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The Cuckoo

Key: Am

Chords: 2

Doc Watson

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Chord Chart

Verse

Chords used: Am G

Lyrics

Oh the cuckoo she's a pretty bird She warbles as she flies And she never gets lonesome Til the fourth day of July

Gonna build me a log cabin on the mountain so high So I can see the cuckoo as she goes flying by I've played cards in England, I gambled in Spain I bet you 10 dollars I'll beat you next game Jack of diamonds, jack of diamonds I know you of old You've robbed my poor pocket of silver and of gold My horses ain't hungry, they won't eat your hay So fare thee well darling, I'm going away Your parents don't like me, they say I'm too poor They say I'm not worthy to enter your door

Demo Videos

About This Song

The Cuckoo is a traditional Appalachian folk song made famous by Doc Watson's iconic flatpicking arrangement. This haunting minor-key ballad has deep roots in British and American folk traditions, and Watson's version became the definitive bluegrass interpretation that inspired countless players to explore modal playing in Am.

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