G
C
D7
F
Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Boxcar Willie
This song is a bluegrass standard, often played at an upbeat tempo. Boxcar Willie's version is lively and driven by simple, classic chords, making it approachable for beginners.
Chords and Progression
You’ll use just four chords: G, C, D7, and (briefly in the outro) F.
Practice switching between G, C, and D7 smoothly, as these transitions repeat throughout the song. The F chord only appears at the very end; if it's tricky, you can omit it or play a simplified version.
Strumming Pattern
A simple, fast-paced “boom-chicka” strum works well:
Down (on bass note), down-up (on higher strings), repeat.
Count it as: Down, Down-Up, Down, Down-Up.
Keep your wrist relaxed, and accent the first downstroke for a bluegrass feel.
Tips for Beginners
1. Focus on clean chord changes, especially from G to D7 and back.
2. For the intro and instrumental sections, just strum once per chord to keep time, or use the main strum pattern if you’re comfortable.
3. If singing, start after the intro and keep your strumming steady to support the vocals.
4. Don’t worry about speed at first—play slowly, then build up tempo as you gain confidence.
Intro
G C D7 G
ChorusG Roll in my sweet baby's arms, roll in my sweet baby'sD7 arms
I'llG lay around the shack til theC mail train comes back, andD7 roll in my sweet baby'sG arms
Verse 1Well IG ain't gonna work on the railroad, I ain't gonna work on theD7 farm
I'llG lay around the shack til theC mail train comes back, andD7 roll in my sweet baby'sG arms
ChorusG Roll in my sweet baby's arms, roll in my sweet baby'sD7 arms
I'llG lay around the shack til theC mail train comes back, andD7 roll in my sweet baby'sG arms
InstrumentalG D7 G C D7 G
Verse 2WellG where were you last Saturday night, while I was lyin' in aD7 jail
YouG walkin' the streets with aC nother man, youD7 wouldn't even go myG bail
ChorusG Roll in my sweet baby's arms, roll in my sweet baby'sD7 arms
I'llG lay around the shack til theC mail train comes back, andD7 roll in my sweet baby'sG arms
InstrumentalG D7 G C D7 G
Verse 3G Kid I know that your daddy don't like me, he drive me away from yourD7 door
AndG if I had it toC do once again, I'dD7 never go there anyG more
ChorusYeah I'mG roll in my sweet baby's arms, roll in my sweet baby'sD7 arms
I'llG lay around the shack til theC mail train comes back, andD7 roll in my sweet baby'sG arms
OutroG Lay around the shack til theC mail train comes back
AndD7 roll in my sweet baby'sG armsF C C D7 G