#----------------------------------PLEASE NOTE---------------------------------# #This file is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the # #song. You may only use this file for private study, scholarship, or research. # #------------------------------------------------------------------------------# NIGHT RIDER'S LAMENT by Michael Burton This was first recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker on "Ridin' High." circa 1975 D* denotes walk up to D chord "a..b...c#..." G/f# is a G chord with an f# bass note; I usually just finger 'g' on the 1st or high E sting and the f# on the 6th or low E string - every thing else is open. D* G While I was out a ridin' D A A grave yard shift, midnight til dawn G D The moon was as bright as a readin' light A D For a letter from an ole friend back home. CHORUS D And he asked me G A D Why do you ride for your money? D G A D Tell me, why do you rope for short pay? G A You ain't gettin' no where D G G/f# Em And you're losin' your share A D Boy, you must have gone crazy out there. He tells me last night I run on to Jenny She's married and has a good life Ah you sure missed the track When you never come back She's a perfect professional's wife. CHORUS 2 She asks me Why does he ride for his money? Why does he rope for short pay? He ain't gettin' no where And he's losin' his share He must've gone crazy out there. BRIDGE D G A D Then they've never seen the Northern Lights G A D They've never seen the hawk on the wing G A D G G/f# Em They've never seen the spring hit the Great Divide A D They've never heard ole camp cookie sing. Well, I read up the last of my letter I tore off the stamp for Black Jim When Billy rode up to relieve me Just looked at my letter and grinned. CHORUS 3 He said now Why do they ride for their money? Why do they ride for short pay? They ain't gettin' no where And they're losin' their share Son, they all must be crazy out there. Repeat Bridge, then yodel (sure, you can do it; just try!)