The Old Dope Peddler
View chords used in this chart
The Old Dope Peddler
by Tom Lehrer
C Bb7 A7
When the shades of night are falling,
Dm G7 C
Comes a fellow ev'ryone knows,
C#dim Dm
It's the old dope peddler,
C G7 C G7 c G7
Spreading joy wherever he goes.
C Bb7 A7
Ev'ry evening you will find him,
Dm G7 C
A-round our neighborhood.
C#dim Dm
It's the old dope peddler
C G7 c c7
Doing well by doing good.
F Em
He gives the kids free samples,
Dm C
Be-cause he knows full well
Dm G7 A7
That to-day's young innocent faces
D7 Dm7 G7
Will be to-morrow's clientele.
C Bb7 A7
Here's a cure for all your troubles,
Dm G7 C
Here's an end to all dis-tress.
C#dim Dm
It's the old dope peddler
C G7 C
With his powdered ha-happiness.
How to play The Old Dope Peddler
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.