Michael Martin Murphey’s “Radio Land” is a gentle country ballad with a nostalgic, storytelling style. The original version is mid-tempo, featuring classic acoustic guitar strumming and straightforward chord changes. This makes it accessible and enjoyable for beginner guitarists.
Chords and Structure
The song uses common open chords: G, C, D, D7, Am, Em, and B7. Most are beginner-friendly; B7 may require extra practice. The progression is typical for country and folk, centered around G major.
Strumming Pattern
A simple strumming pattern works well: try D-D-U-U-D-U (Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up) per measure. Keep your strumming relaxed, focusing on even, consistent rhythm. Listen to the original to match the gentle, flowing feel.
Tips for Beginners
Practice changing between G, C, and D smoothly, as these transitions occur frequently. For B7, ensure each note rings clearly; practice the shape separately if needed. When moving between Am and C, keep your first and second fingers anchored for efficiency.
Take the verses slow at first, then gradually increase speed. For a more authentic sound, lightly palm-mute the bass strings during verses and strum more openly in the chorus.
Sing along as you play to help with timing and chord changes. Enjoy the storytelling aspect and let the rhythm carry the song.
IntroG G
Verse 1I remember a country evening, when theC sun was goin'Am down.
D Sittin' on the front porch,C listenin' to theG sounds.
While Mama did the dishes,C Daddy rolled aAm smoke,
From aD can of old Prince Albert, hisC hands asD strong asG oak.
Verse 2And theC sounds of the Grand Old Opry cameG out of Ryman Hall.
RoyD Acuff played the fiddle, and sang "G Wabash Cannonball."
C Hank Williams whispered, "G I Saw theEm Light,"
G And people everywhere, satD listening in theG night.
ChorusOut inC radio land, out inEm radio land,
D We all closed ourB7 eyes,Em listen to the ba-G and.
Out inC radio land, out inG radio land,
Em We all dreamed ofD radioG land.
Verse 3Then Wolfman Jack came a' howlin,' from aC cross the RioAm Grande.
D Layin' down the sounds that all theC kids could underG stand.
Mama and Daddy was sleepin', but theC kids were wide aAm wake,
D Listenin' to Bill Haley,C rattleD roll andG shake.
Verse 4Ol'C Jerry Lee banged on the keys andG screamed, "Great Balls of Fire!"
D Elvis crooned out "D7 Don't Be Cruel" theG girls swooned with desire.
ChorusOut inC radio land, out inEm radio land,
D We all closed ourB7 eyes,Em listen to the ba-G and.
Out inC radio land, out inG radio land,
Em We all dreamed ofD radioG land.
Verse 5I remember summer evenings,C late night rock andAm roll.
D Miles and miles of highway, withC just my radiG o.
I reC member a night when it felt so right, aG lover's moon aEm bove.
And theG songs that they were playin', theD night we fell inG love.
ChorusOut inC radio land, out inEm radio land,
D We both closed ourB7 eyes,Em listen to the ba-G and.
Out inC radio land, out inG radio land,
Em We fell in love inD radioG land.
OutroOut inC radio land, out inEm radio land,
D We still close ourB7 eyes,Em listen to the ba-G and.
Out inC radio land, out inG radio land,
Em We all dreamed ofD radioG land.