Sopwith Camel
View chords used in this chart
Intro
Bm
Hmmm----they said the Camel was a wild thing,
D
Too much hand and she'd throw you
A
Too little nerve, and she'd own you.
Bm
But ride her true, and there was nothing in the sky could dance beside her.
[Verso 1]
Bm
There's a little bird out of Kingston way
D
With canvas wings and a heart for play
A
She'll buck and kick if your hand ain't true,
Bm
But she'll dance like fire in the morning blue
From fields below to the clouds on high,
D
She'll climb where only the brave will fly
A
With a rotary song and a devilish turn
Bm
She'll make careless pilots burn
[Refrão]
Bm
Sopwith Camel, wild and free,
D
She'll kill a fool in every degree
A
In proper hands, all would agree,
Bm
She's the deadliest thing you'll ever see
Sopwith Camel, climb on high,
D
Iron and canvas in a clear blue sky
A
Rein her right and let her sing,
F# Bm
She's the queen of the war machine
[Verso 2]
Bm
He had mud on his boots from the old trench lines,
D
Seen the troops break under smoke and mines
A
But he left the mire for the cold blue skies
Bm
and chose a machine with a will to fly
High over Ypres in the morning sunshine
D
He led five Camels in a proper line
A
As German DFW's came into view,
Bm
Albatros shadows were above them too
[Verso 3]
Bm
Down through the blue of the early morning light,
D
Thumbs on the trigger, eyes on the sight
A
A flash from below, then guns replied
Bm
And his Sopwith awoke and banked to the right
Roll her left, lean her right
D
Back through the clouds and out of sight
A
Splinters flew but the Camel sang true
Bm
And the cockpit shook as the Vickers cried
[Refrão]
Bm
Rat-ah-tat-tat Sopwith Camel, wild and free,
D
She'll kill a fool in every degree
A
In proper hands all would agree,
Bm
She's the deadliest thing you'll ever see
Sopwith Camel, way on high,
D
Iron and canvas in a clear blue sky
A
Rein her right and let her sing,
F# D Bm
She's the majesty of the war machine!
{Instrumental}
Bm Bm D D A A Bm
[Verso 4]
Bm
So raise a cheer for the flying few
D
With steady hands and hearts so true
A
They rode her high through fire and flame
Bm
And brought the Camel to lasting fame
From dawn patrol to the evening sun,
D
She kicked and climbed for everyone
A
But in proper hands with a daring smile,
F# Bm
That old Sopwith could dance in style
[Refrão]
Bm
Sopwith Camel, wild and free,
D
She'll kill a fool in every degree
A
In proper hands, all would agree,
Bm
She's the deadliest thing you'll ever see
Sopwith Camel, climb on high,
D
Iron and canvas in a clear blue sky
A
Rein her right and let her sing,
F# Bm
She's the queen of the war machine
Outro
D A Bm
She was no machine for the careless
Bm Bm
Hmmmm Hmmmmmmm
How to play Sopwith Camel
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 Bm. 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.