Early Morning Rain - Peter, Paul & Mary | Song Tabs

Early Morning Rain Peter, Paul & Mary

"Early Morning Rain" is a folk classic first written by Gordon Lightfoot and famously covered by Peter, Paul & Mary. Their version features gentle acoustic guitar, smooth chord transitions, and a relaxed tempo, making it accessible for beginners.

Chords and Transitions

The song uses basic open chords: G, Bm, Am, Am7, D, D7, and C.
Bm may be challenging for beginners as it is a barre chord. Try using a simplified Bm (xx4432) if full barre is difficult at first.
Am to Am7 is easy; just lift your ring finger.
D7 and D are simple, but watch your fingering when switching quickly.

Strumming Pattern

A gentle folk strumming pattern fits best:
Down, down-up, up-down-up
Keep the strumming soft and flowing to match the reflective mood.

Tips for Beginners

Practice the intro chord progression slowly, especially the Bm changes.
Play each verse as written, focusing on smooth transitions between G, Am, and D7.
If you struggle with the barre chords, play a simple G-Em-Am-D7-C progression until comfortable.
Listen to the original for tempo and dynamics.
Let chords ring and avoid rushing.

Keep your right hand relaxed and strum near the sound hole for a warm tone.
With practice, the song will flow naturally and provide a strong foundation for folk guitar techniques.

Am7

Intro

G G Bm Bm Am D G C G

Verse 1

In theG early morningBm rain,Am with aD⁷ dollar in myG handC G

And anG aching in myAm heart,Am D and myD⁷ pockets, full ofG sandC G

I'm aG long way fromAm home,Am D and ID⁷ miss my loved onesG soC G

In theG early morningBm rain,Am withAm⁷ no place toG goC G

Verse 2

Out onG runway numberBm nine,Am big seven ohD⁷ seven set toG goC G

But I'mG out here on theAm grass,Am D where theD⁷ pavement neverG growsC G

Well theG liquor tastedAm good,Am D and theD⁷ women all wereG fastC G

There sheG goes myBm friend,Am she's aAm⁷ rollin' down atG lastC G

Verse 3

Hear theG mighty engineBm roar(hear the mighty engine [Am] roar)

See theD⁷ silver wing onG high(see the [C] silver wing on [G] high)

She's aG way and westwardAm bound,Am D far aD⁷ bove the clouds she'llG flyC G

Where theG morning rain don'tAm fall,Am D and theD⁷ sun alwaysG shinesC G

She'll beG flying o'er myBm home,Am in aAm⁷ bout three hoursG timeC G

Verse 4

This oldG airport's got meBm down,Am it's noD⁷ earthly good toG meC G

Cuz I'mG stuck here on theAm ground,Am D cold andD⁷ drunk as I mightG beC G

You can'tG jump a jetAm plane,Am D like youD⁷ can a freightG trainC G

So I'dG best be on myBm way,Am in theAm⁷ early morningG rainC G

Outro

So I'dG best be on myAm way,Am D in theD⁷ early morningG rainC G

Song Tabs

Other songs by Peter, Paul & Mary

Chords and Transitions

Strumming Pattern

Tips for Beginners

Other songs by Peter, Paul & Mary