American Tradition
View chords used in this chart
Intro D F#m E A (2x)
verse 1
D F#m E A
He wants to lift weights like a fighter
D F#m E A
We put the medals on the wall
D F#m E A
In the room of starving vultures
D F#m E A
Gold trophies, he got ‘em all
verse 2
D F#m E A
He wants to be just like his father
D F#m E A
We play the knife game on the table
D F#m E A
I bleed to death, it doesn't matter
D F#m E A
Cuz my baby, he's still the winner
[Refrão] D F#m E
He holds me in his arms but it’s no good
D F#m E
Things don’t go like they should
D F#m E
He holds me in his arms but it’s no good
D F#m E
Things don’t go like they should
verse 3
D F#m E A
Sleep on the carpet through the night
D F#m E A
We're living off a TV dinner
D F#m E A
Hanging me up by his gold chain
D F#m E A
He used to be a hockey player
verse 4
D F#m E A
I used to be a figure skater
D F#m E A
Cutting my leg with the blade
D F#m E A
In the blue and red arena
D F#m E A
Trying to pretend we're the same
[Refrão] D F#m E
He holds me in his arms but it’s no good
D F#m E
Things don’t go like they should
D F#m E
He holds me in his arms but it’s no good
D F#m E
Things don’t go like they should
How to play American Tradition
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. 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.