C
F
G
I Can Still Hear Dad Swearing
Slim Dusty
Slim Dusty was an iconic Australian country musician, known for storytelling and simple, heartfelt melodies. This song reflects his classic style, making it accessible and enjoyable for beginner guitarists.
Chords
You only need four open chords: C, F, G, and sometimes G7. Practice switching between these, especially C–F and G–C.
- If F barre chord is too hard, use the easy F (xx3211) or Fmaj7 (xx3210) as a substitute.
Strumming Pattern
A steady, relaxed country strum works best:
- Try: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up (D D-U U-D-U) per chord.
- Alternatively, Down strokes on beats 1 and 3, with Down-Up on 2 and 4 for a simple “boom-chicka” feel.
Chord Transitions and Tips
Most lines start and end on C. Chord changes often happen at the end of lines, so listen for the lyrics to help cue transitions.
- Practice moving from C to F and G smoothly.
- For sections with quick changes (e.g., [C][G]), just strum once per chord if you’re struggling, then build up speed.
General Technique
Keep your fretting hand relaxed to avoid buzzing. Count in 4s to keep time. If singing along, slow the tempo to match your comfort. Play along with the original recording for feel.
Enjoy playing and telling the story through your guitar!
Intro
C F C G C G
G G G C
F C G C G
Verse 1WhenC I was a kid, weF worked withoutC pay
I loved best the harvest andG stookin' theC hay
C Sisters and brothers inF knockaboutC clothes
They were the good days andG good times wereC thoseG
ChorusI canC still hear dadG swearin' when weC let down theF gap
And the horses spreadC out through theG stooks on theC flat
And poor old mumG scoldin' like aC bush womanF can
Pray the Lord He's notC listenin' to theG talk from thatC man
F C G C G
Verse 2IC helped with the musterin' for theF shearings inC June
And worked in the shed, through theG long afterC noons
C Pickin' up fleeces andF sweepin' theC board
And fetchin' the lunches IG did what IC couldG
ChorusI canC still hear dadG swearin' at theC stubborn oldF ewes
And we dared not reC peat anyG words that heC used
And poor old mumG scoldin' like aC bush womanF can
Pray the Lord He's notC listenin' to theG talk from thatC man
InstrumentalC F C G C G
G G G C
F C G C G
Verse 3WeC all learned to ride, on theF old ponyC mare
But the big rangy vealers wereG more than aC dare
C We'd bring up the cows to theF old cattleC yard
The ground where we rode them wasG dusty andC hardG
ChorusI canC still hear dadG swearin' when weC rode our oldF bull
Straight into theC chaff shed, andG out through theC wall
And poor old mumG scoldin' like aC bush womanF can
Pray the Lord He's notC listenin' to theG talk from thatC man
Verse 4C Dad bought me a shotgun whenF I was fourC teen
I soon got my chance, toG show I wasC keen
C The dogs were all barkin' so IF went for aC look
And a mangy old fox was thereG stealin' theC chooksG
ChorusI canC still hear dadG swearin' when IC splattered withF shot
The rear of theC outhouse whilstG shootin' thatC fox
And poor old mumG scoldin' like aC bush womanF can
Pray the Lord He's notC listenin' to theG talk from thatC manG C G
InstrumentalC F C G C G
G G G C
F C G C G
Verse 5'TwasC many long hours weF spent with theC dogs
Flushin' out rabbits from theG old hollowC logs
C In the foothills and scrub, where theF gullies aC bound
We knew all the places whereG game could beC foundG
ChorusI canC still hear dadG swearin' as weC burnt that oldF log
The day the bigC snake bit, hisG best kelpieC dog
And poor old mumG scoldin' like aC bush womanF can
Pray the Lord He's notC listenin' to theG talk from thatC man
F C G C G
Verse 6ButC those days have vanished likeF childhood they'veC flown
An abandoned old house, in theG bush stands aC lone
C Where a ghostly old figure, in aF big floppyC hat
Still brings us our lunch through theG stooks on theC flatG
Final ChorusI canC still hear dadG swearin' as weC buried oldF mum
As we stood by herC grave in theG warm autumnC sun
And poor old mumG scoldin' like aC bush womanF can
Pray the Lord He's notC listenin' to theG talk from thatC man
OutroC F C G C