A few things to try...I have that problem as well and I think it is common especially to newcomers, so what I do is this. If I can't figure it out, and I often I can't I go on Youtube and try and find the original artists, however often times that doesn't work either but if you watch some of the covers and/or unprofessional lessons taught there you will usually find a version that suits your needs and liking and can watch it over and over until you get it.

You can also google guitar tabs and there are some free ones, like ulitmate guitar tabs. These are posted by people like me and you, they are not licensed versions of the songs so they are not always exact, most are close and some include the strum pattern.

The strum pattern for songs are usually a pretty easy down up pattern, but the rhythm and emphasis is usually what is harder to figure out.

Google and youtube is a wealth of information and I have yet to NOT find a song that I was looking for. I went on there today as I am trying to learn House of the Rising sun, and it is here but I wanted to see the original and I found many versions that were incredible.

Try it if you haven't and you will be surprised how easy it is, there is a lot of talent out there.

Jaime