It Was A Very Good Year
View chords used in this chart
[Intro]d: Em F Em G F B7
Em F
When I was seventeen it was a very good year,
Em
It was a very good year
G F
For small town girls and soft summer nights.
E
We'd hide from the lights
D E
On the village green when I was seventeen.
Em F
When I was twentyone, it was a very good year,
Em
It was a very good year
G F
For city girls who lived up the stair,
E
With perfumed hair
D E
That came undone, when I was twenty-one.
Em F
When I was thirty-five it was a very good year,
Em
It was a very good year
G F
For blue blooded girls of independant means.
E
We'd ride in limousines
D E
Their chauffeurs would drive when I was thirty-five.
Em F
But now the days are short, I'm in the autumn of the year,
Em
And now I think of my life
G F
As vintage wine from the old kegs,
E
From the brim to the dregs
D E
It poured sweet and clear; it was a very good year!
How to play It Was A Very Good Year
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 Em. 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.