Song Tabs
Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
EADGBE C
EADGBE F
EADGBEXX D7
EADGBE G
Songs with the same chords: C + D7 + F + G
When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs For Wings Willie Watson & Tim Blake Nelson

 The original version of this song, featured in the film "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," is a gentle country ballad with a folky, Western swing feel. The arrangement uses simple chords and a relaxed tempo, making it beginner-friendly.

Chords

The main chords are C, F, G, and D7. All are open chords and suitable for beginners. Practice transitioning between C–F and C–G, as these are frequent changes in the song.

Strumming Pattern

A simple country strum fits well, such as: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up (D D-U U-D-U). Keep the motion relaxed and steady. You can also try alternating bass notes for a Western flavor: pluck the root bass note, then strum (Down-bass, Down-Up).

Tips for Beginners

  • For F, use the easy open F (xx3211) if barre chords are difficult.
  • Practice switching from C to F slowly to avoid pauses.
  • For D7, make sure all three fingers are close to the frets for a clean sound.
  • Mute unused strings with your palm or fingers to keep chords crisp.
  • Sing along if possible—the melody helps guide your changes.

Keep your strumming gentle and relaxed to match the song’s storytelling style. With repetition, the transitions and rhythm will become smoother.

EADGBE C
EADGBE F
EADGBEXX D7
EADGBE G
Intro
C F
Verse 1
Let meC tell you buddy, there's a faster gun, comin' over yonder, whenD7 tomorrowG comes.
Let meC tell you buddy, and it won't beF long, til youC find yourself singin' yourG last cowboyC song.
 Chorus
YippeeG ki-i-ay when theF round-upC ends. YippeeG ki-i-ay and theF campfireG dims.
YippeeC ki-i-ay, he shouts and heF sings, when aC cowboy trades hisG spurs forC wings.F
Verse 2
When theyC wrap my body, in the bindlin' sheet, and they take my six irons pull-the-D7 boots from myG feet.
UnC saddle my pony, she'll be itching toF roam. I'll beC halfway to heaven, underG horsepower o' myC own.
 Chorus
YippeeG ki-i-ay when theF round-upC ends. YippeeG ki-i-ay and theF campfireG dims.
YippeeC ki-i-ay, he shouts and heF sings, when aC cowboy trades hisG spurs forC wings.
 Final Chorus
YippeeG ki-i-ay I'mF gloryC bound. No moreG jingle jangle I'llF lay my gunsG down.
YippeeC ki-i-ay, he shouts and heF sings, when aC cowboy trades hisG spurs forC wings.
 Outro
C F C F
When aC cowboy trades hisG spurs forC wings.
Songs with the same chords: C + D7 + F + G