Ballad of Hollis Brown
Words and music by Bob Dylan

Corrections from John Blair (jwblair@ix.netcom.com)

Capo on first fret, double drop D tuning (DADGBd)

Finger a D chord (000230), but then use the middle finger (which isn't
needed on the first string) to fret notes on the 4th, 5th, and 6th strings.
Here are the most common bass patterns which he works into his strumming:

d-|---------------|
B-|---------------|
G-|---------------|
D-|-----0--3--0---|
A-|--3------------|
D-|---------------|

and sometimes
d-|---------------|
B-|---------------|
G-|-----------2---|
D-|-----0--3------|
A-|--3------------|
D-|---------------|


Hollis Brown, he lived on the outside of town
Hollis Brown, he lived on the outside of town
With his wife and five children and his cabin broken down

He looked for work and money and he walked a ragged mile
He looked for work and money and he walked a ragged mile
Your children are so hungry that they don't know how to smile

Your babies eyes look crazy, they're a-tuggin' at your sleeve
Your babies eyes look crazy, they're a-tuggin' at your sleeve
You walk the floor and wonder why with every breath you breathe

The rats have got your flour, bad blood it got your mare
The rats have got your flour, bad blood it got your mare
If there's anyone that knows, is there anyone that cares?

He prayed to the Lord above, oh please send you a friend
He prayed to the Lord above, oh please send you a friend
Your empty pockets tell you that you ain't a-got no friend

Your baby's a-cryin' louder now, it's a poundin' on your brain
Your baby's a-cryin' louder now, it's a poundin' on your brain
Your wife's screams a-stabbin you like the dirty driving rain

Your grass is turning black, there's no water in your well
Your grass is turning black, there's no water in your well
You spent your last long dollar on seven shotgun shells

Way out in the wilderness, a cold coyote calls
Way out in the wilderness, a cold coyote calls
Your eyes fix on the shotgun that's hangin' on the wall

Your brain is a-bleedin and your legs can't seem to stand
Your brain is a-bleedin and your legs can't seem to stand
Your eyes fix on the shotgun that your holdin' in your hand

There's seven breezes blowin' all around the cabin door
There's seven breezes blowin' all around the cabin door
Seven shots ring out like the ocean's poundin' roar

There's seven people dead on a South Dakota farm
There's seven people dead on a South Dakota farm
Somehere in the distance, there's seven new people born