The Pony Man - Gordon Lightfoot | Song Tabs

The Pony Man Gordon Lightfoot

Gordon Lightfoot’s “The Pony Man” is a gentle folk ballad from his 1970 album “Sit Down Young Stranger.” The original recording features Lightfoot’s signature warm, fingerpicked guitar style and a mellow, storytelling vocal delivery, which sets a relaxed, dreamy mood perfect for acoustic performance.

Chords and Transitions

The song uses basic open chords: G, C, D, and F.

G, C, and D are beginner-friendly; F may require practice due to its barre shape. Try the easier Fmaj7 (xx3210) if full F is difficult.
Chord changes mostly occur every measure. Practice switching smoothly between G and C, and C to D.

Strumming Pattern

Aim for a gentle, rhythmic strum to capture the lullaby-like feel.

A simple pattern: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (D-D-U-U-D-U) works well throughout.
Keep your strumming hand relaxed and wrist loose for a soft sound.

Techniques and Tips

Lightfoot often fingerpicks, but beginners can strum.

If you wish to fingerpick, pluck the bass note (root) with your thumb and lightly pick the upper strings with your fingers, following the chord changes.
For strumming, mute the strings lightly for percussive effect between verses or during instrumental sections.

Take your time with the F chord; practice it separately if needed.
Listen to the original for timing and dynamic cues.
Enjoy the storytelling—let the lyrics and melody guide your playing!

Intro

G G G G

Verse 1

When it'sG midnight on the meadow and theF cats areC in theG shed

And the river tells aC story at theD window by myD bed

If youG listen very closely be asF quietC as youG can

In the yard you'llC hear him itD is the PonyG Man

Verse 2

We're always there to greet him when heF tumblesC intoG town

He leads a string ofC ponies some areD white and some areD brown

And theyG never seem to kick or bite, theyF onlyC want toG play

They live on candyC apples inD stead of oats andG hay

Verse 3

And when we are assembled heF gives aC soft comG mand

And we climb aboard ourC ponies asD in a row theyD stand

ThenG down the road we gallop and aF cross theC field weG fly

And soon we all goC sailing off inD to the midnightG sky

Instrumental

G C G G C D G

Verse 4

And as we gaily rock along beF side aC ripplin'G sea

There's Tom and Dick andC Sally andD Mary Jo andD me

TheG Pony Man is leading 'cause he'sF traveledC here beG fore

And he gives a whoop and aC holler atD Mister Moon's frontG door

Verse 5

And then we stop to rest a while where theF SodaC RiverG glides

Up to the slip comes aC pirate ship toD take us for aD ride

And theG Pony Man's the captain and theF childrenC are theG crew

And we go in search ofC treasure andD laugh the whole nightG through

Verse 6

And when the hold is filled with gold and theF sails beC gin toG strain

And the deck's piled high withC apple pie weD head for port aD gain

ThenG down the whirling stair case soF swift ourC poniesG fly

And we're safely in ourC beds again when theD sunbeams kiss theG sky