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Cow Patti Jim Stafford

"Cow Patti" by Jim Stafford is a novelty country-western song known for its humorous lyrics and classic Western storytelling. The original version features a light, bouncy feel with a simple chord structure, making it approachable for beginners.

How to Play "Cow Patti" on Guitar

Chords:
The song uses basic open chords: Am, G, C, E, and one F at the end. All are beginner-friendly except F, which is a barre chord. For F, you can substitute Fmaj7 (xx3210) if barre chords are difficult.

Strumming Pattern:
Try a simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) pattern, common in country songs. Keep the strumming light and bouncy to match the playful mood. For verses, you can use a steady downstroke rhythm to mimic the "galloping" Western vibe.

Chord Transitions:
Practice moving between Am, G, and C, as these transitions recur throughout. For smoother changes, keep your fingers close to the fretboard and look for anchor points (e.g., your index finger stays on the first fret for both Am and C).

Techniques:
Palm muting (resting the side of your hand lightly on the strings near the bridge) can add a percussive effect. For dramatic lines, strum once per chord and let it ring.

Tips:
Start slow, focusing on clean chord changes. Sing or hum along to help with timing. When you reach the F chord in the outro, take your time transitioning and consider the easier Fmaj7 if needed.

Enjoy playing and have fun with the storytelling!

Am

G

C

E

F

Intro

Am Am Am Am

Verse 1

From the bad lands came the killer, he lived by theG knife and theC gun

He'dG cut you just for standin',Am shoot ya if ya tried to run

He was big as a tree and did as he pleased and everything he did wasC bad

And theyG said if you was to kill him, it'd only make himAm mad

Verse 2

From the good lands came the cowgirl, PattiG was herC name

She wasG hot on the trail of that killer, on aAm moped she called Flame

'Cause the killer had killed her daddy, just for spittin'G in theC road

And youG only had to kill her daddy once toAm get that gal P.O.'d

Chorus

G C Yippee ayeG ay CowC Patti, Yippee ayeG ay CowC Patti

G She rode into town to find theE man that killed herAm daddy

G C Yippee ayeG ayAm Cow Patti

Verse 3

The killer hit town at daybreak, ate the door off theG local saC loon

HeG started to drink you could tell he was thinkin' there'llAm be a showdown soon

Patti hit town in a cloud of dust ol' Flame was buzzin' like aC saw

And theG whole town got quiet as a church when theAm killer stepped out for the draw

Bridge

G Am Forty shots rang outG Am

G C Forty people fellG C

C G Patti and the killer missed each other but theyAm shot that town to hell

Verse 4

The killer took a step towards Patti, said "It's time I gunned youC down"

But heG slipped in somethin' that wasG layin' in the street and wasAm shot 'fore he hit the ground

Outro

Yes the killer slipped, and it cost him his life, Patti said as she roared out of town

F You gotta watch your step, when youAm know the chips are down