Ralph McTell – The Ghost Of Robert Johnson (Guitar)
Key
-
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Speed:
1.0x
Chords
From the album "Somewhere down the road" (2010).
A reasonable approximation of what Ralph plays. Add blues embellishments ad lib.
(Live version omits verse 4 and has slightly diffrent solo and outro.)
[Intro]
Em
[Verse 1]
Em Down at the lonely crossroads Am Where the gypsies buried their child G A cigarette stub smolders B7 from a pack of Lucky Strike. Em Smoke drifts in the stillness Am A guitar at his side B7 The ghost of Robert Johnson B7/A B/G B/F# Em waits for the Greyhound bus to ride.
[Verse 2]
Em When you hear those bus tyres humming Am Glimpse the distant headlights pale G That's the heart beat you hear thumping B7 From the hell hound on his trail. Em Better to keep moving Am There is no place to hide B7 So the ghost of Robert Johnson B7/A B/G B/F# Em Takes the Greyhound bus to ride.
[Bridge]
Am It's the shadows in your mind Am6 That words can not express Em It's the shiver in your heart
When it's full of emptiness
Am Like bottle that's been drained Am6 And smashed and cast aside B7 So the ghost of Robert Johnson B7/A B/G B/F# Em Takes the Greyhound bus and rides.
[Verse 3]
Em When everything is in pieces Am And smashed down on the ground G Took the bottle by the neck B7 Tuned the guitar down Em When he hits those open strings Am Hear that one long weeping glide ... B7 The ghost of Robert Johnson B7/A B/G B/F# Em Takes the Greyhound bus and ride
[Instrumental]
Am Em
Am Em/B Am/C D B7
Em
[Verse 4]
Em In the twisting restless dark Am When you're wishing time away G Know you cannot have possesion B7 Over judgement day Em Betrayed by love in vain Am Like som altar jilted bride B7 The ghost of Robert Johnson B7/A B/G B/F# Em Takes the Greyhound bus to ride
[Bridge]
Am His guitar speaks for words unsung Am6 Alight with spark and fire Em Seduces with a poet's tongue
Rhymes fear and dark desire
Am Makes a man plead like a child Am6 When his need outweighs his pride B7 The ghost of Robert Johnson B7/A B/G B/F# Em Takes the Greyhound bus and rides.
[Verse 5]
Em Down at the lonely crossroads Am Smoke drifts anticipating G Whichever way the wind may blow B7 Eternity lies waiting Em Am Where imagination and reality collide B7 The ghost of Robert Johnson B7/A B/G B/F# Em Takes the Greyhound bus to ride.
[Outro]
[solo over verse + repeated last line]
Em Am G B7
Em Am B7
B7/A B/G B/F# Em
B7/A B/G B/F# Em