Jam Essential beginner

Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow

Key: C

Chords: 3

Jam Vocal Tunes Carter Family

Jam Along

Chord Chart

Verse/Chorus

Chords used: C F G

Lyrics

I'm going to leave this country I'm going around this world I'm going to leave this country For the sake of one little girl

I ain't gonna work tomorrow And I may not work the next day I ain't gonna work tomorrow For it may be a wet and rainy day

Well she told me that she loved me And it caused my poor heart grief Now she's got her back turned on me And she's courting whoever she please Well I lost my money at gambling And I lost my name you see I am nobody's darling And nobody cares for me Don't you hear my banjo ringing Don't you hear it's mournful sound Don't you hear those pretty girls laughing Standing on the cold frosty ground Well I'll hang my head in sorrow I will hang my head and cry I'll hang my head in sorrow As my darling passes by

Demo Videos

About This Song

Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow is a jam session essential—one of those tunes that gets called at bluegrass circles everywhere. It's typically played in C and moves at a medium to upbeat tempo. With just 3 chords, it's one of the more accessible tunes in the bluegrass repertoire and a great choice for newer players joining their first jam sessions.

The song features a simple verse-chorus structure with plenty of room for instrumental breaks between vocal sections. Don't be surprised when the banjo or fiddle takes a break while everyone else holds down the groove—that's your chance to listen and learn the form. When it's your turn to take a break, keep it tasteful and remember: you're supporting the song, not showing off.

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