It is basically the same three chords throughout the song (F Dm Am). Listen to the song for the plucking rhythm if you want to pluck the strings. Strumming sounds just as good though.
Intro: F Dm Am
Verse 1:
F Dm Am
My boy builds coffins with hammers and nails
F Dm Am
He doesn't build ships, he has no use for sails
F Dm Am
He doesn't make tables, dressers or chairs
F Dm Am
He can't carve a whistle cause he just doesn't care
Verse 2 - same chords -:
My boy builds coffins for the rich and the poor
Kings and queens have all knocked on his door
Beggars and liars, gypsies and thieves
They all come to him 'cause he's so eager to please
Chorus:
F Dm Am
My boy builds coffins he makes them all day
F Dm Am
But it's not just for work and it isn't for play
F Dm
He's made one for himself
Am
One for me too
F Dm Am
One of these days he'll make one
F Dm Am
For you-------
F Dm Am
For you-------
F Dm Am
For you-------
F Dm Am
For you-------
Verse 3:
My boy builds coffins for better or worse
Some say it's a blessing, some say it's a curse
He fits them together in sunshine or rain
Each one is unique, no two are the same
Verse 4:
My boy builds coffins and I think it's a shame
That when each one's been made, he can't see it again
He crafts every one with love and with care
Then it's thrown in the ground and it just isn't fair
Chorus:
F Dm Am
My boy builds coffins he makes them all day
F Dm Am
But it's not just for work and it isn't for play
F Dm
He's made one for himself
Am
One for me too
F Dm Am
One of these days he'll make one
F Dm Am
For you-------
F Dm Am
For you-------
F Dm Am
For you-------
F Dm Am
For you-------
