solid rock
AmBathin‘ in the citAm/Gy aquaeduAmct
[Chorus]
FThe highway is alive tonight
Where it’s heCaded everybody knowsC/B  Am  
GI’m sittin‘ down here in the campfire light
AmWaitin' on the ghoAm/Gst of Tom JoaAmd
[Harmonica Break]
F C C/B Am G Am
[Verse]
AmNow Tom said: "Mom, wheAm/Grever tAmhere’s cop beatin‘ a guy
CWherever a hungry newborn baby criGes
Where there’s a fight gainst blood and hatred in the air
Look Amfor me Mom I’ll be Am/GthereAm  
Wherever there’s somebodAm/Gy fightin‘ Amfor a place to stand
COr decent job or helping Ghand
Wherever somebody’s strugglin‘ to be free
AmLook in their eyes Am/GMom you’Amll see me"
[Chorus]
FWell the highway is alive tonight
But nobody’s Ckiddin‘ nobody about C/Bwhere it Amgoes
GI’m sittin‘ down here in the campfire light
AmWith the ghost of Am/Gold Tom JoadAm  
[Outro]
F   C   C/B   Am   G   Amx2
Last time: Am   Am/G  Am  

The story behind the song

Bruce Springsteen, nicknamed "the Boss," is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who has released 21 studio albums spanning six decades. This song comes from his acoustic album, The Ghost of Tom Joad, which he recorded solo in 1995. He had previously released the solo acoustic album Nebraska in 1982.

AI-written from these sources:Bruce Springsteen — Wikipedia ↗

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About The Ghost Of Tom Joad Chords by Bruce Springsteen

Learn how to play The Ghost Of Tom Joad by Bruce Springsteen with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Ghost Of Tom Joad chords”, “The Ghost Of Tom Joad guitar chords”, or “Bruce Springsteen The Ghost Of Tom Joad 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 Ghost Of Tom Joad chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Ghost Of Tom Joad lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Am/G, C/B, E, A, D, G.

FAQ — The Ghost Of Tom Joad by Bruce Springsteen

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What key is "The Ghost Of Tom Joad" in?

The chords for "The Ghost Of Tom Joad" show the original chord names (including Am/G, C/B, E, A, D, G). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.