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Fare Away The New Main Street Singers

 "Fare Away" is a folk-style song, reminiscent of sea shanties, with simple, singable melodies and straightforward chord progressions. The original arrangement typically features acoustic guitar and group vocals, making it ideal for beginners and singalongs.

Chords:
The song uses basic open chords: G, C, D, A, and Em. These are standard first-position shapes, well suited for beginners. Practice switching smoothly between these chords, as the changes happen frequently, especially between G and C.

Strumming Pattern:
A simple folk strumming pattern works well:
Down-down-up-up-down-up
Keep the rhythm steady and relaxed. For a more maritime feel, try accenting the first and third beats, emulating a swaying ship.

Chord Transitions & Tips:

  • When moving between G and C, pivot on your ring finger if you use the four-finger G shape.
  • For A to D transitions, keep fingers close to the fretboard.
  • The Em chord appears briefly in the bridge—prepare in advance to move your fingers quickly.

Techniques:

  • Palm muting on verses can add dynamic variation.
  • Sing along for timing; the melody cues chord changes.
  • The bridge has quicker chord changes; slow it down in practice.

Enjoy the storytelling tradition—play with energy and join in the chorus!

EADGBE G
EADGBE C
EADGBEXX D
EADGBEX A
EADGBE Em
Intro
G G C G C G D G
Verse 1
Sun breaks over theC sprit's'lG yard
C Jib sheet'sG hauling toA leewardD hard
G Crosstree's hummin' aC morningG hymn
C I'm theG cabin boyD call meG Jim
D His name'sG Jim
Chorus
Fare away fare away under mainC topG sail
To theC fur beG low of theD wilyC whaG ale
Verse 2
Captain's stalking theC quarterG deck
C Tells theG tale of hisA first shipD wreck
G Cast away with aC case ofG rum
C Hoped thatG rescue wouldD neverG come
Chorus
Fare away fare away under mainC topG sail
To theC fur beG low of theD wilyC whaG ale
To theC fur beG low of theD wilyD wily
Bridge
G C G G Em D G C G
C C G C C G C G D G C G D Em
C C C C C D D D D
Verse 3
G First mate Peter's aC hardenedG man
C Says theG Captain's aA charlaD tan
G Don't know tackle fromC futtockG plates
He'llC sail usG into theD PearlyG Gates
Chorus
Fare away fare away under mainC topG sail
To theC fur beG low of theD wilyC whaG ale
Verse 4
I been sailing theseC sevenG seas
SinceC I's nighG high to aA mermaid'sD knees
G Come next April I'mC sixtyG three
IC can't adG vance, IC like shortG pants
C Safe in theG cabin on theD openG sea
C Safe in theG cabin on theD openG sea
Outro
Fare away fare away under mainC topG sail
To theC fur beG low of theD wilyG whale
To theC fur beG low of theC fur beG low
Of theC fur beG low of theD wilyD wily
C WhaG ale