Johns Song
View chords used in this chart
[Verso 1]
D D/F# Gadd9
I was working in Heuston Station, like my da and his before him
D D/F# Aadd11
Trying to pass the time before the bell
D D/F# Gadd9
When a poor hand and a bad joke sent me down to the Phoenix Park
D Aadd11 D
To join the Royal Dublin Fusiliers
[Refrão]
Gadd9 D Aadd11
Do the boys still run down to see me when they hear the whistle blow?
Gadd9 D Aadd11
Does my sister still resent me now that I must wear a rose?
Gadd9 Bm7
Well, I hope that this letter will find you in good health
Aadd11 D
With all my love, your fond son John
[Verso 2]
D D/F# Gadd9
Well, my da pulled into the station, so I went to meet him there
D D/F# Aadd11
Told him to thank you for the cigarettes and a cake
D D/F# Gadd9
I was downhearted when he pulled out, and again I said goodbye
D Aadd11 D
And I headed back with the old youghal road
[Refrão]
Gadd9 D Aadd11
Do the boys still run down to see me when they hear the whistle blow?
Gadd9 D Aadd11
Does my sister still resent me now that I must wear a rose?
Gadd9 Bm7
Well, I'm headed for northern France to a river they call the Somme
Aadd11 D
With all my love, your fond son John
Instrumental:
| 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
|=========|=========|=========|=========|
| D | D/F# | Gadd9 | Gadd9 |
| 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
|=========|=========|=========|=========|
| D | D/F# | Aadd11 | Aadd11 |
| 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
|=========|=========|=========|=========|
| D | D/F# | Gadd9 | Gadd9 |
| 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
|=========|=========|=========|=========|
| D | Aadd11 | D | D |
[Verso 3]
D D/F# Gadd9
Oh my son, I got your letters, I'm glad that you are well
D D/F# Aadd11
I miss you every night and every day
D D/F# Gadd9
And I wanted to send some money but times at home are hard
D Aadd11 D
It's so quiet along the Liffey without you here
[Refrão]
Gadd9 D Aadd11
And yes, the boys still run down to see you when they hear the whistle blow
Gadd9 D Aadd11
And your sister did forgive you for she knows you did not go
Gadd9 Bm7
Mind yourself a holy home and have your dinner alone
Aadd11 D
With all my love, fond son John
[Verso 4]
D D/F# Gadd9
John he never came home, he died at twenty-one
D D/F# Aadd11
They couldn't find his body in the mud
D D/F# Gadd9
But there's a headstone up in Thiepval, inscribed as Private Gannon
D Aadd11 Gadd9 D/F# Em7 D
Son of Hugh and Ellen of Inchicore
How to play Johns Song
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.