East Virginia
View chords used in this chart
verse 1
Am D Am
I was born in East Virginia,
Dm Am
North Carolina I did roam.
A A7 D
There I met a fair pretty maiden;
Am E7 Am Asus2 Am Asus2
Her name and age I do not know.
verse 2
Am D Am
Her hair it was of a brightsome color
Dm Am
And her lips of ruby red.
A A7 D
On her breast she wore white lilies;
Am E7 Am Asus2 Am Asus2
There I longed to lay my head.
verse 3
Am D Am
Well, in my heart you are my darlin',
Dm Am
At my door you are welcome in.
A A7 D
At my gate I'll meet you, my darlin';
Am E7 Am Asus2 Am Asus2
If your love I could only win.
verse 4
Am D Am
I'd rather be in some dark holler
Dm Am
Where the sun refused to shine
A A7 D
Than to see you be another man's darlin
Am E7 Am Asus2 Am Asus2
And to know that you'll never be mine.
Verse 5
Am D Am
Well, in the night I'm dreaming about you,
Dm Am
In the day I find no rest.
A A7 D
Just the thought of you, my darlin',
Am E7 Am Asus2 Am Asus2
Sends aching pains all through my breast.
Verse 6
Am D Am
Well, when I'm dead and in my coffin
Dm Am
With my feet turned toward the sun
A A7 D
Come and sit beside me, darlin',
Am E7 Am Asus2 Am Asus2 Am Asus2 Am
Come and think on the way you done.
How to play East Virginia
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 Am. 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.