Sixteen Going On Seventeen
View chords used in this chart
G C Am D G
You wait, little girl, on an empty stage, for fate to turn the light on.
C Am D G
Your life, little girl, is an empty page that men will want to write on.
Am - D
To write on...
G D G Em E
1. You are sixteen going on seventeen, baby, it's time to think,
Am G C Am D - D7
better beware, be canny and careful, baby, you're on the brink
G D G E
You are sixteen going on seventeen, fellows will fall in line,
Am G Am D G
eager young lads and roues and cads will offer you food and wine.
C Am G G7 C
Totally unprepared are you to face a world of men,
C Am G D A - D7
timid and shy and scared are you of things beyond your ken.
G D G D - D7
You'll need someone older and wiser telling you what to do,
G D Am D G - D
I am seventeen going on eighteen, I'll take care of you !
G D G E
2. I am sixteen going seventeen I know that I'm naïve,
Am G C Am D - D7
fellows I meet may tell me I'm sweet, and willingly I believe.
G D G E
I am sixteen going seventeen, innocent as a rose.
Am G Am D G
bachelor dandies, drinkers of brandies, what do I know of those ?
C Am G G7 C
Totally unprepared am I to face a world of men,
C Am G D A - D7
timid and shy and scared am I of things beyond my ken.
G D G D - D7
I need someone older and wiser, telling me what to do,
G D Am D G
you are seventeen going on eighteen I'll depend on you!
How to play Sixteen Going On Seventeen
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 G. 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.