Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Jam Essential
beginner
Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Jam Vocal Tunes
Carter Family
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Chord Chart
Verse/Chorus
CC
CC
CC
CC
CC
GG
CC
CC
FF
FF
CC
CC
CC
GG
CC
CC
Chords used:
C
F
G
Lyrics
I'm going to leave this country
I'm going around this world
I'm going to leave this country
For the sake of one little girl
I ain't gonna work tomorrow
And I may not work the next day
I ain't gonna work tomorrow
For it may be a wet and rainy day
Well she told me that she loved me
And it caused my poor heart grief
Now she's got her back turned on me
And she's courting whoever she please
Well I lost my money at gambling
And I lost my name you see
I am nobody's darling
And nobody cares for me
Don't you hear my banjo ringing
Don't you hear it's mournful sound
Don't you hear those pretty girls laughing
Standing on the cold frosty ground
Well I'll hang my head in sorrow
I will hang my head and cry
I'll hang my head in sorrow
As my darling passes byDemo Videos
About This Song
Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow is a jam session essential—one of those tunes that gets called at bluegrass circles everywhere. It's typically played in C and moves at a medium to upbeat tempo. With just 3 chords, it's one of the more accessible tunes in the bluegrass repertoire and a great choice for newer players joining their first jam sessions.
The song features a simple verse-chorus structure with plenty of room for instrumental breaks between vocal sections. Don't be surprised when the banjo or fiddle takes a break while everyone else holds down the groove—that's your chance to listen and learn the form. When it's your turn to take a break, keep it tasteful and remember: you're supporting the song, not showing off.