Old Red

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[Verse]
D G
Old Red was one of the orniest yet
D A7
I'd seen at the big rodeo
D G
He'd bite you and kick you and stomp out your life
A7 D
Old Red had never been rode
D G
Meaner than sin, wild as the wind
D A7
That blew on the Montana plains
D G
Old Red was one of the last of his breed
A7 D
And wasn't about to be tamed
G D
From Idaho, a young cowboy came
A7 D
To ride in the big rodeo
G D
The young cowboy's name was Billy McLane
A7 D
And Billy had never been thrown
D G D
The greatest desire filled young Billy's heart
A7 D
To ride this old outlaw called Red
G D
He drew him one day and I heard Billy say
A7 D
"I'll ride him or drop over dead"
[Verse]
D G D
Old Red was wicked down there in the shoot
A7 D
He was kicking and stomping about
G D
Billy climbed into the saddle with ease
A7 D
And yelled turn him loose let us out
G D
Old Red came out with his head on the ground
A7 D
His back hooves were touching his nose
G D
Trying to get rid of the man on his back
A7 D
But the man went wherever he'd go
D G D
Billy was raking Old Red with his spurs
A7 D
From his tail to the tip of his chin
G D
He was doing right well, but Billy could tell
A7 D
This outlaw would never give in
D G D
Old Red was running straight for the fence
A7 D
Suddenly stopping and then
G D
He reared on his hind legs then fell on his back
A7 D
Taking poor Billy with him
G D
There was a hush in the crowd and they knew
A7 D
This would be Billy's last ride
G D
The saddle horn crushed Billy's chest when they fell
A7 D
And under Old Red Billy died
[Verse]
D G D
Old Red lay still, no more would he move
A7 D
The cowboys that seen it could tell
G D
In trying to throw Billy off his back
A7 D
Old Red broke his neck when he fell
G D
Out in the west is a place where they rest
A7 D
This cowboy that never was thrown
G D
And one foot away resting there 'neath the clay
A7 D
Is the outlaw that never was rode

Old Red chords and lyrics

Free chords for Old Red by Marty Robbins. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

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Old Red Chords by Marty Robbins

Learn how to play Old Red by Marty Robbins with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Old Red chords”, “Old Red guitar chords”, or “Marty Robbins Old Red 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 Old Red chords and for experienced players who want accurate Old Red lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, G, A7.

Frequently asked questions about Old Red

How do I play "Old Red" by Marty Robbins on guitar?

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Are the chords for "Old Red" by Marty Robbins free?

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Can I transpose "Old Red" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Old Red"?

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

Is "Old Red" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Old Red" by Marty Robbins with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Marty Robbins below.

What key is "Old Red" in?

The chords for "Old Red" show the original chord names (including D, G, A7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.