Feb32020

Boxcar Willie – Wabash Cannonball Piano & Ukulele Chord Progression and Tab

ChordsA D E

KeyKeyCapo

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This is the chords of Wabash Cannonball by Boxcar Willie on Piano, Ukulele, Guitar and Keyboard.

[Intro]A D E A
A D E A

[Verse 1]
A D
From the great Atlantic ocean to the wide Pacific shore
E A
To the green old flowing mountains, over the hills and by the shore
D
It’s the mighty rush of the engine hears those lonesome hobo’s call
E A
No changin’ combination on the Wabash Cannonball
A D E A
A D E A

[Verse 2]
D
She pulled into the Birmingham on cold December day
E A
As she pulled into the station you could hear all the people say
D
“There’s a girl out there from Florida”, She’s long and she’s tall
E A
She’s the combination called the Wabash Cannonball
A D E A
A D E A

[Verse 3]
D
Here’s to Daddy Travis may his name forever stand
E A
Always be remembered throughout describe land
D
His earthly race is over and will burn to the fall
E A
And will carry mope to even on the Wabash Cannonball

[Verse 4]
D
Well, listen to the jingle, the rumble and the roar
E A
As she glides along the woodland over the hills and by the shore
D
It’s the mighty rush of the engine hears those lonesome hobo’s call
E A
No changin’ combination on the Wabash Cannonball
E A
Would we take him home to Dixy on the WA-BASH CAN-NON-BALL

How to play Wabash Cannonball: key, chords and progression

Wabash Cannonball by Boxcar Willie sits in A major (three sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯), and you need 3 chords to play it: A, D and E.

The progression the song keeps returning to is A – D – E – A (I – IV – V – I in A major), the I–IV–V–I, the backbone of gospel, blues and folk. In solfa, that is doh – fah – soh – doh. Learn these 4 changes first and most of the song falls into place.

Beginner-friendly: every chord is an open chord on guitar, so you can play it without a capo or barre chords.