Now playing

Tom Dooley

Chords

4.795 votes

Listen

YouTubeYouTube SpotifySpotify AppleApple Music

Gmajor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

				Tom Dooley         (Doc Watson version)
   *(Chorus)*
**  GHang your head, Tom CDooley,	CHang your head and Gcry;
**  DYou killed poor Laurie GFoster,	And you know Cyou're bound to die.G  
GYou left her by the Croadside		Where you Cbegged to be excused;G  
DYou left her by the rGoadside,	Then you hiCd her clothes and shGoes.	
  *(Chorus)*
GYou took her on the Chillside		For to makCe her your wife;G  
DYou took her on the Ghillside,	And theCre you took her liGfe.
GYou dug the grave fCour feet long	And you Cdug it three feet deep;G  
DYou rolled the cold clay Gover her	And trComped it with your feet.G  
  *(Chorus)*
G"Trouble, oh it's Ctrouble		A-rollin' thrCough my breast;G  
DAs long as I'm a-Glivin', boys,	They aCin't a-gonna let me rGest.
GI know they're gonna Chang me,	TomCorrow I'll be deGad,
DThough I never even hGarmed a hair  COn poor little Laurie's Ghead."	
  *(Chorus)*
G"In this world and Cone more	Then Creckon where I'll be;G  
DIf is wasn't for Sheriff GGrayson,	I'd be Cin Tennesee.G  
GYou can take down my olCd violin	ACnd play it all you Gplease.
DFor at this time toGmorrow, boys,	It'll be of nCo use to me."G  
  *(Chorus)*
G"At this time to-Cmorrow		Where do Cyou reckon I'll be?G  
DAway down yonder in the Gholler	HaCngin' on a white oak tGree.		
  *(Chorus)*
(enjoy this Doc Watson version)
jrbmusic

All chords in this song (3)

Open

32OOO3

Major chord - Happy, bright sound

✕ Mute Open Press

Skill · find home

G major

This chord is home. When a line ends, land here.

Tom Dooley

🎸 Tips from players

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

Chord Book

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

Tom Dooley

by Doc Watson

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Tom Dooley (Doc Watson version)

*(Chorus)*

G C C G

** Hang your head, Tom Dooley, Hang your head and cry;

D G C G

** You killed poor Laurie Foster, And you know you're bound to die.

G C C G

You left her by the roadside Where you begged to be excused;

D G C G

You left her by the roadside, Then you hid her clothes and shoes.

*(Chorus)*

G C C G

You took her on the hillside For to make her your wife;

D G C G

You took her on the hillside, And there you took her life.

G C C G

You dug the grave four feet long And you dug it three feet deep;

D G C G

You rolled the cold clay over her And tromped it with your feet.

*(Chorus)*

G C C G

"Trouble, oh it's trouble A-rollin' through my breast;

D G C G

As long as I'm a-livin', boys, They ain't a-gonna let me rest.

G C C G

I know they're gonna hang me, Tomorrow I'll be dead,

D G C G

Though I never even harmed a hair On poor little Laurie's head."

*(Chorus)*

G C C G

"In this world and one more Then reckon where I'll be;

D G C G

If is wasn't for Sheriff Grayson, I'd be in Tennesee.

G C C G

You can take down my old violin And play it all you please.

D G C G

For at this time tomorrow, boys, It'll be of no use to me."

*(Chorus)*

G C C G

"At this time to-morrow Where do you reckon I'll be?

D G C G

Away down yonder in the holler Hangin' on a white oak tree.

*(Chorus)*

(enjoy this Doc Watson version)

jrbmusic

About Tom Dooley Chords by Doc Watson

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

FAQ — Tom Dooley by Doc Watson

How do I play "Tom Dooley" by Doc Watson on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Tom Dooley" by Doc Watson 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 "Tom Dooley" by Doc Watson free?

Yes. The chords for "Tom Dooley" by Doc Watson are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Tom Dooley" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Tom Dooley"?

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

Is "Tom Dooley" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Tom Dooley" by Doc Watson with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Doc Watson below.

What key is "Tom Dooley" in?

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