​The Streets Of Laredo Mandolin / Banjo / Guitar Tab

​"The Streets of Laredo" is a traditional American folk song that tells the story of a dying cowboy reflecting on his life, regrets, and impending death. Known for its mournful and somber tone, the song has been recorded by various artists, including Woody Guthrie, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan. It is sometimes referred to as "The Cowboy's Lament".
Themes and Meaning:

1. The Cowboy's Death:
   
   • The song tells the story of a young cowboy who has been wounded and is nearing death. As he lies dying, he reflects on his life and the choices that led him to this point. His death takes place on the streets of Laredo, a town in Texas, and it paints a vivid picture of his suffering and fatalism.
2. Regret and Reflection:
   
   • The dying cowboy speaks of his past life with regret, acknowledging that his choices have led to his downfall. The lyrics mention his lifestyle of roaming, drinking, and living recklessly, which ultimately resulted in his tragic end. The song expresses the realization that the cowboy’s life was short-lived, and now he must face the consequences of his actions.
3. The Cycle of Life and Death:
   
   • The song also explores the inevitable nature of death, particularly in the life of a cowboy, where violence and danger are often part of the lifestyle. The cowboy's fate is a reminder of the harsh realities faced by those who lived in the Old West, where untimely death was common, often due to gunfights, illness, or loneliness.
4. The Role of the Loved Ones:
   
   • The song also hints at the loneliness and abandonment the cowboy feels. As he approaches death, he mentions his desire to be remembered and laments that no one will care about his passing. There is also a poignant reference to a young girl who mourns him, suggesting that his life’s choices have also affected those around him, especially the women he left behind.
5. The Spiritual Dimension:
   
   • The song has undertones of a spiritual reckoning, where the cowboy contemplates his soul’s fate. Some versions of the song include references to him praying or seeking redemption, though this aspect is not always emphasized in every version of the song.

Historical Context:

• "The Streets of Laredo" was likely inspired by the Old West and cowboy culture, but it has become a folk standard and is often associated with Western themes in American music. The song paints a realistic, if tragic, picture of the cowboy’s life, which was often full of danger and solitude.
• It also reflects the legend of the cowboy—a figure who was often romanticized in American folklore but, in reality, faced a hard, short life full of hardship.

Musical Style:

• The song is typically performed in a slow, mournful style, reflecting the tragic nature of the lyrics. It is often accompanied by guitar, and other instruments such as harmonica or fiddle may be added to give the song a more Western or folk feel.

"The Streets of Laredo" serves as both a lament for the lost cowboy and a meditation on mortality. It’s a powerful reminder of the transience of life and the harsh realities of the Old West. The song has been interpreted in many ways over the years, but its core themes of regret, loneliness, and the inevitability of death remain timeless.

The Streets Of Laredo Mandolin / Banjo Tab in the key of G Major. A traditional song from the U.S.A.

​​Below is the list of songs [ tabs ] included in the Mandolin ebooks. The price is €7.90 
and I'll email the download links after payment. Standard tuning GDAE, 
You'll receive every song listed below which is around 800 and a mix of folk, ballads, pop and rock.
Now including a free Beatles ebook of songs and another of Irish rebel songs plus Christmas songs and hymns.
Also included is a 500 page ebook of lyrics and chords for the mandolin / tenor banjo in 3 different easy keys.
Martin

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​Streets of Laredo guitar tab in G