Dm
C
Am
Blood On The Coal
The Folksmen
The Folksmen, a parody folk group from the film "A Mighty Wind," recorded "Blood On The Coal" in the tradition of classic American folk songs. Their version has a storytelling focus, with a steady rhythmic strum driving the narrative, making it approachable for beginners.
### Chords and Progression
The song uses just three chords: Dm, C, and Am. These are all open-position chords and are beginner-friendly. Practice switching smoothly between them, especially between Dm and C, as this transition comes up frequently.
### Strumming Pattern
Aim for a simple folk strumming pattern: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up. This pattern fits the 4/4 time signature and gives the song a driving, train-like rhythm. Play gently during verses and a bit louder in the chorus for dynamics.
### Tips for Beginners
- Start slowly to master chord changes, especially C to Am and Am to Dm.*
- For extra folk flavor, consider palm muting (lightly resting your palm near the bridge) on the verses.*
- Let the Dm chord ring out at the end of the intro, chorus, and final lines for emphasis.*
- Keep your strumming hand relaxed to avoid sounding stiff.*
With practice, you’ll capture the storytelling spirit of the song while building fundamental guitar skills.
Intro
Dm
Verse 1It wasDm April 27th in theC year of '91
'Bout aAm mile below the surface, in theDm warm Kentucky sun
The late shift was ending and theC early shift was late
And theAm foreman ate his dinner from aDm dirty tin plate
ChorusBlood on the tracks,C blood in the mine
Am Brothers and sisters what aDm terrible time
Old Ninety-Seven wentC in the wrong hole now in
Am Mine number sixty there'sDm blood on the coal
Blood on the coal, blood on theC coal
C Am Dm
Verse 2Well theDm slag pits was steamin' it wasC seven twenty-five
EveryAm miner worked the coal face everyDm one of them alive
Train came round the corner you couldC hear the trestle groan
But theAm switcher wasn't listenin' so heDm left theDm switchDm alone
ChorusBlood on the tracks,C blood in the mine
Am Brothers and sisters what aDm terrible time
Old Ninety-Seven wentC in the wrong hole now in
Am Mine number sixty there'sDm blood on the coal
Blood on the coal, blood on theC coal
C Am Dm
Verse 3Well theDm walls began to tremblin' and theC men began to yell
They couldAm hear that lonesome whistle like anDm echo out of hell
They dropped their picks and shovels as toC safety they did run
For toAm stay amongst the living in theDm year ofDm NinetyDm One
ChorusBlood on the tracks,C blood in the mine
Am Brothers and sisters what aDm terrible time
Old Ninety-Seven wentC in the wrong hole now in
Am Mine number sixty there'sDm blood on the coal
Blood on the coal, blood on theC coal
C Am Dm
Verse 4Now anDm Irishman named Murphy said "I'llC stop that iron horse"
As heAm stood athwart its passage, and itDm crushed him dead of course
And I hope he hears the irony whenC e'er this tale is told
That theAm train that took his life was burnin'Dm good KenDm tuckyDm coal
Final ChorusDm Blood on the tracks,C blood in the mine
Am Brothers and sisters what aDm terrible time
Old Ninety-Seven gotC in the wrong hole now in
Am Mine number sixty there'sDm blood on the coal
Blood on the coal, blood on theC coalAm Dm