Three chords and the truth. That’s all you need. So it is with John Denver’s classic.
The original recording is in G, but it’s SO easy in C that I had to just use it instead. If you want to transpose: C = G, F = C, G7 = D7.
This is a perfect song for beginning players that I often teach in basic lessons. It’s also a great challenge for more advanced players to try and figure out the chords by ear.
C F
All my bags are packed I'm ready to go
C F
I'm standing here outside your door
C F G7
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
C F
But the dawn is breaking it's early morn
C F
The taxi's waitin' he's blownin' his horn
C F G7
Already I'm so lonesome I could die
Chorus:
C F
So kiss me and smile for me
C F
Tell me that you'll wait for me
C F G7
Hold me like you'll never let me go
C F
Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
C F
Don't know when I'll be back again
C F G7
Oh, babe I hate to go
C F
There's is many times I've let you down
C F
So many time I've played around
C F G7
I tell you now they don't mean a thing
C F
Every place I go I'll think of you
C F
Every song I sing I'll sing for you
C F G7
When I come back I'll bring your wedding ring
Chorus>
C F
Now the time come to leave you
C F
One more time let me kiss you
C F G7
Then close your eyes I'll be on my way
C F
Dream about the days to come
C F
When I won't have to leave alone
C F G7
About the times I won't have to say
Chorus>