performed
View chords used in this chart
A7 - 2 - / / D / / / 2 / / / 3
G
They took the whole Cherokee nation
D
Put us on this reservation
(for rest of verse, repeat pattern of above 2 lines):
Took away our ways of life
The tomahawk and the Bowie knife
Took away our native tongue
And taught their English to our young
And all the beads we made by hand
Are nowadays made in Japan
CHORUS:
G (break) / D (break) /
Cherokee people, Cherokee tribe
G (break) / A7 D
So proud to live, so proud to die
Verse 2:
They took the whole Indian nation
Locked us on this reservation
Though I wear a shirt and tie
I'm still a red man deep inside
(chorus)
Verse 3:
But maybe someday when they've learned
The Cherokee nation will return
(vocal crescendo):
D
Will return, will return, will return, will return!
How to play performed
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 A7. 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.