Vietnam Song
View chords used in this chart
E
Well, come on all of you big strong men
A
Uncle Sam needs your help, again
E
He got himself in a terrible jam
A
Way down yonder in Vietnam
F#7
Put down your books and pick up a gun
E A
We're gonna have a whole lotta fun
B7 E7 A
And it's 1 - 2 - 3, what are we fightin' for?
E7 A
Don't ask me I don't give a damn, the next stop is Vietnam
B7 E7 A
And it's 5 - 6 - 7, open up the pearly gates
F#7 B7
Well, there ain't no time to wonder why
E7 A
whoopee! - we're all gonna die
E
Now come on Wall Street, don't be slow
A
Why man, this's war a-go-go
E
There's plenty good money to be made
A
Supplyin' the army with the tools of the trade
F#7
Just hope and pray that when they drop the bomb
E A
They drop it on the Viet Cong
B7 E7 A
And it's 1 - 2 - 3, what are we fightin' for?
E7 A
Don't ask me I don't give a damn, the next stop is Vietnam
B7 E7 A
And it's 5 - 6 - 7, open up the pearly gates
F# B7
Well, there ain't no time to wonder why
E7 A
whoopee! - we're all gonna die
E
Now come on generals, let's move fast
A
Your big chance is here at last
E
At night you go out and get those reds
A
Cause the only good commie is one that's dead
F#7
You know that peace can only be won
E A
When you blow 'em all to kingdom come
B7 E7 A
And it's 1 - 2 - 3, what are we fightin' for?
E7 A
Don't ask me I don't give a damn, the next stop is Vietnam
B7 E7 A
And it's 5 - 6 - 7, open up the pearly gates
F#7 B7
Well, there ain't no time to wonder why
E7 A
whoopee! - we're all gonna die
*Interlude* (verse)
B7 E7 A
And it's 1 - 2 - 3, what are we fightin' for?
E7 A
Don't ask me I don't give a damn, the next stop is Vietnam
B7 E7 A
And it's 5 - 6 - 7, open up the pearly gates
F#7 B7
Well, there ain't no time to wonder why
E7 A
whoopee! - we're all gonna die
E
Now come on mothers throughout the land
A
Pack your boys off to Vietnam
E
Come on fathers, don't hesitate
A
Send your sons off before it's too late
F#7
Be the first one on your block
E A
To have your boy come home in a box
B7 E7 A
And it's 1 - 2 - 3, what are we fightin' for?
E7 A
Don't ask me I don't give a damn, the next stop is Vietnam
B7 E7 A
And it's 5 - 6 - 7, open up the pearly gates
F#7 B7
Well, there ain't no time to wonder why
E7 A
whoopee! - we're all gonna die...
How to play Vietnam 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 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.