Say A Prayer
View chords used in this chart
verse 1
C Am C Am
Just married and the world seemed new.
C Am C Am
It was August 1942 (say a prayer, Maryann)
F Dm
He was the Bosun on the cruiser Canberra
F Dm C
The young woman’s name was Mary Ann.
C Am C Am
Say a prayer for a lonely sailor. (say a prayer, Maryann)
verse 2
C Am C Am
On the docks there were children waving. (say a prayer, Maryann)
C Am C Am
To the boys of His Majesty’s Navy (say a prayer, Maryann)
F Dm
They set sail for the Solomon Islands
F Dm C
There to fight for an airstrip at Henderson Field.
C Am C Am
Say a prayer for a lonely sailor. (say a prayer, Maryann)
verse 3
C Am C Am
A rainy night and the wind blew sombre. (say a prayer, Maryann)
C Am C Am
They anchored north of Manamatomba (say a prayer, Maryann)
F Dm
Around the point of Savo Island
F Dm C
Four Jap destroyers* with their eight-inch guns ablaze.
C Am C Am
Not a prayer for the cruiser Canberra. (say a prayer, Maryann)
verse 4
C Am C Am
I went down to the beach last Sunday. (say a prayer, Maryann)
C Am C Am
Took my nephew for a swim at Manly. (say a prayer, Maryann)
F Dm
On a bench among the seagulls
F Dm C
An old woman sat staring out to sea.
C Am C Am
Say a pray for a lonely sailor. (say a prayer, Maryann)
Outtro
C Am C Am
Say a pray for a lonely sailor. (say a prayer, Maryann)
C Am C Am
Say a pray for a lonely sailor. (say a prayer, Maryann)
How to play Say A Prayer
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.