The Ballad Of John Williams
View chords used in this chart
Afinação: E A D G B ETecla: BCapotraste: Sem capotraste
[Verse 1]
B E B F#
When last I saw John Williams, a young man full of pride
B F# B
To have his lovely bride of just four days was standing by his side
B E B F#
He laughed and slpped me on the back, said “Boyo can’t you see
B E B F# B
I’ve seen the last of windswept bogs and bogs the last of me!
E B E B F#
And the peelers and the landlords and the risings of the moon
B E B F# B
And if ever I return again, ’twill be too bloody soon”
[Chorus]
F# E B
Rich man , poor man, beggar man, wife
F# E B
Sailed away into the night
E B
Where they’ll end up no-one knows
B F# B
Round and round the story goes
[Verse 2]
B E B F#
He said “I’ll go and take my chance in far off New York Town
B E B F# B
For they say there’s lots of work there and the good ones won't stay down
B E B F#
And with my lassie by my side we’ll build a better home
B E B F# B
And when the sea trip’s over lad we never more will roam”
E B E B F#
So we said farewell upon the quay, there was nothing left to do
B E B
But to pray for John and his lovely bride, that their dreams
F# B
might all come true
[Chorus]
F# E B
Rich man , poor man, beggar man, wife
F# E B
Sailed away into the night
E B
Where they’ll end up no-one knows
B F# B
Round and round the story goes
[Verse 3]
B E B F#
How I envied you, John Williams, and your lovely fair haired bride
B E B F# B
To be sailing on that mighty ship across the ocean wide
B E B F#
For she’s the finest liner, that was ever built by man
B E B F# B
And they say there’s naught can sink her, no not even God’s own hand
E B E B F#
Man’s pride can be his own downfall, that big ship sailed form home
B E B
And I thought I heard the banshee cry, and it chilled me to the bone
[Chorus]
F# E B
Rich man , poor man, beggar man, wife
F# E B
Sailed away into the night
E B
Where they’ll end up no-one knows
B F# B
Round and round the story goes
B F# B
Round and round the story goes
How to play The Ballad Of John Williams
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 E. 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.