Red Bandana Chords
Red Bandana by Merle Haggard is a beginner-friendly guitar song played in the key of D# with a capo on the 1st fret. It uses the chords D, G and A. Use the transpose and diagram tools on this page to change the key, see each shape, or simplify the chords.
By Merle Haggard
D G
We left home when we was barely past eleventeen
D A
Been back and fourth and all around through hell and rain
D G
I've loved you half of your life and I?ll keep on lovin? you
D A D
But I can't change and live the way you want me to
We spend a lot of time out on the highway
Comin? from some town we played along the way
After 30 years of knowing me the way you do
You know I can?t change and live the way you want me to
Chorus: But babe,
A D
That red bandana tied around your auburn hair
A D
You look like you ought to be somebody's wife somewhere
D G
You ain't never going to be no Bobby McGee but you?re tryin? to
D A D
But I can't change and live the way you want me to
Every time you leave the stage I know you've had your fill
And I wonder why you grew up and why I never will
Hey, I'm 41 today still going on 22
But I can't change and live the way you want me to
Chorus
I can't change and live the way you want me to