Stagger Lee
View chords used in this chart
Stagger Lee:Lloyd Price.
#7 in UK and #1 USA in 1959.
(Song is alleged to be based on a true story.)
INTRO:(Slow) (Capo 1st fret.)
C F C
The night was clear, and the moon was yellow..
G7 C
And the leaves came tumblin' down...
#1.(fast, rock.)
C C7
I was standin' on the corner,
F
When I heard my bull dog bark.
C
He was barkin' at the two men
G7 C G7
Who were gamblin' in the dark.
C C7
It was Stagger Lee and Billy,
F7
Two men who gambled late.
C
Stagger lee threw a seven,
G7 C G7
Billy swore that he threw eight.
#2.
C
Stagger Lee, said Billy,
F
I can't let you go with that.
C
You have won all my money,
G7 C G7
And my brand-new Stetson hat.
C
Stagger Lee went home,
F
And he got his forty-four.
C
He said, I'm goin' to the barroom
G7 C
Just to pay that debt I owe.
G7
(Go, Stagger Lee.)
#3.
C
Stagger Lee went to the barroom,
F
And he stood across the barroom door.
C G7 C G7
He said, Nobody move, and he pulled his .44.
C
Stagger Lee, cried Billy,
F
Oh, please don't take my life!
C
I've got three little children,
G7 C G7
And a very sickly wife.
#4.
C
Stagger Lee shot Billy.
F
Oh, he shot that poor boy so bad..
C
That the bullet went through Billy
G7 C
And broke the bartender's glass.
G7
(Look out now.)
ADD:
C C7 F7
Go, Stagger Lee..go, Stagger Lee..go, Stagger Lee..
C G7 C
Go, Stagger Lee..go, go...Fade.
A fifties smash from Kraziekhat.
How to play Stagger Lee
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.