Lili Marlene
View chords used in this chart
A F#m D9 E7
Underneath the lantern by the barrack gate
E7 D9 E E7 A
Darling I remember the way you used to wait
D Cdim A F#7
'Twas there that you whispered tenderly
D Cdim Bm7 F#7
That you lov'd me, you'd always be
D9 E7 A F#7 D9 E7 A
My Lilli of the lamplight, my own Lilli Marlene
A F#m D9 E7
Time would come for roll call, time for us to part
E7 D9 E E7 A
Darling I'd caress you and press you to my heart
D Cdim A F#7
And there 'neath that far off lantern light
D Cdim Bm7 F#7
I'd hold you tight we'd kiss goodnight
D9 E7 A F#7 D9 E7 A
My Lillie of the lamplight, my own Lilli Marlene
A F#m D9 E7
Orders came for sailing somewhere over there
E7 D9 E E7 A
All confined to barracks was more than I could bear
D Cdim A F#7
I knew you were waiting in the street
D Cdim A F#7
I heard your feet, but could not meet
D9 E7 A F#7 D9 E7 A
My Lillie of the lamplight, my own Lilli Marlene
A F#m D9 E7
Resting in a billet just behind the line
E7 D9 E E7 A
Even though we're parted, your lips are close to mine
D Cdim A F#7
You wait where that lantern softly gleams
D Cdim Bm7 F#7
Your sweet face seems to haunt my dreams
D9 E7 A F#7 D9 E7 A
My Lillie of the lamplight, my own Lilli Marlene
How to play Lili Marlene
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 A. 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.