The Hard Way
View chords used in this chart
The Hard Way:The Nashville Teens.
#45 on UK Rock Charts on DECCA Records
in 1966.
Intro: D G (x4)
#1.
D G D G D
Success don't come easy, so they say, cause
G D
I got mine.
G A
I got it the hard way, the hard way.
D G D G D G D
When I was five, I had to fight to keep alive.
Bm A
There was very little bread to eat..fifteen before
Bm
I tasted meat.
#2.
D G D G D
Teacher said that I had inhibitions..I was just
G D G
another case of malnutrition.
A
The hard way, ain't that the hard way?
D G D G D G
She let me live in the spare room, but when it
D G D Bb
rained the rain came through, through.
#3.
Eb Ab Eb Ab Eb
A song in my heart, a hole in my britches..I struck
Ab Eb Ab
out to find my riches.
Bb
Didn't have no place to scatter my loot..ain't no bucks
in a birthday suit.
Eb Ab Eb Ab Eb
The hard way..ain't that the hard way?
#4.
Bb
Take your courage in your hands..stick to things you
understand..that's the way that's best..you will make
Ab Bb
success out of mess.
OUTRO:
Eb Ab Eb Ab Eb Ab Eb
Now, I drive a limousine..my shoes are keen, my suit's
Ab
always clean.
Bb
The hard way..I made it the hard way.
Eb Ab Eb Ab
I made it the hard way..I made it the hard way.
Eb Ab Eb Ab Eb
I made it the hard way..I made it..(Fade.)
A sixties smash from Kraziekhat.
How to play The Hard Way
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 D. 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.