Song Tabs
Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
EADGBE C
EADGBEX Am
EADGBE C7
EADGBE F
EADGBE G
EADGBE Em
Other songs by Gordon Lightfoot
Steel Rail Blues Gordon Lightfoot

 About the Original
Gordon Lightfoot’s "Steel Rail Blues" is a folk classic featuring a gentle, rolling rhythm that reflects the train imagery in the lyrics. The original version is played with a relaxed, steady tempo, making it accessible for beginner guitarists.

Playing Tips
The song uses basic open chords: C, C7, F, Am, G, and Em. If you're new to barre chords, try the easy version of F (xx3211). Practice transitioning between C and F, and Am to G since these are frequent changes.

Strumming Pattern
A simple folk strum works well:
Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up
Keep your hand moving steadily, and emphasize the first beat for a train-like rhythm.

Chord Transitions

  • Moving from C to C7: just add your pinky to the 3rd fret of the 3rd string.
  • From F to C: keep your index finger down for a smoother switch.
  • The chorus introduces Em; it’s a quick change from F, so prepare your fingers in advance.

Techniques

  • For the intro, play single down strums as written.
  • Between verses, add a single strum on the last chord before resuming the pattern.
  • Let some chords (especially Am and G at line ends) ring out for a more expressive sound.

Practice slowly at first, focusing on clear chord changes and steady rhythm. With repetition, the transitions will become smoother and the song will flow naturally.

EADGBE C
EADGBEX Am
EADGBE C7
EADGBE F
EADGBE G
EADGBE Em
Intro
C C C Am C C
Verse 1
Well IC got my mail late last night. A letter from a girl whoC7 found the time toF write,
To her lonesome boy somewheres in theC night.
SheF sent me a railroad ticket too, to take me to her lovin'C arms
And the big steelAm rail gonna carry meG home to the one IC love.G Am G
Verse 2
Well IC been out here many long days. Haven't found a place thatC7 I could call myF own.
Not a two-bit bed to lay my bodyC on.
IF been stood up, I been shook down I been dragged into theC sand
And the big steelAm rail gonna carry meG home to the one IC love.G Am G
Chorus
F Ooooh,Em ooooh,Am ooh whee heeC hee.
F OoohEm ooohAm ooohG ooohC oooh oooh ooh.
 Verse 3
Well IC been up tight, most every night, walkin' along theC7 streets of this oldF town.
Not a friend around to tell my troublesC to.
MyF good old car she done broke down 'cause I drove it into theC ground
And the big steelAm rail gonna carry meG home to the one IC love.G Am G
Verse 4
Well IC look over yonder across the plain. The big drive wheels areC7 poundin' along theF ground.
Gonna get on board and I'll be homewardC bound.
NowF I ain't had a home cooked meal, and Lord I need oneC now
And the big steelAm rail gonna carry meG home to the one IC love.G Am G
Chorus
F Ooooh,Em ooooh,Am ooh whee heeC hee.
F OoohEm ooohAm ooohG ooohC oooh oooh ooh.
 Verse 5
Now here IC am with my head in the sand, standin' on the broad highC7 way will you give aF ride,
To a lonesome boy who missed the train lastC night.
IF went in town for one last round and I gambled my ticket aC way
And the big steelAm rail won't carry meG home to the one IC love.G Am G
Outro
F Ooooh,Em ooooh,Am ooh whee heeC hee.
F OoohEm ooohAm ooohG ooohC oooh oooh, ooh.
F Ooooh,Em ooooh,Am ooh whee heeC hee.
F OoohEm ooohAm ooohG ooohC oooh oooh, ooh. Weee, hee hee.
Other songs by Gordon Lightfoot