Fifty Years On
View chords used in this chart
Capo 4
INTRO: Am
verse 1
He was first one out of the landing craft
G Am
When the ramp hit the churning sand
He was first one out of the red-cross train
G
To the sound of the big brass band
C G
He was first in line for his demob suit
Am Em
When the war he'd fought was won
Am
Then he settled down, rebuilt his town
G Am
Thought his job was done
[Refrão]
G Am
Fifty years on, fifty years on
G
He's grown too old, his house is sold
C E
And all his money's gone
Am G
Like him, it's thrown to the nursing home
Am
Fifty years on
verse 2
She ferried fighters through the sky
G Am
She flew the big ones too
There was no job the air force had
G
She felt she couldn't do
C G
From dawn she'd toil with plug and coil
Am Em
Her scent was oily rag
Am
Her mad days and her salad days
G Am
Given to the flag
[Refrão]
G Am
Fifty years on, fifty years on
G
Her face is bruised, she's been abused
C E
And all her spirit's gone
Am G
He was just a child, but the kids are wild
Am
Fifty years on
BRIDGE
G Am
Fifty years on, fifty years gone
F C E
And they've lost a war they could have sworn they'd won
G Am
Fifty years on, fifty years gone
F C E
And the kids say please to the Japanese, can we work for the new Nippon
Am
Fifty years on
verse 3
Yes, the kids are wild and on the street
G Am
Fifty years on
But the courts are mild when they mug and beat
G
Fifty years on
C G
They were youngsters then, they were boys not men
Am Em
Girls who grew too fast
Am
They were our front line, now it's me and mine
G Am
And the old ones come last
[Refrão]
G Am
Fifty years on, fifty years on
G
They're fighting still, they always will
C E
But with so many gone
Am G
They stand with pride, but someone lied
Am
Fifty years on
BRIDGE
G Am
Fifty years on, fifty years gone
F C E
And they've lost a war they could have sworn they'd won
G Am
Fifty years on, fifty years gone
F C E
And the kids say please to the Japanese, can we work for the new Nippon
Am G
Fifty years on, time's passed
Am G
Fifty years on, they're last
Am
Fifty years on
How to play Fifty Years On
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.