Plains of Amerikee (key of D)
Public domain - full karaoke IMMHA-L275
Credit: Traditional · 19th century
Origin: Traditional song. Public domain. Handwritten sheet, 4/4 time, key of D, marked 'Traditional'.
Source: https://mudcat.org/
Lyrics sheet: courtesy of Country Roads Folk Music Camp, Mount Madonna County Park, California (about the camp)
Original scan: from John's songbook (scan to be posted on @IMMHACAL)
Chords as printed on the original song sheet. Chords as handwritten (chords in parentheses as on the sheet). Wording as written; 'falce' on the sheet shown as 'false'.
D G D (G) D I'm a stranger to this country from Amerikee I came (F#m) A7 No one here that knows me or yet can tell my name D G I landed in this country to wander for awhile D G D (G) D All from my bonnie darlin' I'm many a weary mile. D G D (G) D I traveled this country both early and late (F#m) G A7 My trials have been many and my hardships have been great D G D (G) I courted a bonnie lass but she jilted me right plain D G D (G) D Oft times she has denied me but I'll try her again. D G D (G) D Some say I'm rakish, some say that I am wild (F#m) G A7 Some say I am guilty the lasses to beguile D G D G But I'll prove them flyin' folk if you'll come along with me D G (G) D And be my lovely darlin' on the plains of Amerikee. D G D (G) D Give my compliments to Nancy who lives on yonder hill (F#m) G A7 Likewise unto Betsy, she's a lass I like full well D G D G Ah but give my love to Maggie, she's my heart's delight D G D (G) D I could roll her in my arms for a year long winter's night. D G D (G) D Oh the ship that's on the salt, salt sea may sail without a sail (F#m) G A7 And little wee fishes grow 'til they turn into muckle whales D G D G In the middle of the ocean they may grow a rowan tree D G (G) D Before that I prove false to her that's given her love to me. D G D (G) D So send me word my darlin' and westward I will sail (F#m) A7 On a packet out o' east my dear with a swift and a pleasant gale D G G And when that I am landed you'll plight your troth with me D G (G) D And we'll sing and dance together on the plains of Amerikee.