Way Downtown
Jam Essential
beginner
Way Downtown
Jam Vocal Tunes
Doc Watson
The Grass app includes adjustable backing tracks with bass, guitar, and mandolin — a built-in chromatic tuner — a metronome with count-in — chord charts in any key — lyrics with chorus highlighting — demo videos — jam-along practice recordings — shareable setlists — and a finder for 700+ bluegrass jam circles near you. Free on iOS and Android.
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Chord Chart
Verse/Chorus x2
CC
CC
GG
GG
DD
DD
GG
GG
CC
CC
GG
GG
DD
DD
GG
GG
Chords used:
C
D
G
Lyrics
Way downtown just foolin' around
Took me to the jail
It's oh me and it's oh my
No one to go my bail
It was late last night when Willie came home
I heard him a-rapping on the door
He's a-slipping and a-sliding with his new shoes on
Mamma said Willie don't you rap no more
I wish I was over at my sweet Sally's house
Sittin' in that big armed chair
One arm around this old guitar
And the other one around my dear
Now, its one old shirt is all that I got
And a dollar is all that I crave
I brought nothing with me into this old world
Ain't gonna take nothing to my graveDemo Videos
About This Song
Way Downtown is a classic bluegrass song popularized by Dr. Ralph Stanley, who recorded it multiple times throughout his career. It's a staple at jam sessions thanks to its driving rhythm and accessible chord progression, making it a favorite for both seasoned players and those new to bluegrass.