Johnny Todd

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Listen to the song— a recording linked by the tab’s author

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How to read this tab — notation key

+: Blow note
−: Draw note
b or ': Half-step bend
bb or '': Two half-step bend
bbb or ''': Three half-step bend
(###): Chord — relevant hole numbers in parentheses
< or *: Push the button in (chromatic harmonica)

Full reference and posting tips in the tab guide.

Tab

OPTIONAL BEGINNING FLOURISH

4  5  6  6  -5  5  -4  4

VERSES 1-5

4  5   6    6  -6  -6 6 5
Johnny Todd he took a notion,

4   5  6     6   -5 5    -4
For to cross the o--cean wide.

4   5  6    4   5    -4   4 -3   3
And he left his true love behind him,

4  5   6  6   -5 5  -4   4
Weepin by the Li-verpool tide.

For a week, wept poor Sally,
Tore her hair and wrung her hands,
Til she met with another sailor
Walkin by the Liverpool strand.

Why fair maiden, are ya weepin,
For yer Johnnys gone ta sea?
If ya will wed with me tomorrow,
I will kind and constant be.

I will buy ya sheets and blankets,
I will buy ya a weddin ring,
And ye shall have a silver cradle,
For to rock yer baby in.

Johnny Todd came home from sailin,
Far across the ocean wide.
And he found that his fair and false one,
Was another sailors bride.

VERSE 6

4  4    4   5     6   6   -6 -6 6  5
So come all young men who go a- sailin,

4   5  6     6   -5 5     -4
For to fight the fo-reign foe.

4  5   6     4   5    -4   4    -3  3
Do not leave yer true love like Johnny,

4  5  6   6 -5 5 -4 4
Marry her before ya go!

OPTIONAL ENDING FLOURISH

4  5  6  6  6  -6  -7  7

Play on a harmonica— watch which holes to blow & draw, with sound