Ben Franklins Song
View chords used in this chart
Intro: G C G C
verse 1
G
Electricity, yeah you can all thank me
C Am
Took some lightning, a kite, and a fat brass key
Bm C
And they’re putting up street lights in gay Paris
Am D G C
You’re welcome from our young nation
G
I’m the only American the French wanna see
C Am
They call me a genius, I can’t disagree
Bm C
They have guns, they have funds, they can set us free
Am D G
Invest in my reputation
[Refrão]
Am
And do you know who the fuck I am?
C
Yeah do you know who the fuck I am?
Am
Do you know who the fuck I am?
C G C
I am Poor-Richard's-Almanack-writing Benjamin fucking Franklin
verse 2
G
I said early to bed, bitches, early to rise
C Am
They make a man healthy, wealthy and wise
Bm C
Soldiers are fighting for freedom, they have no supplies
Am D G
So diplomacy happens at night
G
John Adams debates at the gates of Versailles
C Am
Ay, he whines and parades and awaits a reply
Bm C
As I stay up late with a succulent breast or a thigh
Am D G
Alright, diplomacy happens at night
[Refrão]
Am
And do you know who the fuck I am?
C
Yeah do you know who the fuck I am?
Am
Do you know who the fuck I am?
C G
I am seventy-six-and-I’ll-still-kick-your-ass fucking Franklin
Bridge
Em C
One pain that lingers, the hitch in my stride
Em C
Is my son back at home who I could not guide
Bm C
Who sits alone in a prison cell on the wrong side
Am D G C
Stands against our young nation
verse 3
G
So I play my ambassador part with pride
C Am
I am known in the world, and the world is wide
Bm
To my children, my sins may be magnified
C Am D G
But I’d do it all again, no hesitation
[Refrão]
Am
And do you know who the fuck I am?
C
Yeah do you know who the fuck I am?
Am
Do you know who the fuck I am?
C (Am)
I am Poor-Richard's-Almanack-writing Benjamin fucking Franklin
Outro
Am
(Do you know who the fuck I am?) who the fuck I am?
C
(Do you know who the fuck I am?) who the fuck I am?
Am
(Do you know who the fuck I am?)
C Am
I am Poor-Richard's-Almanack-writing, polymath, bifocal-wearing
Em Bb G
Hardened glass harmonica-playing Benjamin fucking Franklin
How to play Ben Franklins Song
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 G. 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.