D
G
Bm
A7
Billy Bayou
Jim Reeves
Jim Reeves’ "Billy Bayou" is a classic country song first released in 1958. Its original style features a lively, swinging rhythm typical of 1950s country music, which is helpful to keep in mind for capturing the right feel on guitar.
Chords and Progression
The song uses basic open chords: D, G, Bm, and A7. Bm is the only barre chord, which beginners may find challenging. To simplify, you can substitute Bm with Bm7 (x20202) or just play the top three strings of the Bm shape.
Strumming Pattern
A simple country strum works well: try a pattern like down-down-up-up-down-up throughout. Focus on keeping the rhythm light and bouncy to match the song’s upbeat character. For a more "boom-chicka" country feel, accent the bass note on the first downstroke of each measure.
Transitions and Techniques
Practice moving between D, G, and A7 smoothly, as these changes happen frequently. Take extra time to practice switching to and from Bm. For the A7, use your index and middle fingers for a quick switch from D or Bm. The instrumental sections follow the same chord progression as the intro, so use them as a chance to lock in your transitions and strumming.
Tips
Count in 4/4 time and keep your right hand moving steadily. If you’re singing, try humming or speaking the lyrics while playing to coordinate hands and voice. With repetition, you’ll internalize the chord progression and rhythm.
Intro
D G D G D Bm A7 D
Verse 1D Back aboutG eighteenD hundred andG some, aD LouisianaBm couple had aA7 red-headedD son.
No nameG suited himD Jim Jack orG Joe,D they justBm called himA7 Billy BayD ou.
ChorusG Billy BillyG BayG ouD watch where you go. You'reA7 walkin' on quick sandD , walk slow.
G Billy BillyG BayG ouD watch what you say. AA7 pretty girl'll get youD one of these days.
InstrumentalD G D G D Bm A7 D
Verse 2Billy was aG boy kindaD big for hisG size,D red hair andBm freckles andA7 big blueD eyes.
ThirteenG years from theD day he wasG born,D Bill fought theBm battles of theA7 Little BigD Horn.
ChorusG Billy BillyG BayG ouD watch where you go. You'reA7 walkin' on quick sandD , walk slow.
G Billy BillyG BayG ouD watch what you say. AA7 pretty girl'll get youD one of these days.
InstrumentalD G D G D Bm A7 D
Verse 3One sadG day BillyD cried "HoG Ho.D I can whip theBm feathers ofA7 Gee-roniD mo."
He smartedG off, theD chief gotG mad.D This nearlyBm ended ourA7 LouisianaD lad.
ChorusG Billy BillyG BayG ouD watch where you go. You'reA7 walkin' on quick sandD , walk slow.
G Billy BillyG BayG ouD watch what you say. AA7 pretty girl'll get youD one of these days.
InstrumentalD G D G D Bm A7 D
Verse 4One day inG EighteenD SeventyG Eight, aD pretty girlBm walked throughA7 Bill's frontD gate.
He didn'tG know whether toD stand there andG run. HeD wound upBm married cause heA7 did neitherD one.
ChorusG Billy BillyG BayG ouD watch where you go. You'reA7 walkin' on quick sandD , walk slow.
G Billy BillyG BayG ouD watch what you say. AA7 pretty girl'll get youD one of these days.
AA7 pretty girl'll get youD one of these days.