Desert Pete

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Desert Pete: The Kingston Trio
#33 on BB Hot 100 on CAPITOL Records in 1963.
[Intro]
E
[Verse 1]
E A E
I was travelin' west of Buckskin on my way to a cattle run.
A E B7 E
'Cross a little cactus desert under a hot blisterin' sun.
E A E
I was thirsty down to my toenails, stopped to rest me on a stump.
A E B7 E
But I tell ya I just couldn't believe it when I saw that water pump.
E A E
I took it to be a mirage at first, it'll fool a thirsty man.
A E B7 E
Then I saw a note stuck in a bakin' powder can.
E A E
"This pump is old" the note began, "but she works so give 'er a try.
A E B7 E
I put a new sucker washer in 'er, you may find the leather dry."
[Chorus]
B7 A E
N.C.
You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe.
B7 A E
You've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to receive.
A E G#7 A
Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet.
E C#m A B E
But leave the bottle full for others, thank you kindly, Desert Pete.
[Verse 2]
E A E
Yeah, you'll have to prime the pump, work that handle like there's a fire.
A E B7 E
Under that rock you'll find some water I left in a bitters jar.
E A E
Now, there's just enough to prime it with so don't you go drinkin' first.
A E B7 E
You just pour it in and pump like mad, buddy, you'll quench your thirst.
[Chorus]
B7 A E
N.C.
You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe.
B7 A E
You've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to receive.
A E G#7 A
Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet.
E C#m A B E
But leave the bottle full for others, thank you kindly, Desert Pete.
[Verse 3]
E A E
Well, I found that jar and I tell ya, nothin' was ever prettier to my eye.
A E B7 E
And I was tempted strong to drink it, 'cause that pump looked mighty dry.
E A E
But the note went on, "Have faith my friend, there's water down below.
A E B7 E
You've got to give until you get, I'm the one who ought to know."
E A E
So, I poured in the jar and I started pumpin' and I heard a beautiful sound
A E B7 E
of water bubblin' and splashin' up outta that hole in the ground.
E A E
I took off my shoes and I drunk my fill of that cool refreshing treat.
A E B7 E
I thanked the Lord, I thanked the pump and I thank old desert Pete.
[Chorus]
B7 A E
N.C.
You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe.
B7 A E
You've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to receive.
A E G#7 A
Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet.
E C#m A B E
But leave the bottle full for others, thank you kindly, Desert Pete.
A E G#7 A
Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet.
E C#m A B E
But leave the bottle full for others, thank you kindly, Desert Pete.
A sixties smash from Kraziekhat.

Desert Pete chords and lyrics

Free chords for Desert Pete by The Kingston Trio. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

Desert Pete: The Kingston Trio
#33 on BB Hot 100 on CAPITOL Records in 1963.
[Intro]
E
[Verse 1]
[Chorus]
[Verse 2]
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
[Chorus]
A sixties smash from Kraziekhat.

Desert Pete Chords by The Kingston Trio

Learn how to play Desert Pete by The Kingston Trio with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Desert Pete chords”, “Desert Pete guitar chords”, or “The Kingston Trio Desert Pete 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 Desert Pete chords and for experienced players who want accurate Desert Pete lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include E, A, B7, C, G#7, C#m.

Frequently asked questions about Desert Pete

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Is "Desert Pete" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Desert Pete" in?

The chords for "Desert Pete" show the original chord names (including E, A, B7, C, G#7, C#m). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.