Patches (NZ 4, US 6, 1961)

Patches (NZ 4, US 6, 1961) (video)

G7

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1. Down by the river that flows by the coalyards

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    stand wooden houses with shutters torn down.

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    There lives a girl everybody calls Patches,

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    Patches, my darling, of old Shantytown.

(orig. moves up half a step to capo 2nd here)  + G

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2. We planned to marry when June brought the summer,

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    I couldn't wait to make Patches my bride.

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    Now I don't see how that ever can happen.

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    my folks say no and my heart breaks inside

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+  Patches, oh, what can I do, I swear I'll always love you.

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    But a girl from that place will just bring me disgrace,

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    so my folks won't let me love you.

(orig. moves up half a note to capo 3rd here)  - G

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3. Each night I cry as I think of that shanty

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    and pretty Patches there watching the door.

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    She doesn't know that I can't come to see her,

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    Patches must think that I love her no more.

(orig. moves up half a note to capo 4th here)   - G

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4. I hear a neighbor telling my father,

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    he says a girl name of Patches was found,

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    floating face down in that dirty old river

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    that flows by the coalyards in old Shantytown.

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+  Patches, oh, what can I do, I swear I'll always love you.

          F                                 C              Am

    It may not be right but I'll join you tonight,

       C                 G7           C

    Patches, I'm comin' to you.

(orig. = capo 1st)    (Dicky Lee)