Man of Constant Sorrow [core]

I am a man of constant sorrow
I've seen trouble all my days
I bid farewell to old Kentucky
The place where I was born and raised

For six long years I've been in trouble
No pleasure here on earth I've found
For in this world I'm bound to ramble
I have no friends to help me now

It's fare you well, my own true lover
I never expect to see you again
For I'm bound to ride that northern
railroad, Perhaps I'll die upon this train

You can bury me in some deep valley
For many years where I may lay
Then you may learn to love another
While I am sleeping in my grave

Maybe your friends think I'm just a stranger
My face you never will see no more
But there is one promise that is given
I'll meet you on God's golden shore

Listen to this song

This Song Clip was recorded in the key of F. (Click below to play.)

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Get Started Plus: Core Songs Edition
100 Core Songs (including Man of Constant Sorrow) plus our acclaimed playing-by-ear learning method.
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Big Print Songs
222 traditional songs, including Man of Constant Sorrow, in large print. Chords, historical info, jamming hints, and more.
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Core Songs CD Series

Five CDs, 100 songs, including Man of Constant Sorrow. Recordings from the Abbott family and their friends.
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A song from the Mountain Music for Everyone Song Collection from the ToneWay Project. Our website has lyrics to nearly 400 traditional songs common in bluegrass and old-time circles. Most songs also include a free MP3 recording that you can listen to. The ToneWay Project also offers songbooks, CDs, and resources for learning to play music by ear. http://ToneWay.com