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Billy The Bum

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----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Billy the Bum - John Prine
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tabbed by: Dave S.
Email: Dlgibson@netscape.com
Tuning: Standard
Artist: John Prine
Album: Diamonds in the Rough
Year: 1972
[Intro]
Bb  F
F   C  F
[Verse 1]
F                                                         C
Billy the bum lived by the thumb and sang of the hobo's delight
     C
He'd prove he could run twice as fast as the sun
                        F
By losing his shadow at night
       F
Now he loved every girl in this curly headed world
                        Bb
But no one will know it seems
    Bb                     F
For two twisted legs and a childhood disease
     C                       F
Left Billy just a bum in his dreams
[Chorus]
    Bb            F             C               F
And he was just a gentle boy, a real florescent light
      Bb                F                                    C
Cried pennies on Sunday morning, laughed nickels on Saturday night
         F                                                      Bb
And your bullets they can't harm him, nor your knives tear him apart
  Bb        F               C                F
Humiliation killed him, God bless his little heart
[Verse 2]
       F
Now he lived all alone in a run down home
                                  C
Near the side of the old railroad track
          C
Where the trains used to run, carrying freight by the ton
                                     F
And blow the whistle as Billy'd wave back
        F
But the children around Billy's home town
                                 Bb
Seemed to have nothin' better to do
     Bb                              F
Than run around his house with their tongues from their mouth
         C                       F
And make fun of that cripped old fool
[Chorus]
    Bb            F             C               F
And he was just a gentle boy, a real florescent light
      Bb                F                                    C
Cried pennies on Sunday morning, laughed nickels on Saturday night
         F                                                      Bb
And your bullets they can't harm him, nor your knives tear him apart
  Bb        F               C                F
Humiliation killed him, God bless his little heart
[Verse 3]
    F
Now some folks a-wait and some folks a-pray
                      C
For Jesus to rise up again
    C
But none of these folks in their holy cloaks
                        F
Ever took Billy on as a friend
    F
For pity's a crime and it ain't worth a dime
                            Bb
To a person who's really in need
     Bb                        F
Just treat 'em the same as you would your own name
     C                              F
Next time that your heart starts to bleed
[Chorus]
    Bb            F             C               F
For he was just a gentle boy, a real florescent light
      Bb                F                                    C
Cried pennies on Sunday morning, laughed nickels on Saturday night
         F                                                      Bb
And your bullets they can't harm him, nor your knives tear him apart
  Bb        F               C                F
Humiliation killed him, God bless his little heart

Billy The Bum chords and lyrics

Free chords for Billy The Bum by John Prine. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Billy the Bum - John Prine
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tabbed by: Dave S.
Email: Dlgibson@netscape.com
Tuning: Standard
Artist: John Prine
Album: Diamonds in the Rough
Year: 1972
[Intro]
Bb  F
F   C  F
[Verse 1]
[Chorus]
[Verse 2]
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
[Chorus]

Billy The Bum Chords by John Prine

Learn how to play Billy The Bum by John Prine with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Billy The Bum chords”, “Billy The Bum guitar chords”, or “John Prine Billy The Bum 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 Billy The Bum chords and for experienced players who want accurate Billy The Bum lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Bb, F, C.

Frequently asked questions about Billy The Bum

How do I play "Billy The Bum" by John Prine on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Billy The Bum" 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 "Billy The Bum" by John Prine free?

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

Can I transpose "Billy The Bum" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Billy The Bum"?

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

Is "Billy The Bum" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Billy The Bum" 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 "Billy The Bum" in?

The chords for "Billy The Bum" show the original chord names (including Bb, F, C). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.