Johnny Todd
View chords used in this chart
Intro: B E B F#7 B E B E B
Verse
E B
Johnny Todd he took a notion
E F#7 B
For to cross the ocean wide
E F#7
But he'd left his little love behind him
B E B
Walking by the Liverpool tide
Instrumental
B E B F#7 B E B E B
Verse
E B
For a week she wept with sorrow
E F#7 B
Tore her hair and wrung her hands
E F#7
Till she met another handsome sailor
B E B
Walking by the Liverpool sands
Instrumental
B E B F#7 B E B E B
Verse
E B
Why fair made are you a-weeping
E F#7 B
For your Johnny gone to sea?
E F#7
Johnny's gone and I am here beside you
B E B
And I will kind and constant be
Instrumental
B E B F#7
Verse
E B
I will buy you sheets and blankets
E F#7
I'll buy you a wedding ring
B E F#7
You shall have a little golden cradle
B E B
For to rock the baby in
Instrumental
B E B F#7 B E B E B
Verse
E B
Johnny Todd come home from sailing
E F#7 B
Sailing on the ocean wide
E F#7 B
And he found his little false and fair one
E B
Was another sailor's bride
Instrumental
B E B F#7 B E B E B
Verse
E B
Now all young lads who go a-sailing
E F#7 B
For to fight the foreign foe
E F#7
Never leave your own true love behind you
B E B
Marry her before you go
Outro
B E B E B
How to play Johnny Todd
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 B. 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.