When I
View chords used in this chart
C
When I... When I was a boy
F C
I was careless and I was foolish and I treated life as if it were a toy
F Am F
Yeah I was careless and I was foolish and I treated life as if it were a little baby's toy
G
Oh boy oh boy
C
When I... When I was a man
F C
I shoveled off my boyish ways and set about to learn the best I can
F Am F
But all the wicked ways of this old world were just so hard to understand
G
Oh man oh man
F G Am
But if you're stepping hard you're bound to make some noise
F G C
And if you're cryin' well then I hope you're overjoyed
F G Am
And if you're lacking let me give you what I have
G
'Cause I've got your back
C
On a common path
C F C F Am F G
C
When I... When I was in love
F C
I would count my blessings daily as it seemed they fell upon me from above
F Am F
But somehow time had tricked me to believing that it just wasn't enough
G
And I fucked it up
F G Am
But if you're stepping hard you're bound to make some noise
F G C
And if you're cryin' well then I hope you're overjoyed
F G Am
And if you're lacking let me give you what I have
G
'Cause I've got your back
F C
And I always have
F C (8x)
How to play When I
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.