Dear John Letter
View chords used in this chart
As recorded by Jean Shepard and Ferlin Husky
Written by Lewis Talley, Fuzzy Owen and Billy Barton
CHORUS
CAPO: 1st Fret/KEY: Bb/PLAY: A
A Dear John, Oh, how I E7 hate to write
Dear John, I must let you know A tonight
That my love for you has A7 died
Away, like D grass upon the lawn
And E7 tonight I'll wed another, Dear A John.
Narration: (Chorus melody played in background)
A I was overseas in battle
When the E7 postman came to me
And he handed me a letter
I was happy as can be A
For the fighting was all over
And the D battle just had been won
Then I E7 opened up the letter
And it started, Dear A John.
CHORUS
Narration:
Will you please send back my picture
My husband wants it now
When I tell you who I'm wedding
You won't care, dear, anyhow
Now the ceremony has started
And I'll wed your brother, Don
Will you wish us happiness, forever
Dear John.
CHORUS
How to play Dear John Letter
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 Bb. 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.