This is a traditional song played often bluegrass and folk music. Below are chords and lyrics. The verses use the same chord pattern as the chorus.
D C G D
I know you rider, gonna miss me when I’m gone
D C G D
I know you rider, gonna miss me when I’m gone
F C F C G D
Gonna miss your baby from rollin in your arms
Laid down last night, I could not take my rest
I laid down last night, I could not take my rest
My mind was wandering like a wild goose in the west
I know you rider, gonna miss me when I’m gone
I know you rider, gonna miss me when I’m gone
Gonna miss your baby from rollin in your arms
I wish I was a headlight on a northbound train
I wish I was a headlight on a northbound train
Well, I’d shine my light through the cold Colorado rain
I know you rider, gonna miss me when I’m gone
I know you rider, gonna miss me when I’m gone
Gonna miss your baby from rollin in your arms
The sun is gonna’ shine on my backdoor someday
The sun is gonna’ shine on my backdoor someday
Well, I know a March wind’s gonna’ carry my blues away
I know you rider, gonna miss me when I’m gone
I know you rider, gonna miss me when I’m gone
Gonna miss your baby from rollin in your arms
(repeat and end)
Here is demonstration of the song. My styling is in the style of a jam band rather than bluegrass.
Here is a backing track for you to play our own solo parts.
There are two challenges with this. First, as a general rule; do not to play over the vocals but rather play a “call and response” with the vocals. You will notice this in the above example especially in the beginning of the song. Towards the end I want to build it up and so play behind the vocals.
The second challenge is to switch keys between G and C. Take a look at the chord progression. The first two line are in the key of G. The third line is in the key of C and returns to the key of G at the end of the line (the D chord). The challenge is to play seamlessly between these two keys.
Have fun.