An American Frigate
View chords used in this chart
[Verso 1]
A E A
An American frigate the "Richard" by name
D A
Mounting guns forty-four, from New York she came.
D A
For to cruise in the channel of old England's fame
E A
With a noble commander, Paul Jones was his name.
Refrain
E A
Hurrah! Our country forever, hurrah!
[Verso 2]
A E A
We had not sailed far before two sails we spied
D A
A stout forty-four and a twenty likewise,
D A
And forty bold shippin', all laden with store,
E A
As the convoy stood in for the old Yorkshire shore.
Refrain
E A
Hurrah! Our country forever, hurrah!
[Verso 3]
A E A
Our brave Captain Jones, to his men he did say:
D A
"Let ev'ryman fight a good battle today.
D A
We'll take that bold convoy in the height of her pride,
E A
'Fore the Richard shall founder and sink in the tide."
Refrain
E A
Hurrah! Our country forever, hurrah!
[Verso 4]
A E A
The battle rolled on until bold Pearson cried:
D A
"Have you struck your colors? Then come along side."
D A
But so far from thinkin' the battle was won,
E A
John-Paul Jones replied: "I have not yet begun"
Refrain
E A
Hurrah! Our country forever, hurrah!
[Verso 5]
A E A
We fought them four glasses, four glasses so hot,
D A
Till fifty bold sailors lay dead on the spot,
D A
And fifty-five others lay stretched in their gore,
E A
While the thundering cannons most fiercely did roar.
Refrain
E A
Hurrah! Our country forever, hurrah!
[Verso 6]
A E A
The Alliance bore down and the Richard did rake,
D A
Which caused the bold hearts of our seamen to ache;
D A
But our shot flew so hot, that they couldn't stand long,
E A
And the brave British colours came finally down.
Refrain
E A
Hurrah! Our country forever, hurrah!
How to play An American Frigate
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 A. 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.