A Pub With No Beer - Slim Dusty | Song Tabs

A Pub With No Beer Slim Dusty

Slim Dusty's original "A Pub With No Beer" is a classic Australian country song, known for its storytelling style and singalong feel. The tune is typically played in an upbeat, laid-back manner, reflecting its origins in traditional country and bush ballads.

Chords & Structure

The song uses only three basic chords: C, F, and G, making it accessible for beginners. These are open chords and commonly used in many songs.

The progression mainly alternates between C, F, and G, returning to C at the end of most lines. Practice switching smoothly between these chords, especially from G to C and C to F.

Strumming Pattern

A simple, steady country strumming pattern fits well: try a “down, down-up, up, down-up” (D-DU-UDU) pattern for each measure. Keep your strum relaxed and consistent. Emphasize the first beat slightly for a country feel.

Tips for Beginners

Practice transitioning between C, F, and G slowly at first, then increase speed as you get comfortable.
If the full F chord is difficult, use the F major 7 shape as a substitute.
Sing along as you play to help with timing and chord changes.
Keep your wrist loose for a smooth strumming motion.

With practice, you’ll capture the upbeat, storytelling spirit of the original.

Intro

C G C

Verse 1

Oh it's aC lonesome away, from yourF kindred and all,

By theG campfire at night, we'll hear the wild dingoesC call.G

But there's aC nothing so lonesome,F morbid or drear,

Than toG stand in the bar, of a pub with noC beer.G

Verse 2

Now theC publican's anxious, for theF quota to come,

And there's aG far away look on, the face of theC bum.G

TheC maid's gone all cranky, and theF cook's acting queer,

Oh what aG terrible place, is a pub with noC beer.G C G

Verse 3

Then theC stockman rides up, with hisF dry dusty throat.

He breastsG up to the bar, and pulls a wad from hisC coat.G

But theC smile on his face, quicklyF turns to a sneer,

As theG barman says sadly, "The pub's got noC beer."G C G

Verse 4

Then theC swaggie comes in, smotheredF in dust and flies.

HeG throws down his roll, and rubs the sweat from hisC eyes.G

ButC when he is told, he says "F What's this I hear,

I've trudgedG fifty, flamin' miles, to a pub with noC beer?"G

Verse 5

Now there's aC dog on the v'randa, for hisF master he waits,

But theG boss is inside, drinking wine with hisC mates.G

HeC hurries for cover and heF cringes in fear,

It's noG place for a dog, 'round a pub with noC beer.G C G

Verse 6

And oldC Billy the blacksmith the firstF time in his life,

Why he'sG gone home cold sober to his darlingC wife.G

HeC walks in the kitchen, she says you'reF early Bill dear.

But then heG breaks down and tells her, "The pub's got noC beer."G C G

Verse 7

Oh it'sC hard to believe, that there'sF customers still,

But theG money's still tinkling, in the old ancientC till.G

TheC wine buffs are happy, and IF know they're sincere,

When theyG say they don't care, if the pub's got noC beer.G

Verse 8

So it's aC lonesome away, from yourF kindred and all,

By theG campfire at night, we'll hear the wild dingoesC call.G

But there's aC nothing so lonesome,F morbid or drear,

Than toG stand in the bar, of that pub with noC beer.

Outro

C C C F C

F F F F C F

C C C F C F

Song Tabs

Other songs by Slim Dusty

Songs with the same chords: C + F + G

Chords & Structure

Strumming Pattern

Tips for Beginners

Other songs by Slim Dusty

Songs with the same chords: C + F + G