Barbara Allen
View chords used in this chart
Intro: D
verse 1
D A D
In Scarlet town where I was born
A D
There was a fair maid dwellin'
And every youth cry well away
A A7 D
And her name was Barbara Allen
verse 2
Was in the merry month of May
A A7 D
When green buds they were swelling
Sir William on his deathbed lay
A A7 D
For the love of Barbara Allen
verse 3
He sent a servant to the town
A D
To the place where she was dwellin'
Cried master bids you to his side
A A7 D
If your name be Barbara Allen
verse 4
Well Slowly slowly she got up
D7 A D
And slowly she went nigh him
And when she pulled the curtain back
A A7 D B7
Said Young man I think you're dying
Verse 5
E A E
Oh yes I'm sick I'm very sick
B7 E
And I will be no better
Until I've had the love of one
E7 B7 E
The love of Brarbra Allen
Verse 6
Now Father Father go dig my grave
B7 E
And make it deep and narrow
Sweet William died for me today
B7 E C#
I'll die for him tomorrow
Verse 7
F# C# F#
Well they buried her in the old courtyard
C# F#
Sir William's grave was nigh her
And from his heart there grew a rose
C# F#
And from her heart there grew a briar
Verse 8
C# F#
They grew and grew up the courtyard wall
C# C#7 F#
Till they could grow no higher
They grew as one no more two hearts
C# C#7 F#
Red red rose and the briar
C# F# D#m7 C# F#
The red red rose and Barbra Allen
How to play Barbara Allen
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.