Although several songbooks have written this song out in the key of C, Lightfoot *ALWAYS* uses a capo. For this song, the capo is used on the second fret and the chords are played "normally". They *sound* a whole step higher. Is this confusing? Just put a capo on the 2nd fret, pop on the record or CD, and play along!!! You'll sound fine and in tune!!!
Listen how the song pulses on the A string rhythmically -- feel that galloping horse.
The chorus changes from the E/A, D/A, A pattern the second time round, to the "normal" E, A, D chords. You should too, if you want to sound authentic.
Fingerpick the song using your thumb, index, and middle fingers. That's how The Man does it.
Have fun!!!
The Chords: ----------
The names may be a bit wrong since it's getting late, but the chord forms are correct. The numbers correspond with the recommended finger to use, starting with 1=index, etc... Advanced players choose your own. :-) Look hard for the "1"'s -- they get lost in the text easily../
Intro/fill: (Gord's part) (BIG kudos to anyone who posts or emails me Red ---------- Shea's original -- I can't get the rhythm right and I don't like Terry's way so much)
Verses, Choruses: ----------------
Through the woodland through the valley comes a horseman wild and free
Tilting at the windmills passing who can the brave young horseman be
He is wild but he is mellow, he is strong but he is weak
He is cruel but he is gentle, he is wise but he is meek
Reaching for his saddlebags he takes a battered book into his hand
Standing like prophet bold he shouts across the ocean to the shore
Till he can shout no more
I have come o'er moor and mountain like a hawk upon the wing
I was once a shining knight who was the guardian of a king
I have searched the whole world over, looking for a place to sleep
I have seen the strong survive and I have seen the lean grow weak
Intro chords: A, D/A, A, A, E7/A, A
See the children of the earth who wake to find the table bare
See the gentry in the country riding off to take the air
Reaching for his saddlebags he takes a rusty sword into his hand
Then striking up a knightly pose he shouts across the ocean to the shore
Till he can shout no more
See the jailer with his key who locks away all trace of sin
See the judge upon the bench who tries the case as best he can
See the wise and wicked ones who feed upon life's sacred fire
See the soldier with his gun who must be dead to be admired
Intro chords: A, D/A, A, A, E7/A, A
See the man who tips the needle, see the man who buys and sells
See the one who puts the collar on the ones who dare not tell
See the drunkard in the tavern stemming gold to make ends meet
See the youth in ghetto black condemned to life upon the street
Reaching for his saddlebags he takes a tarnished cross into his hand
Then standing like a preacher now he shouts across the ocean to the shore
Then in a blaze of tangled hooves he gallops off across the dusty plain
In vain to search again, where no one will hear (pause)
Through the woodland through the valley comes a horseman wild and free
Tilting at the windmills passing who can the brave young horseman be
He is wild but he is mellow, he is strong but he is weak
He is cruel but he is gentle, he is wise but he is meek
