The Swimming Song
View chords used in this chart
[Intro] G Em C D7 G
G
This summer I went swimming
D2 Em
This summer I might have drowned
C
But I held my breath and I kicked my feet
D2 Em D7 G
And I moved my arms around, I moved my arms around
(Repeat Chord structure)
G
This summer I swam in the ocean
D2 Em
And I swam in a swimming pool
C
Salt my wounds, chlorine my eyes
D2 Em D7 G
I'm a self-destructive fool, a self-destructive fool
G
This summer I swam in a public place
D2 Em
And a reservoir, to boot
C
At the latter I was informal
D2 Em D7 G
At the former I wore my suit, I wore my swimming suit
G
This summer I did the backstroke
D2 Em
And you know that's not all
C
I did the breast stroke and the butterfly
D2 Em D7 G
And the old Australian crawl, the old Australian crawl
G
This summer I did swan dives
D2 Em
And jackknifes for you all
C
And once when you weren't looking
D2 Em D7 G
I did a cannonball, I did a cannonball
How to play The Swimming Song
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 G. 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.