King Of California
View chords used in this chart
C C/G
Well, I left my home and my one true love
C G4 Am7
East of the Ohio River
C C/G
My father said we'd never wed
C G4 Am7
For I had me no gold nor silver
Em Fadd9
But my darling dear, please shed no tears
C G4 Am7
But I think that it's fair to warn you
Fadd9 C G4 Am7
That I return to claim your hand
Em Fadd9 C
As the King of California
C C/G
Over deserts hot and mountains cold
C G4 Am7
I traveled the Indian country
C C/G
Whispering your name under lonesome skies
C G4 Am7
Remembering my only company
Em Fadd9
But my darling dear, have no fears
C G4 Am7
But I think that it's fair to warn you
Fadd9 C G4 Am7
That I return to claim your hand
Em F/add9 C
As the King of California
C C/G
I went up from Sacramento town
C G4 Am7
To the Sierra gold fields
C C/G
And I worked my stake on a riverbank
C G4 Am7
Dreaming just how a rich man feels
Em Fadd9
But my darling dear, listen here
C G4 Am7
But I think that it's fair to warn you
Fadd9 C G4 Am7
That I return to claim your hand
Em Fadd9 C
As the King of California
C C/G
Now, the dead man's lying at my feet
C G4 Am7
Who tried to steal my earnings
C C/G
Yet, I still recall your tender kiss
C G4 Am7
Though this bullet in my chest is burning
Em Fadd9
But my darling dear, please have no fear
C G4 Am7
But I think that it's fair to warn you
Fadd9 C G4 Am7
That I return to claim your hand
Em Fadd9 C
As the King of California
Fadd9 C G4 Am7
But I'll I return to claim your hand
Em Fadd9 C
As the King of California
How to play King Of California
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 C. 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.