This is a very easy song to play. It is in the key of D. The only suggestions I might add are that on the D chords it sounds kind of cool to hammer on your index on the G string second fret forming a Dsus periodically to fit the plaintive feel of the song, also in the chorus I tend to let the chord sustain during the Veil and the Wail sequences. Hope this makes sense. Dave Matthews has a version I believe in C but I find this easier to sing (such as it is) to.
Long Black Veil
Johnny Cash
D
Ten years ago on a cold dark night
A G D
Some-one was killed 'neath the town hall light
D
There were few at the scene but they all agree
A G D
That the slayer who ran, looked a lot like me
D
The judge said "Son, what is your alibi?
A G D
If you were somewhere else then you won't have to die"
D
I spoke not a word, though it meant my life
A G D
For I'd been in the arms of my best friends wife
Chorus:
G D
She walks these hills in a long black veil
G D
She visits my grave while the night winds wail
G D
Nobody knows, nobody sees,
G A D
Nobody knows but me
D
The scaffold was high, and eternity near
A G D
She stood in the crowd, but she shed not a tear
D
But sometimes at night, when the cold wind blows
A G D
In a long black vail, and she cries o'er my bones
Chorus
Outro:
G D
Nobody knows, nobody sees,
G A G D A-D
Nobody knows but me
enjoy
Robbie
Cool song - I've only heard it with the Band (off the Big Pink album) - there is some background for the song here http://theband.hiof.no/articles/long_black_veil_viney.html
...only thing I know how to do is to keep on keepin' on...
LARS kolberg http://www.facebook.com/sangerersomfolk
The Chieftains do a very good version of this as well with Mick Jagger doing the vocals. The pipes and fute really give in an unearthly feel
Immature? Of course I'm immature Einstein, I'm 50 and in a Rock and ROll band.
New Band site http://www.myspace.com/guidedbymonkeys
Cool link Larsko and Tele I'm guessing an unearthly feel to a song is kind of fitting for a guy singing from his grave eh? Will have to try locate a copy of both the Band's and the Chieftan's renditions.
Robbie
The Chieftains version is on the CD Titled Long Black Veil. In addition to the title track there are also performances by Ry Cooder, Van Morrison, Shinead O'Connor and the Stones doing ROcky Road to Dublin
Immature? Of course I'm immature Einstein, I'm 50 and in a Rock and ROll band.
New Band site http://www.myspace.com/guidedbymonkeys
I like the version of this song by Mike Ness on his solo album Cheating at Solitaire.
Great tune, there's another version out there with Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, which is kinda the way I play it, guitar and mandolin.
Nice one. Thanks :)
Harry Manx does a version of this too. I think it's on a Johnny cash tribute album. I bet there's a zillion versions, but it's a great song, and that sure looks nice and straightforward to play. :)
There's is also a Chris Ledoux version out there. It's got that real cowboy western flavor to it. If you all don't know who Chris is he passed away a few years back. Songwriter, Rodeo Cowboy ( World Champion 77 I think? ) back before rodeo was cool. If you like Long Black Veil you will like other songs on his CD. Little Joe the wrangler is one I'm working on now.
Happy hunting, sorry guys I can't remember which CD it's on, I have the Collection of his hits...
Jeff
Thanks for the tab
As I read along I remember my Dad playing & singing this song when I was a kid.
Oh Joan Baez has a nice version of this song too.
Tim
:oops: just seen this thread was over 2 years old sorry :mrgreen:
Tim
