Streets Of Laredo - Michael Martin Murphey | Song Tabs - Guitar Chord Sheets

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Streets Of Laredo Michael Martin Murphey

Michael Martin Murphey’s “Streets of Laredo” is a classic cowboy ballad, often played in a gentle, flowing style that matches its somber story. Listening to the original or similar versions can help you understand its mood and pacing.

Chord Progression & Transitions

The song uses open chords: D, G, A, A7, Bm, and Em. These are beginner-friendly, except Bm, which is a barre chord. You can use a simplified Bm (xx0432) if full barre is difficult.

Practice moving between D, A, and A7, as these transitions occur frequently. For A7, leave the second string open (x02020).

Strumming Pattern

A simple strumming pattern works well: try Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up for each chord. Alternatively, use a soft Downstroke per beat (4/4 time), focusing on keeping it even and gentle to match the ballad style.

For extra expressiveness, emphasize the first downstroke of each measure and play lighter on the rest.

Techniques & Tips

Let chords ring out, especially on the slower verses.

Pause slightly at the end of each line, letting the last chord ring.

If Bm is too tough, play only the top four strings and avoid pressing too hard.

Practice chord changes slowly, especially between Em, A7, and D.

Focus on smooth transitions and timing rather than speed.

D

Em

A7

G

A

Bm

Intro

D Em A⁷ D

Verse 1

As I walkedG out, on theD streets of LaA redo

AsD I walkedA out, in LaD redo oneA day

ID spied a youngG cowboy, wrappedD up in whiteA linen

WrappedBm up in whiteEm linen, and coldA⁷ as theD clay

Verse 2

"I see by yourA⁷ outfit, thatD you are aA cowboy"

TheseD words he didA say as ID boldy walkedA⁷ by

"ComeD sit down beA⁷ side me, andD hear my sadA story

I'mBm shot in theEm breast, and IA⁷ know I mustD die

Verse 3

Oh beat the drumA⁷ slowly andD play the fifeA lowly

D Play the deadA march, as youD carry me aA⁷ long

Take meD to the greenA⁷ valley andD lay the sodA o'er me

ForBm I'm a youngEm cowboy, and I knowA⁷ I've doneD wrong

Verse 4

It was once in theG saddle, ID used to goA dashing

It wasD once in theA⁷ saddle, ID used to goA gay

D First to theA⁷ dram house andD then to theA card house

GotBm shot in theEm breast, and I'm dyA⁷ ing toD day

Verse 5

Go gather aA⁷ round you aD group of youngA cowboys

D Tell them theA⁷ story, ofD this my sadA fate

TellD one and theA⁷ other, beD fore they goA further

ToBm stop wildEm roving, beA⁷ fore it's tooD late"

Verse 6

We beat the drumA⁷ slowly andD play the fifeA lowly

AndD bidder theeA well, as weD bore him aA long

For weD all loved ourA⁷ comrade, soD brave young andA handsome

WeBm all loved ourEm comrade, alA⁷ though he doneD wrong"

Instrumental

D A D A D G D A⁷ D A D A Bm Em A⁷ D

Verse 7

"Get six jollyA⁷ cowboys, toD carry myA coffin

GetD six prettyA maidens, toD bear up myA pall

PutD bunches ofA⁷ roses, allD over myA coffin

Bm Roses toA deaden, theA⁷ clods as theyD fall

Verse 8

Then swing your ropeA⁷ slowly, andD rattle spursA lowly

AndD give a wildA whoop as youD bear me aA long

AndD in the graveA⁷ throw me, andD roll the sodA o'er me

ForBm I'm a youngA cowboy and IA⁷ know I've doneD wrong

Verse 9

Go bring me aA⁷ cup, aD cup of coldA water

ToD cool my parchedA lips", theD cowboy thenA said

BeD fore I reA⁷ turned, hisD soul had deA parted

AndBm gone to theA round up, theA⁷ cowboy wasD dead