G
A
C
D
Am7
D7
A7
Am
Tom Traubert's Blues (Waltzing Mathilda)
Rod Stewart
Originally written by Tom Waits, "Tom Traubert's Blues" is a slow, mournful ballad. Rod Stewart's version closely follows the emotional, waltz-like feel of the original, which is important to capture on guitar.
## Chord Shapes and Progression
The song uses common open chords: G, C, Am/Am7, D/D7, A/A7. These are beginner-friendly, though quick transitions between them can be a challenge. Practice each chord individually, then focus on smooth changes, especially between G–D7, C–G, and Am7–D7.
## Strumming Pattern and Rhythm
The song is in 3/4 time (waltz feel). A simple strumming pattern is down–down–up (D–D–U) per measure. Count "1–2–3, 1–2–3" as you play. Emphasize the first beat of each bar to mimic the song’s lilt.
## Techniques and Tips
- For Am7, just lift your ring finger from Am.
- Play D7 instead of D for a bluesier sound, as written.
- Keep your wrist relaxed for smoother chord changes in waltz time.
- During the intro, let each chord ring out clearly before changing.
- Listen to the original for dynamics—play softer in verses, louder in choruses.
Take your time with transitions and focus on keeping the waltz rhythm steady. This will convey the song’s emotional depth, even with simple chords.
Intro
G A G C C G G A A D D
Verse 1C Wasted and wounded, and itG ain't what the moon did. IAm7 got what ID7 paid forG now.G D7 G
C See you tomorrow. HeyG Frank, can I borrow, aA7 couple ofA bucks fromD7 you.
To, go,G waltzing MaD7 thilda.G Waltzing MaC thilda.G You'll, go waltzing MaAm7 thilda withD7 me.
Verse 2I'm anC innocent victim, of aG blinded alley, and I'mAm7 tired of all theseD7 soldiersG here.G D7 G
C No one speaks English, andG everything's broken, and myA7 strength, isA soaking aD7 way.
To, go,G waltzing MaD7 thilda.G Waltzing MaC thilda.G You'll go waltzing MaAm7 thilda withD7 me.
Verse 3Now theC dogs they are barking, and theG taxi cab's parking. AAm lot they canD7 do forG me-ee.G D7 G
IC begged you to stab me. YouG tore my shirt open, and I'mAm down on myA knees toD7 night.
OldC bushmills I staggered. YouG buried the dagger. YourAm silhouette windowD light.
To go,G waltzing MaD7 thilda.G Waltzing MaC thilda.G You'll go waltzing MaAm7 thilda withD7 me.
Verse 4Now I'veC lost my St. Christopher,G now that I kissed her, and theAm7 one-arm,D banditG knows.G D7 G
And theC maverick Chinaman, with theG cold-blooded sigh,
And theA7 girls, down,A by, the,D7 striptease shows go.
G Waltzing MaD7 thilda.G Waltzing MaC thilda.G You'll go waltzing MaAm7 thilda withD7 me.
Verse 5No IC don't want your sympathy,G fugitives say, that theAm streets aren't forD dreamin'G now.G D7 G
C Manslaughter dragnets, and theG ghost that sell memories, want aA7 piece of the action,D7 anyhow go.
G Waltzing MaD7 thilda.G Waltzing MaC thilda.G You'll, go waltzing MaAm7 thilda withD7 me.
Verse 6And you canC ask any sailor, and theG keys from the jailor, and theAm7 old men inD7 wheelchairsG know,G D7 G
That MaC tilda's the defendant. SheG killed about a hundred, and sheAm follows wherever,D7 you may go.
G Waltzing MaD7 thilda.G Waltzing MaC thilda.G You'll, go waltzing MaAm7 thilda withD7 me.
Verse 7And it's aC battered old suitcase, in aG hotel someplace, and aAm7 wound that willD7 neverG heal.G D7 G
C No prima donnas, theG perfume is on, an oldAm shirt that isD7 stained withG bloodAm andG whiskey.
AndC goodnight to the street-sweepers, the nightG watchmen, flame-keepers, andAm goodnight, MaD7 tilda,G too.
OutroG C G Am Goodnight, MaD7 tilda,G too.G G