Billy
View chords used in this chart
verse 1
E
Billy left on Friday night with twenty dollars cash
E
Had a thousand more and a diamond on his hand when he got back
A
I don't know just where Billy got that dough
E
Saturday he spent in style
E
Drinks were on the house
E
Lincoln here, and a Jackson there
E
Suspicions were aroused
E
A dime was dropped and a name was named
E
A body soon was found
E
A travelin' Bible salesman on his monthly trip to town
A
Three bullet holes
E
A .38 done took his soul
A
What do you know
B
No diamond ring no money roll
verse 2
A
A quick investigation
A
They dragged Billy to the station
E
And broke him down with the third degree
A
His alibi unraveled
A
Judge Riley banged his gavel
F# B
A 12-man jury all agreed
Bm A
So he must be guilty
verse 3
E
I knew Billy spent that night
E
Winning big at cards
E
And the salesman was a married man
E
Who broke my sisters heart
E
Billy sits in Levenworth
E
Waiting for the gas
E
And I know lots of other things
G
But no one ever asked
A
So they'll never know
E
Swear to God they'll never know
A B
Case is closed, that's how the story will be told
Outro
E
How to play Billy
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 E. 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.