Learning To Play Guitar

I'm trying to learn to play guitar
It is the Cowboy way
To play a tune at lonesome time
That comes at close of day.

I'm trying to learn to play guitar
I've got some picks and strings.
I'd like to be the man who plays
Along as someone sings.

I'm trying to learn to play guitar
Around a smoking fire
To help the boys drift off to sleep
When long days make them tire.

I'm trying to learn to play guitar
I try when I'm alone
My right hand hasn't quite begun
To strike an even tone.

I'm trying to learn to play guitar
My older brother could
He started many years ago
And he was pretty good.

I'm trying to learn to play guitar
- Some folks think it's weird.
But dreams have often set my course
And I've followed where they steered.

I'm trying to learn to play guitar
B, C, D, and E
The chords that make my fingers stretch
from A on up to G.

I'm trying to learn to play guitar
My hat brim pulled down low
I close my eyes and see the notes
That make a chorus flow.

I'm trying to learn to play guitar
But not to make a buck
I reckon I'll be paid in smiles
If a good tune I can pluck.

I'm trying to learn to play guitar
I wonder if I can
I'm giving it my heart and soul
And skin off both my hands.

I'm trying to learn to play guitar
I want you to be proud
But while I'm working on the notes
I'll try not to be loud.

I'm trying to learn to play guitar
I know there's a lot to it.
And if the Gods of cowboy song
Should smile on me - I'll do it!

Copyright 2001 Larry Thompson