Patty Loveless’s "On Your Way Home" is a country ballad with a gentle, steady groove. The original features a clear, ringing guitar tone and a moderate tempo, making it approachable for beginners.
How to Play on Guitar
Chords:
The song uses basic open chords: D, G, A, and Bm. If you’re new to Bm, you can substitute Bm7 (x20202) or use a simplified Bm (xx4432) if barre chords are difficult.
Strumming Pattern:
A simple country strum works well:
Down, down-up, up-down-up
(D, D-U, U-D-U)
Keep the motion loose and steady, aiming for a gentle swing.
Chord Transitions:
Practice moving between D and G, as these changes appear frequently. For smoother transitions:
- Anchor your ring finger on the B string (3rd fret) when moving from D to G.
- For A, use a "one-finger-per-fret" approach to keep fingers close.
- Take your time with Bm; play it slowly at first, focusing on accuracy over speed.
Techniques:
Let chords ring clearly; avoid muting strings unless indicated. Listen to the original for the relaxed feel and try to match the tempo.
Tips:
Count the number of "D" bars in the intro and between choruses to keep timing precise. Sing along or hum softly to help with chord changes.
With practice, this song will help develop your rhythm and chord-changing skills.
IntroD D D D
Verse 1I heard you slippin' down theD hall
Tell me did your shadow trip and fall overG you babe, movin' thatD slowly?
Did you think you could waste myD time
Come a-messin' round with my mind? Did youG think you could? You don'tD know me
ChorusA Where'd you get that alibi?
Did it fall out of a midnight sky or did youG find it, on the side of theD road?
And tell me,A did you have to make a deal
Or wrestle for control of the wheel from yourG conscience? I'd like toA know
Where do youBm goG oh on your wayD home?D D
Verse 2You know someday I'd like toD fly
Like a bat outta Nashville why don't youG help me? And tell me theD truth
'Cause the truth is gonna set youD free
If you keep on lyin' to me I mightG stay right here, just toD spite you
ChorusA Where'd you get that alibi?
Did it fall out of the midnight sky or did youG find it on the side of theD road?
Tell me,A did you have to make a deal
Or wrestle for control of the wheel from yourG conscience? I'd like toA know
Where do youBm goG ohD oh, where do youBm goG oh on your wayD home?D D
BridgeOn your wayG home?D Mmmmmm. MmmmmmmmmmmG hmmmmmmD mmmm
Final ChorusA Where'd you get that alibi?
Did it drop out of a midnight sky or did youG find it, lyin' on the side of theD road?
A Was it ever a long long drive?
Did you ever stop once to cry or was IG worth it? I'd think IA know
Where do youBm goG ohD oh, where do youBm go ohG ohD oh
Where do youBm goG oh on your wayyyyyD home?D D On your way homeD D