First Train Heading South
By Johnny Horton  (Circa late 40's to early 50's)
Written by Johnny Horton

Key of F, no capo needed to play with the youtube video.
I usually transpose to play in C for my vocal range.

Note:  A fast paced song, listen to the youtube video for the beat.


F
I didn't know my baby loved me so-o-o-o-o 
Bb                               F
Until that letter come to let me know
    Bb                           F
Now I pack my bags and then I'll go 
    C7                                  F
And catch the first train I see heading south
 
 
If I'd a got this letter in Idaho 
Bb                                      F
Where snow's so deep it wouldn't let me go
      Bb                                F
I'd a went hog wild and melted all that snow
    C7                                   F
And caught the first train I saw heading south
 
 
If I'd a got this letter in Iowa      (*be sure to sing/pronouce it as Io-Way)
Bb                                  F
Nothing in this world could make me stay
      Bb                                 F
I'd a grabbed my hat and then been on my way 
    C7                                   F
And caught the first train I saw heading south
 
F
I didn't know my baby loved me so-o-o-o-o 
Bb                               F
Until that letter come to let me know
    Bb                           F
Now I pack my bags and then I'll go 
    C7                                  F
And catch the first train I see heading south


Instrumental, basically a whole regular verse with lead guitar in front.


F
I didn't know my baby loved me so-o-o-o-o 
Bb                               F
Until that letter come to let me know
    Bb                           F
Now I pack my bags and then I'll go 
    C7                                  F
And catch the first train I see heading south

 
If I'd a got this letter in Ohio 
Bb                                       F
With a busted back two arms and a broken toe
        Bb                       F
There'd be no hesitation I would go 
    C7                                  F
And catch the first train I saw heading south
 
 
But I got this letter up in Maine 
Bb                                        F
You can bet your bottom dollar I feel the same
      Bb                                     F
Every clickety clack of the drivers call her name
     C7                                     F
As I ride this fast train I caught heading south

 
F
I didn't know my baby loved me so-o-o-o-o 
Bb                               F
Until that letter come to let me know
    Bb                           F
Now I pack my bags and then I'll go-o-o 
    C7                                  F
And catch the first train I see heading south


End

Hear this 'jumping' song on youtube here;
http://youtu.be/ZQSpys6A3Is