American Child
View chords used in this chart
[Intro: ]D/F# Em G A | 2x
G D/F# Em D
I was ten, I was thin, I was playing first base
G D/F# Em A
with a secondhand glove and dirt on my face
G D/F#
In nowhere, Virginia
Em D/F# C G A
Who'd ever figure that kid in the yard would go very far
G D/F# Em A
It was 419 Lakewood , had no silverspoons
G D/F# Em A
Just an old beat up upright that played out of tune
G D/F# Em A
Now I'm singin' and living the life that I love
C G A
And when I count my blessings I thank God I was
D Em G A
An American child
D Em G A
An American child
Bm A
'Cause dreams can grow wild
G A D
Born inside an American child
Seven pounds, three ounces, she's got my nose
And she's into my heart as deep as it goes
With a promise that's more than just someone's last name
Anyone's equal, in late August came
An American child
(Chorus)
Instrumental: Bm F#m Em A
Bm F#m Em A
Bm F#m Em A
D/F# G A
(Bridge)
Bm F C F
My grandfather would have been eighty today
Bm A D Em G A
But in '45 he fell down beside an American child
(Chorus)
How to play American Child
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is D/F#. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.