Happy Birthday Johnny
View chords used in this chart
verse 1
Bb
Remember one Christmas I gave you Jim Carroll
Bb/A
Intended it as a cautionary tale
Gm
You said you saw yourself inside there
F
Dog-eared it like a how-to manual
Bb
Remember one summer we walked in Times Square
Bb/A
I showed you the zombies with hundred-inch stares
Gm
You took a Bic, set your hotel on fire
F
We took the blame, took the bags to the train
[Refrão]
Eb F
Happy Birthday, Johnny
Gb Gm F
Wherever you are
Eb F
Happy Birthday, Johnny
Bb
Wherever you are
verse 2
Bb
The last time you called it was on New Years' Eve
Bb/A
You asked me for dough to get somethin' to eat
Gm
Since we last spoke, you live on the street
F
Yeah, I wouldn't believe all the shit that you seen
[Refrão]
Eb F
Happy New Year, Johnny
Gb Gm F
Is it 23?
Eb F
Happy New Year, Johnny
Bb
Are the lights on the trees?
verse 3
Bb
When I said, Let me think, and you yelled through your teeth
Bb/A
Accused me of actin' like all royalty
Gm
Always for show, no true charity
F
You saw me on magazines and TV
verse 4
Bb
But if they only knew the real version of me
Bb/A
Only you know the secrets, the swamp, and the fear
Gm
What happened to blood, our family?
F
Annie, how could you do this to me?
Outro
Eb F Gb Gm F
Of course, I blame me
Eb F
When you get free, Johnny
Bb
I hope you find peace
How to play Happy Birthday Johnny
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.