G
C
D
Em
He Walked On Water
Randy Travis
The original version of “He Walked On Water” by Randy Travis is a gentle country ballad that highlights storytelling and emotion. The song’s slow tempo and simple chord progression make it approachable for beginner guitarists.
Chords Used:
G, C, D, Em
All chords are open and beginner-friendly. Practice forming each chord cleanly before playing along with the song.
Strumming Pattern:
A common pattern for this song is down, down, up, up, down, up (D D U U D U), which fits the country feel and slow pace. Beginners can also use a simple downstrum on each beat or a gentle down, up pattern if that feels easier.
Chord Transitions:
- The most frequent changes are between G, C, and D. Practice moving between G and C, and G and D, as these happen often.
- For smoother transitions, keep your fingers close to the fretboard and look for anchor fingers (for example, your ring finger stays on the 3rd fret of the B string for both G and C if you use the four-finger G).
- The Em chord appears only in the bridge and is easy to grab from D.
Tips:
- Play slowly, focusing on clean chord changes rather than speed.
- Listen to Randy Travis’s version to get a feel for the tempo and dynamics.
- Use light palm muting for a softer, more percussive sound if desired.
Enjoy telling the story with your playing and keep your strumming relaxed for that classic country vibe.
Verse 1
HeG wore starched white shirts,C buttoned at the neck,
And he'dG sit in the shade and watch theD chickens peck.
And hisG teeth were gone, butC what the heck,
G I thought, thatD he walked, onG water.
Verse 2C D G Said he was a cowboy,C when he was young.
He couldG handle a rope, and he wasD good with a gun.
AndG my mama's daddy was hisC oldest son,
AndG I thought, thatD he walked, onG water.
ChorusIf the story wasC told, only heavenG knows,
But his hat seemed toD me, like an old haG lo.
And though hisC wings, they were neverG seen,
I thought, thatD he walked, onG water.
Verse 3C D WellG he tied a cord, to theC end of a mop,
And said "G Son here's a pony,D keep her at a trot."
AndG I'd ride in circles while heC laughed a lot,
ThenG I'd flopD down beG side him.
BridgeAnd he wasEm ninety years old inD Sixty-Three,
AndC I loved him andD he loved me,
AndC Lord I cried theD day he died,
'CauseG I thought, thatD he walked, onG water.
ChorusIf the story wasC told, only heavenG knows,
But his hat seemed toD me, like an old haG lo.
And though hisC wings, they were neverG seen,
I thought, thatD he walked, onG water.
OutroC D YeahG I thought, thatD he walked onG water.