G
Am
C
D
Em
Ballad Of Bobby And June
Mitch & Mickey
About the Song
The original version of "Ballad Of Bobby And June" by Mitch & Mickey features a gentle, folk-inspired arrangement that highlights simple chords and an emotionally direct vocal delivery. The song’s storytelling style and classic chord progressions make it accessible for beginner guitarists.
Chord Progressions
The song uses basic open chords: G, Am, C, D, and Em. These are common in folk/rock songs and are beginner-friendly. Practice switching between these until the transitions feel smooth, especially between G and Am, and C and G, as these occur frequently.
Strumming Pattern
A straightforward strumming pattern works best: try a relaxed down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) per measure. Keep the strums gentle to match the ballad’s mood. If you’re struggling, simple downstrokes on each beat are perfectly fine and let the lyrics shine.
Tips for Beginners
- Look out for chord changes mid-line, especially around Am and C; practice those changes slowly first.
- For the chorus, the chords switch every two beats—be ready to move between C and G quickly.
- The bridge introduces Em, which is easy to reach from G—use your middle finger as an anchor.
- Play along with the original track or a metronome to keep timing steady.
Final Advice
Focus on smooth, even strumming and clear chord sounds. Let the story guide your playing, and don’t rush—feel the emotion in each line.
Intro
G G G G Am
Verse 1This is theC story of Bobby andG June
G Am
A boy and aC girl who kidnapped theG moon
But they fell inD love to theC sound of gunsAm
The year wasC Eighteen SixtyG One
G Am
Verse 2The army cameC looking for men to reG cruit
G Am
Dressin' boys up likeC soldiers in blue UnionG suits
"Take this sword and cutD down JohnnyC Reb", they saidAm
You'll come back aC hero or you'll come backG dead
ChorusC Stay with meG Bobby, don't go aC way from meG now
I want youC say that youG love me, don't go aC way from meG now
IC want you toG stay
G Am
Verse 3Now Bobby heC marched to the eye of theG storm
G Am
The blue coats wereC falling, the blood was stillG warm
A battle wasD raging and the only thingC in his eyesAm
Was the thought of hisC June, and making itAm home aG liveAm
Verse 4His army outC numbered they started toG run
G Am
When Bobby wentC down with the crack of aG gun
And as he layD still his face sinkingC in the rainAm
He knew that heC never and ever wouldAm see June aG gain
ChorusC Stay with meG Bobby, don't go aC way from meG now
I want youC say that youG love me, don't go aC way from meG now
IC want you toG stay
G Am
Verse 5It was the morning ofC Christmas when June heard aG sound
G Am
Of someone apC proaching their boots scrapingG on the ground
As she looked out theD window her heart poundedC in her breastAm
A broken youngC Bobby was clutching aAm woundedG chestEm
BridgeShe ran out to help ease hisC pain
He looked up and whispered herEm name
Then she cradled his head in her arms then heC smiled, when heD heard his June say:
Final Chorus"C Stay with meG Bobby, don't go aC way from meG now
I want youC say that youG love me, don't go aC way from meG now
IC want you toG stay"
IC want you toG stay"