Working Man chords
by Rita MacNeilOriginal Published Key: F Major
Time Signature: 4/4
Tempo: 97 bpm
Guitar Tuning: E A D G B e
Skill Level: Beginner 🟢
Guitar Chords: D, Dsus4, G, A, Asus2
Capo: 3rd fret (to play along with the video in F major)
Easy Guitar Song: Ideal for beginners
Play-Along Video & Chord Charts












Working Man
Song Key is highlighted - Transpose to any other keyIntro: 4/4... D Chorus: It’s a work-ing man I am G D And I’ve been down un-der ground D A Asus2 A And I swear to God if I e-ver see the |sun | | D Or for a-ny length of time G D I can hold it in my mind D A D Dsus4 D I ne-ver a-gain will go down un-der |ground | | D 1. At the age of six-teen years G D Oh he quar-rels with his peers D A Asus2 A Who vowed they’d ne-ver see a-no-ther | one | | D In the dark re-cess of the mines G D Where you age be-fore your time D A D Dsus4 D And the coal dust lies hea-vy on your | lungs | | D Chorus: It’s a work-ing man I am G D And I’ve been down un-der ground D A Asus2 A And I swear to God if I e-ver see the | sun | | D Or for a-ny length of time G D I can hold it in my mind D A D Dsus4 D I ne-ver a-gain will go down un-der | ground | | D 2. At the age of sixty-four G D Oh he'll greet you at the door D A Asus2 A And he'll gent-ly lead you by the | arm | | D Through the dark re-cess of the mines G D Oh he'll take you back in time D A D Dsus4 D And he'll tell you of the hard-ships that were had | | D Chorus: It’s a work-ing man I am... D Chorus: It’s a work-ing man I am... D Chorus: It’s a work-ing man I am G D And I’ve been down un-der ground D A Asus2 A And I swear to God if I e-ver see the sun | | D Or for a-ny length of time G D I can hold it in my mind D A D Dsus4 D I ne-ver a-gain will go down un-der ground | | D A G G D D God I ne-ver a-gain will go down un-der | ground | | | 𝄑 |
Arrangement Details:
- Key Signature: F Major - 1 flat (Bb)
- Chords in F Major: F, Fsus4, Bb, C, Csus2
- Time Signature: 4/4 — Four quarter-note beats per measure
- Tempo: Moderately
- Metronome: ♩ = 97
- Voice Range: A4 - C6
Song Details:

- Songwriter: Rita MacNeil
- Lyrics Begin: It's a working man I am, and I've been down underground,
- Genre: Country
- Featured Artist: Rita MacNeil
- Album: Part Of The Mystery
Released: 1981 - Album: Reason to Believe
Released: 1988 - Single:
Released: 1988 (Canada), 1990 (UK) — featuring Men of the Deeps — a male choral ensemble composed of former coal miners from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
Rita MacNeil

Rita MacNeil was a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her powerful and soulful voice. Her career was marked by perseverance and a unique ability to connect with her audience.
Rita MacNeil was born on May 28, 1944, in Big Pond, Nova Scotia, Canada. She overcame numerous challenges, including childhood poverty and health issues, to pursue her passion for music. In the 1970s, she gained recognition in the Canadian folk and country music scenes.
One of her most popular songs, "Working Man," became an anthem for the working-class people of Cape Breton Island, where she hailed from. Her heartfelt and emotional performances resonated with audiences across Canada and beyond.
Rita MacNeil's breakthrough came with her album "Flying on Your Own" in 1987, which included the title track that became a hit single. She continued to release successful albums and singles throughout her career.
In addition to her music career, Rita MacNeil was a prominent advocate for social causes, including women's rights and issues affecting the economically disadvantaged. She used her platform to raise awareness and support for these causes.
Rita MacNeil passed away on April 16, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of music that touched the hearts of many. Her ability to convey deep emotions through her music and her dedication to making a positive impact on society are remembered fondly by her fans and the Canadian music community.
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