When We Were Young
View chords used in this chart
Capo 2
G
G
There were lions in my backyard
C G
gathered in a gilded cage
G
where the circus used to winter
C G
in its final golden age
Em Bm C G
we would talk talk talk about joining up when the big top came undone
D C
there were lions in my backyard
G
when we were young
G C G D x2
(Ahhh)
G
There were castles in my bedroom
C G
made from quilts and fitted sheets
G
Me and my brother we would guard them
C G
with our plastic figurines
Em Bm C G
From the top bunk we could see out over the green carpet ocean
D C
There were castles in my bedroom
G
when we were young
C G Em G
One thing can be said about the road that's traveled less
C G D
those who walk it live and love a little harder than the rest
C G Em C
and I'm digging through my past like it's a buried treasure chest
D
I'm looking for a little soul
D
I lost down the rabbit hole
D
oh we still go
D
like we was told
G C G D
when we were young
G C G D
when we were young
G C G D
when we were young
G C G D G
when we were young
G
There were starships made of crystal
C G
from my mother's chandelier
G
we would fly them through the hallways
C G
til the hallways disappeared
Em Bm C G
making patterns out past Saturn in the swirling cosmic dust
D C
there were starships made of crystal
G
when we were young
C G Em G
one thing can be said about the road that's traveled less
C G D
there's so many twists and turns you don't got time for the regrets
C G Em C
we come from punching our time clock until you're sorely out of breath
D
don't tell me when I'm done
D
when I'm finally grown up
D
cause we're still going
D
like we was told
G C G D
when we were young
G C G D
when we were young
G C G D
when we were young
G C G D
when we were young
G C G
the letter box, keystone cops, helicopter coronation
G C G
swirling sea, dragon's teeth, it's not just my imagination
G
there were lions in my backyard
G
when we were young
C G
when we were young
when we were young
How to play When We Were Young
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.