Running Bear chords
by Johnny Preston- Running Bear was written by J. P. Richardson (a.k.a. The Big Bopper)
- Recorded: May 21, 1959
- Released: August 1959
- Music: Key of A Major in 4/4 time at ~ 120 bpm (𝅘𝅥)
- Chords: A, D, B7, E7
- Capo: 1st fret if playing with the video which is in the original key of Bb Major
Chart Legend
Numbered Circles: Fingers used to play chords O: Optional Note
Barre Line: One finger holds down multiple strings R: Root Note
Unmarked strings: Play open X: Don't play string B: Bass Note
Barre Line: One finger holds down multiple strings R: Root Note
Unmarked strings: Play open X: Don't play string B: Bass Note
Running Bear
Song Key is highlighted - Transpose to any other key
Please Note: Indian Chant - runs throughout the Intro and verses
Intro: 4/4 | Chant/Drums | |
A
1. On the bank of the riv-er
D A
Stood Run-ning Bear, young In-di-an brave
A
On the oth-er side of the riv-er
B7 E7
Stood his lovely Indian maid
A
Lit-tle White Dove was a-her name
D A
Such a love-ly sight to see
A
But their tribes fought with each oth-er
E7 A
So their love could nev-er be
D A
Chorus: Run-ning Bear loved Lit-tle White Dove
E7 A
With a love big as the sky
D A
Run-ning Bear loved Lit-tle White Dove
E7 A
With a love that could-n't die
A
2. He could-n't swim the rag-in' riv-er
D A
'Cause the riv-er was too wide
A
He could-n't reach Lit-tle White Dove
B7 E7
Wait-ing on the oth-er side
A
In the moon-light he could see her
D A
Throw-ing kis-ses 'cross the waves
A
Her lit-tle heart was beat-ing fast-er
E7 A
Wait-ing there for her brave
D A
Chorus: Run-ning Bear loved Lit-tle White Dove
E7 A
With a love big as the sky
D A
Run-ning Bear loved Lit-tle White Dove
E7 A
With a love that could-n't die
A
3. Run-ning Bear dove in the riv-er
D A
Lit-tle White Dove did the same
A
And they swam out to each oth-er
B7 E7
Through the swirl-ing stream they came
A
As their hands touched and their lips met
D A
The rag-in' riv-er pulled them down
A
Now they'll al-ways be to-geth-er
E7 A
In that hap-py hunting ground
D A
Chorus: Run-ning Bear loved Lit-tle White Dove
E7 A
With a love big as the sky
D A
Run-ning Bear loved Lit-tle White Dove
E7 A
With a love that could-n't die... 
