I Got Stripes
View chords used in this chart
KEY: D
D A
On a Monday I was arrested
D
On a Tuesday they locked me in jail
A
On a Wednesday my trial was attested
D
On a Thursday they said guilty and the judge's gavel fell
A
I got stripes, stripes around my shoulders
D
I got chains, chains around my feet
A
I got stripes, stripes around my shoulders
D
And them chains, them chains, they're 'bout to drag me down
On a Monday got my striped breeches
On a Tuesday got my ball and chain
On a Wednesday I'm workin' diggin' ditches
On a Thursday lawd I beg 'em not to knock me down again
I got stripes, stripes around my shoulders
I got chains, chains around my feet
I got stripes, stripes around my shoulders
And them chains, them chains, they're 'bout to drag me down
E B7
On a Monday Mama came to see me
E
On a Tuesday they caught me with a file
B7
On a Wednesday I'm down in solitary
E
On a Thursday lawd I start on bread and water for a while
B7
I got stripes, stripes around my shoulders
E
I got chains, chains around my feet
B7
I got stripes, stripes around my shoulders
E
And them chains, them chains, they're 'bout to drag me down
How to play I Got Stripes
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 D. 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.