Verse 1AmDm
It was out to California young Davey Moore did go,
GCE7
To meet with Sugar Ramos and trade him blow for blow
AmDm
He left his home in Springfield, his wife and children five;
GCE7
The spring was fast approaching, it was good to be alive.
AmDm
His wife, she begged and pleaded, "you have to leave this game.
GCE7
Is it worth the bloodshed and is it worth the pain? "
AmDm
But Davey could not hear above the cheering crowd
GCE7
He was a champion, and champions are proud.
ChorusAmG
Hang his gloves upon the wall, shine his trophies bright clear,
AmG
Another man will fall before we dry our tears
AmG
For the fighters must destroy as the poets must sing,
DmE7
As the hungry crowd must gather for the blood upon the ring.
Verse 2AmDm
And thousands gave a roar when Davey Moore walked in,
GCE7
Another man to fight, another purse to win
AmDm
And all along the ringside, a sight beyond compare
GCE7
The money-chasing vultures were waiting for their share,
AmDm
He stood there in his corner and he waited for the bell;
GCE7
The signal of the struggle of two men facin' hell;
AmDm
And when the bell was sounded, the blows began to rain,
GCE7
And blows will lead to hate -- hate drives men insane.
ChorusAmG
Hang his gloves upon the wall, shine his trophies bright clear,
AmG
Another man will fall before we dry our tears
AmG
For the fighters must destroy as the poets must sing,
DmE7
As the hungry crowd must gather for the blood upon the ring.
Verse 3AmDm
The fists were flying fast and hard, the sweat was pouring down,
GCE7
And Davey Moore grew weaker with ev'ry passin' round.
AmDm
His legs began to wobble and his arms began to strain,
GCE7
He fell upon the canvas floor, a fog around his brain.
AmDm
At last the fight was over, young Davey fought no more,
GCE7
He lost the final battle behind a doctor's door.
AmDm
And back at the arena, the screaming crowd is gone,
GCE7
And death is waiting ringside, for the next fight to come on.
ChorusAmG
Hang his gloves upon the wall, shine his trophies bright clear,
AmG
Another man will fall before we dry our tears
AmG
For the fighters must destroy as the poets must sing,
DmE7
As the hungry crowd must gather for the blood upon the ring.
This arrangement for the song is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the song. You may only use this for private study, scholarship, or research.