C
F
G
Am
D7
Em
Old Joe's Place
The Folksmen
"Old Joe's Place" is a lighthearted, folk-style song by The Folksmen, featured in the film A Mighty Wind. The original version is played in a traditional folk manner, with simple chords and a steady, singalong rhythm, making it accessible for beginner guitarists.
Chords Used
C, F, G, Am, Em, D7
All are open chords. F can be played as the easier "mini F" using just the top four strings, helpful for beginners.
Strumming Pattern
A simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) pattern works well.
Try to keep a gentle, steady rhythm, matching the song's folk feel. For verses, play more softly; strum louder in the chorus for energy.
Chord Transitions
Practice moving between C, F, and G, as these transitions are most frequent.
From C to F, pivot your index finger; for G, lead with your ring finger. Take extra time shifting to D7 and Em, which appear less often but add color.
Techniques and Tips
- Keep your wrist relaxed for smooth strumming.
- Count aloud or tap your foot to maintain tempo, especially during chorus repeats.
- For the instrumental, follow the chord order and keep strumming steady, letting the melody carry the section.
- Sing along if you can, as this helps lock in the rhythm and chord changes.
With practice, "Old Joe's Place" becomes a fun, communal song to play and sing.
Intro
C F G F
C F C F
Verse 1C Whenever I'm out aF wanderin,C chasing a rainbowF dream
IC often stop andAm think about aD7 place I've neverG seen
WhereAm friendly folks canEm gather andAm raise the raftersG high
WithC songs andAm tales of yesterC year, unF til theyG say goodC bye
ChorusWell-ell. There's aF puppy in theC parlor andF skillet on theC stove
And aF smelly oldC blanket that aG NavajoC wove
There's aF chicken on theC table but youF gotta sayC grace
There'sF always somethingC cooking atG Old Joe'sC Place
Verse 2NowC folks come by roundF evening time,C soon as the sun goesF down
C Some drop in fromAm right next door andD7 some from out ofG town
InstrumentalAm Em Am G
C G C F C G C G C
ChorusWell-ell. There's aF puppy in theC parlor andF skillet on theC stove
And aF smelly oldC blanket that aG NavajoC wove
There's aF chicken on theC table but youF gotta sayC grace
There'sF always somethingC cooking atG Old Joe'sC Place
Verse 3NowC they don't allow noF frowns inside.C Leave 'em by theF door
There'sC apple branAm dy by the keg, andD7 sawdust on theG floor
SoAm if you've got aEm hankerin', I'llAm tell you where toG go
JustC look for the bustAm ed neonC sign thatF flashes E, Ah, Oh's
Final ChorusWell-ell. There's aF puppy in theC parlor andF skillet on theC stove
And aF smelly oldC blanket that aG NavajoC wove
There'sF popcorn in theC popper and aF porker in theC pot
There'sF pie in theC pantry and theG coffee's alwaysC hot
There'sF sausage in theC morning and aF party everyC night
There's aF nurse onC duty if youG don't feelC right
There's aF chicken on theC table but youF gotta sayC grace
There'sF always somethingC cooking atG Old Joe'sC PlaceF C G C