Song Tabs
Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
EADGBE G
EADGBE C
EADGBEX A
EADGBEXX D
EADGBEX B7
EADGBEX Am
EADGBEXX D7
Other songs by Traditional
I've Been Working On The Railroad Traditional

 “I've Been Working On The Railroad” is a classic American folk song, often sung as a group or children’s tune. Its simple, repetitive structure and familiar melody make it a great choice for beginner guitarists.

Chords and Transitions

The main chords are G, C, D, D7, A, Am, and B7. Most of these are open chords, which are beginner-friendly. If you’re new to B7 or D7, practice switching to and from these chords slowly at first, as they can feel a bit awkward.

Strumming Pattern

A simple down-up (D-U-D-U) strumming pattern works well. Try: down, down-up, up-down-up (D, D-U, U-D-U) for each measure. Keep your wrist loose and focus on steady rhythm, especially since the song has a lively, marching feel.

Tips for Beginners

1. Change chords just before the beat where the new lyric or phrase starts.
2. For smoother transitions, keep your fingers close to the strings and practice the movement between G and C, and C to B7/D7 in particular.
3. If you struggle with B7, substitute B minor or just play the top three strings of B7.
4. Sing along as you play to help remember chord changes and maintain rhythm.

With steady practice, this song will help you gain confidence with common chords and strumming.

EADGBE G
EADGBE C
EADGBEX A
EADGBEXX D
EADGBEX B7
EADGBEX Am
EADGBEXX D7
Verse 1
G I've been working on the railroad,C all the live-longG day
I've been working on the railroad just to pass theA time aD way
Don't you hear the whistleG blowin',C rise up so early in theB7 morn
C Don't you hear the captainG shouting, "DinahD blow yourG horn"
 Chorus
Dinah won't you blow,C Dinah won't youAm blow,D7 Dinah won't you blow yourG horn?
Dinah won't you blow,C Dinah won't you blow,D7 Dinah won't you blow yourG horn?
 Bridge
Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah, someone's in the kitchen ID know
G Someone's in the kitchen withC Dinah,G strummin' on theC oldD7 banG jo
Singin' fi fie fiddly-i-o, fi fie fiddly-i-D o-o-o-o
G Fi fieC fiddly-i-o,G strummin' on theC oldD7 banG jo
 Verse 2
G I've been working on the trestle,C driving spikes thatG grip
I've been working on the trestle to beA sure the ties won'tD slip
Can't you hear the engineG coming?C Run to the stanchion of theB7 bridge
C Can't you see the big blackG smokestack, comingD down theG ridge?
 Verse 3
G I've been living in the boxcars,C I'm a hoboG now
I've been living in the boxcars which theA yard bulls won't alD low
Brother can you spare aG quarter?C Buy me something good toB7 eat?
C Brother can you spare aG nickel, til I'mD on myG feet?
 Verse 4
G I'll be owner of this railroad,C one of these hereG days
I'll be owner of this railroad and IA swear your pay I'llD raise
I'll invite you to myG mansion,C feed you on goose and terraB7 pin
C I'll invite you to theG racetrack, when myD ship comesG in
Other songs by Traditional