The Entertainer
View chords used in this chart
[Verso 1]
C F
I am the entertainer and I know just where I stand
F C/E F G
Another Serenader and another long-haired band
C F
Today I am your champion, I may have won your hearts
Fmaj7 G
But I know the game, you'll forget my name
Dm Fmaj7
And I won't be here in another year
G C
If I don't stay on the charts
[Verso 2]
C F
I am the entertainer and I've had to pay my price
F C/E F G
The things I did not know at first I learned by doin' twice
C F
Ah, but still they come to haunt me, still they want their say
Fmaj7 G
So I've learned to dance with a hand in my pants
Dm Fmaj7
I let 'em rub my neck and I write 'em a check
G C
And they go their merry way
[Verso 3]
C F
I am the entertainer, been all around the world
F C/E F G
I've played all kinds of palaces and laid all kinds of girls
C F
I can't remember faces, I don't remember names
Fmaj7 G
Ah, but what the hell, You know it's just as well
Dm Fmaj7
'Cause after a while and a thousand miles
G C
It all becomes the same
[Verso 4]
C F
I am the entertainer, I bring to you my songs
F C/E F G
I'd like to spend a day or two, but I can't stay that long
C F
No, I've got to meet expenses, I got to stay in line
Fmaj7 G
Gotta get those fees to the agencies
Dm F
And I'd love to stay but there's bills to pay
G C
So I just don't have the time
[Verso 5]
C F
I am the entertainer, I come to do my show
F C/E F G
You've heard my latest record, it's been on the radio
C F
Ah, it took me years to write it, they were the best years of my life
Fmaj7 G
It was a beautiful song, but it ran too long
Dm F
If you're gonna have a hit, you gotta make it fit
G C
So they cut it down to 3:05
[Verso 6]
C F
I am the entertainer, the idol of my age
F C/E F G
I make all kinds of money when I go on the stage
C F
Ah, you've seen me in the papers, I've been in the magazines
Fmaj7 G
But if I go cold I won't get sold
Dm F
I'll get put in the back in the discount rack
G C
Like another can of beans
[Verso 7]
C (let ring) F (let ring)
I am the entertainer, and I know just where I stand
F (let ring) C/E F G
Another Serenader and another long-haired band
C (let ring) F (let ring)
Today I am your champion, I may have won your hearts
Fmaj7 G
But I know the game, you'll forget my name
Dm Fmaj7
I won't be here in another year
G C
If I don't stay on the charts
How to play The Entertainer
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.