View chords used in this chart
Capo IV
 
Intro: Em - D\F# - Em (2x)
 
Em D\F# Em
Sam's leavin' on a midnight train
D\F# Em
Holes in is shoes, holes in his brain
D\F# Em
Holes in his hand where the money goes through
D\F# G
But an excuse to leave an a one-way ticket too
 
C G C G
Sam's leavin' town, Sam's leavin' town
C G C
Sam's leavin' town, Sam's leavin' town
Em
He lost control
 
Em - D\F# - Em (2x)
 
He tried to live his own rock 'n roll
But after many years he lost his self-control
Every band rehearsal turned out into a big fight
Now be smart, Sam, turn on you light
 
Sam's leavin' town, Sam's leavin' town (2x)
He lost control
 
Em - D\F# - Em (4x)
 
C G
He's got friends
C G
Can you call them friends?
C G
Got a home
C G
Can you call it a ho-o-ome
C G C G
I know you love only one-night stands
C G Am
Is that what you call rock 'n roll
Em
Oh rock 'n roll
 
Oh no
 
Em - D\F# - Em (4x)
 
So now, Sam's leavin' on a midnight train
Drunk and coked to the brim again
Boards the train to nowhere land
The final stop, the start of the end
 
C G C
Sam's leavin' town, Sam's leavin' town (3x)
C G Am Em
Sam's leavin' town, Sam's leavin' town

How to play Sam

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 Em. 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.

More chords by Tim Knol

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