If I only had a Brain
View chords used in this chart
D7 G Am 7 Bm7 C
I could while away the hours conferrin' with the flowers,
G Am7 Bm Bbm7
Consulting with the rain;
C C/B Am7 Am7/G D D/C D/B
And my head I'd be a scratchin' while my thoughts were busy hatchin'
D7 G Am7 Bm7 D9 D7
if I only had a brain.
D7 G Am 7 Bm7 C
I'd unravel ev'ry riddle for any individdle
G Am7 Bm7 Bbm7
In trouble or in pain
C C/B Am7 Am7/G D D/C D/B
With the thoughts that I'd be thinkin', I could be another Lincoln
D7 G Am7 G G7
if I only had a brain.
Bridge:
C Cdim Bm7/5- E7 Am7 Dm7 D7 G G/F# Em
Oh, I -- could tell you why -- the ocean's near the shore,
F#m7 B7 Em B+
I could think of things I'd never thunk before,
A7 D D7
And then I'd sit and think some more.
D7 G Am 7 Bm7 C
I would not be just a nuffin', my head all full of stuffin',
G Am7 Bm7 Bbm7
My heart all full of pain;
C C/B Am7 Am7/G D D/C D/B
And perhaps I'd deserve you and be even worthy erv you
D7 G Am7 Bm7 Am7 G
If I only had a brain.
No, Ray Bolger was not the only voice on the song, and yes, it does have two other verses as written and as performed in the movie. This is merely an arrangement I happen to like.
The lyric and guitar chord transcriptions on this site are the work of The Guitarguy and are intended for private study, research, or educational purposes only. Individual transcriptions are inspired by and and based upon the recorded versions cited, but are not necessarily exact replications of those recorded versions.
How to play If I only had a Brain
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 D7. 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.