John Kanaka
View chords used in this chart
Intro:
F C F
(Melody of last line of verse)
[Verso 1]
F Bb F
I heard, I heard the old man say.
Bb Bbm F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
F Bb F
Today, Today is a holiday
Bb Bbm F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
F Dm F
Tu-lai-e, ooh! Tu-lai-e
F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
[Verso 2]
F Bb F
We'll work tomorrow, but no work today
Bb Bbm F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
F Bb F
We'll work tomorrow, but no work today
Bb Bbm F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
F Dm F
Tu-lai-e, ooh! Tu-lai-e
F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
[Verso 3]
F Bb F
We're bound away for 'Frisco bay'
Bb Bbm F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
F Bb F
We're bound away at the break of day
Bb Bbm F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
F Dm F
Tu-lai-e, ooh! Tu-lai-e
F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
[Verso 4]
F Bb F
We're bound away around Cape Horn
Bb Bbm F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
F Bb F
We wish to Christ we'd never been born
Bb Bbm F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
F Dm F
Tu-lai-e, ooh! Tu-lai-e
F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
[Verso 5]
F Bb F
Oh haul, oh haul, oh haul away,
Bb Bbm F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
F Bb F
Oh haul away and make your pay
Bb Bbm F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
F Dm F
Tu-lai-e, ooh! Tu-lai-e
F C F
John Kanaka-na-ka tu-lai-e
How to play John Kanaka
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 F. 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.