Southern Man
View chords used in this chart
Dm Bb Gm Dm Bb Bm
Dm Fmaj7/C
Southern man, better keep your head,
Bb G7
don't forget what your Good Book says.
Dm Fmaj7/C
Southern change gonna come at last,
Bb G7 Dm
now your crosses are burnin' fast, southern man.
Bb Gm Dm Bb Gm
Dm Bb Gm
I saw cotton and I saw black,
Dm Bb Gm
tall white mansions and little shacks;
Dm Bb Gm
southern man when will you pay them back?
A
I heard screamin' and bull rips crackin'.
How long, how long? Ah!
Dm Bb Gm Dm Bb Bm
Southern man, better keep your head,
don't forget what your Good Book says.
Southern change gonna come at last,
now your crosses are burnin' fast, southern man.
Lillie Bell, your hair is golden brown,
I've seen your black man comin' round,
swear by God, I'm gonna cut him down!
I heard screamin' and bull whips crackin'.
How long, how long? Ah!
(Repeat and fade)
Dm Bb Gm Dm Bb Gm
How to play Southern Man
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 Dm. 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.