"Five Hundred Miles" is a classic American folk song, popularized by artists like The Seekers. Its simple chord structure and gentle melody make it a favorite for beginners and singalongs. The Seekers' version is known for its steady, flowing rhythm and clear vocal harmonies.
Chords and Progression
The song uses basic open chords: G, Em, Am, C, and D. These are beginner-friendly and commonly found in folk music. Practice switching between these chords smoothly, especially G to Em and Am to C, as these transitions happen frequently.
Strumming Pattern
A simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D D U U D U) pattern works well. For a softer, folkier feel, try just alternating down and up strums (D U D U), keeping them light and even. Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm rather than speed.
Tips for Beginners
**- Take your time with chord changes, especially when moving between Am and C or D and G.
- Hum or tap the rhythm first before singing along.
- Play the intro slowly to set the tempo.
- If any chord is difficult, pause and practice switching back and forth between that chord and the next.
- Keep your strumming hand relaxed for a gentle, flowing sound.**
IntroG Em Am C Am D G
Verse 1If youG miss the train I'mEm on, you willAm know that I amC gone
You willAm hear the whistleD blow, a hundredG miles
A hundredG miles a hundredEm miles a hundredAm miles a hundredC miles
You willAm hear the whistleD blow, a hundredG miles
Verse 2Lord I'mG one, Lord I'mEm two, Lord I'mAm three Lord I'mC four
Lord I'mAm five hundredD miles away fromG home
Away fromG home away fromEm home away fromAm home away fromC home
Lord I'mAm five hundredD miles, away from myG home
Verse 3Not aG shirt on myEm back, not aAm penny to myC name
Lord IAm can't go aD home this aG way
This aG way, this aEm way, this aAm way, this aC way
Lord IAm can't go backD home this aG way
Verse 4Lord I'mG one, Lord I'mEm two, Lord I'mAm three Lord I'mC four
Lord I'mAm five hundredD miles away fromG home
Away fromG home away fromEm home away fromAm home away fromC home
Lord I'mAm five hundredD miles away fromG home