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Eli the Barrowboy
The Decemberists
Capo on 4th fret, play chord shapes as indicated.
Am C
Eli the Barrowboy of the old town
Am C G Am
Sells coal and marigolds and he cries out all down the day
Am C
Below the tamarac(?) she is crying
Am C G Am
Corncobs and candlewax for the buying, all down the day
F C
Would I could afford to buy my love a fine robe
F Am
Made of gold and silver radiant thread
F C
But she is dead and gone and lying in a pine grove
G Am
And I must push my barrow all the day
G Am
And I must push my barrow all the day
C - G - Am (2x)
Am C
Eli the barrowboy when they found him
Am C G Am
Dressed all in courdoroy he had drowned in the river down the way
Am C
They laid his body down in a churchyard
Am C G Am
But still when the moon is out with his pushcart, he calls down the day
F C
Would I could afford to buy my love a fine gown
F Am
Made of gold and silver radiant thread
F C
But I am dead and gone and lying in a churchground
G Am
Still I push my barrow all the day
G Am
Still I push my barrow all the day
Guaranteed not quite right
Marble River
Song History
Last Updated: September 10, 2025