Automation Song Chords
by Phil Ochs
Automation Song by Phil Ochs is a more advanced guitar song played in the key of G. It uses the chords G, B7, Em, Am7, D7, G7, C, A7, D, Bm and Am. Use the transpose and diagram tools on this page to change the key, see each shape, or simplify the chords.
G B7 Em Am7 D7 G
Oh I laid down your railroads, every mile of track.
B7 Em Am7 D7 G
With the muscles on my arm and the sweat upon my back.
G7 C G C G
And now the trains are rolling, they roll to every shore
C G A7 D
You tell me that my job is through, there ain't no work no more.
G B7 Em Am7 D7 G
Though I laid down your highways all across the land.
B7 Em Am7 D7 G
With the ringing of the steel and the power of my hands.
G7 C G C G
And now the roads are there like ribbons in the sky,
C G A7 D
You tell me that my job is through but still I wonder why.
Em Bm
For the wages were low and the hours were long
Em D7
And the labour was all I could bear.
Em Bm
Now you've got new machines for to take my place
Am7 D7
And you tell me it's not mine to share.
G B7 Em Am7 D7 G
Though I laid down your factories and laid down your fields,
B7 Em Am7 D7 G
With my feet on the ground and my back to your wheels.
G7 C G C G
And now the smoke is rising, the steel is all a-glow,
C G D7 G
I'm walking down a jobless road and where am I to go.
(repeat)
Em Am D7 G
Tell me, where am I to go.
Notes:
Chords supplied by James Barnett