ode to billy joe

hi mike

trying to learn ode to billy joe

i have the sheet music

i can't match the words with the strumming pattern

the rests are throwing me off

just a few bars with the words and strums would help

can you help me???

thanks
jim

Hey Jim, I've attached the first lyric from the song, and how the rhythm of the vocal compares with the strums.

The thing that is a bit complicated is that the third strum of every bar is a 16th note, while the vocal sticks to 8th notes. If you're having trouble with the timing, I would suggest leaving that quick 16th note strum out of your strumming, so that it will be a little easier to sync up the other strums with the natural pulse of the vocal.

I hope this helps, please let me know if there's anything else I can do!!
Mike