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Jokerman

Chords

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#----------------------------------PLEASE NOTE---------------------------------#
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------##
Jokerman
By Bob Dylan
BbStandin' on the water BbM7casting your bread,
Cm/                               Bb                F/Bb       Bb    Eb/Bb  
While the eyes of the idol with the iron head are glowing.
BbDistant ships sailin' BbM7into the mist,
         Cm/                             Bb  F/Bb  
You were born with a snake in both of your fists,
While a hurricane was Bbblowing.
Cm7Freedom, just Faround the corner for you.Bb  
But with trutCm7h so far off, Fwhat good would it doBb?Eb  
Chorus
FJokerman dance to the Ebnightingale's tune.
BbBird fly F/Ahigh by the Eb/Glight of the Ebmoon.
Bb/DOh, oh, Eb6oh      FJokBberman.
So swiftly the sun sets in the sky,
You rise up and say goodbye to no one.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread,
Both of their futures so full of dread,
You don't show one.
Shedding off one more layer of skin.
Keeping one step ahead of the persecutor within.
Chorus
You're a man of the mountains, you can walk on the clouds,
Manipulator of crowds,
You're a dream twister.
You go to Sodom and Gomorrah, but what do you care?
Ain't nobody there would want to marry your sister.
A friend to the martyr, a friend to the woman of shame.
You look into the fiery furnace - see the rich man without any name.
Chorus
Well the book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy,
The law of the jungle and the sea,
Are your only teachers.
In the smoke of the twilight --- on a milk-white steed,
Michelangelo indeed could have carved out your features.
Resting in the fields far from the turbulent space.
Half asleep neath the stars with a small dog licking your face.
Chorus
Well the (mafia?) man stalkin' the sick and the lame,
Preacher man seeks the same,
Who'll get there first is uncertain.
Matchsticks and water cannons --- teargas, padlocks,
Molotav cocktails and rocks,
Behind every curtain.
False-hearted judges dyin' in the webs that they spin.
Only a matter of time til night comes steppin' in.
Chorus
It's a shadowy world - skies are slippery grey,
A woman just gave birth to a prince today,
And dressed him in scarlet.
He'll put the priest in his pocket - put the blade to the heat,
Take the motherless children off the street,
And place them at the feet of a harlot.
Oh Jokerman you know what he wants.
Oh Jokerman you don't show any response.
Chorus
He said that's alright babe,
I love you too.
But we were Tangled Up In Blue.
       - Bob Dylan

All chords in this song (12)

The story behind the song

"Jokerman" emerged from a mystical experience in the Caribbean islands, inspired by ancient shapes, shadows, and spirits known as jumbis. This song, from the album Infidels, is rich with biblical imagery and can also be interpreted as a political metaphor. It delves into complex themes, inviting the listener to explore its layers of meaning. Playing this song is like channeling an ancient, enigmatic wisdom.

AI-written from these sources:Jokerman (song) — Wikipedia ↗Bob Dylan — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

🎸 Tips from players

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Chord Book

670,000+ free guitar chords · free-chords.com

Jokerman

by Bob Dylan

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

BbM7

F/Bb

Eb/Bb

Cm7

F/A

Eb/G

Bb/D

Eb6

#----------------------------------PLEASE NOTE---------------------------------#

#------------------------------------------------------------------------------##

Jokerman

By Bob Dylan

Bb BbM7

Standin' on the water casting your bread,

Cm Bb F/Bb Bb Eb/Bb

While the eyes of the idol with the iron head are glowing.

Bb BbM7

Distant ships sailin' into the mist,

Cm Bb F/Bb

You were born with a snake in both of your fists,

While a hurricane was blowing.

Cm7 F Bb

Freedom, just around the corner for you.

Cm7 F Bb Eb

But with truth so far off, what good would it do?

Chorus

F Eb

Jokerman dance to the nightingale's tune.

Bb F/A Eb/G Eb

Bird fly high by the light of the moon.

Bb/D Eb6 F Bb

Oh, oh, oh Jokerman.

So swiftly the sun sets in the sky,

You rise up and say goodbye to no one.

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread,

Both of their futures so full of dread,

You don't show one.

Shedding off one more layer of skin.

Keeping one step ahead of the persecutor within.

Chorus

You're a man of the mountains, you can walk on the clouds,

Manipulator of crowds,

You're a dream twister.

You go to Sodom and Gomorrah, but what do you care?

Ain't nobody there would want to marry your sister.

A friend to the martyr, a friend to the woman of shame.

You look into the fiery furnace - see the rich man without any name.

Chorus

Well the book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy,

The law of the jungle and the sea,

Are your only teachers.

In the smoke of the twilight --- on a milk-white steed,

Michelangelo indeed could have carved out your features.

Resting in the fields far from the turbulent space.

Half asleep neath the stars with a small dog licking your face.

Chorus

Well the (mafia?) man stalkin' the sick and the lame,

Preacher man seeks the same,

Who'll get there first is uncertain.

Matchsticks and water cannons --- teargas, padlocks,

Molotav cocktails and rocks,

Behind every curtain.

False-hearted judges dyin' in the webs that they spin.

Only a matter of time til night comes steppin' in.

Chorus

It's a shadowy world - skies are slippery grey,

A woman just gave birth to a prince today,

And dressed him in scarlet.

He'll put the priest in his pocket - put the blade to the heat,

Take the motherless children off the street,

And place them at the feet of a harlot.

Oh Jokerman you know what he wants.

Oh Jokerman you don't show any response.

Chorus

He said that's alright babe,

I love you too.

But we were Tangled Up In Blue.

- Bob Dylan

About Jokerman Chords by Bob Dylan

Learn how to play Jokerman by Bob Dylan with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Jokerman chords”, “Jokerman guitar chords”, or “Bob Dylan Jokerman chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Jokerman chords and for experienced players who want accurate Jokerman lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Bb, BbM7, Cm, F/Bb, Eb/Bb, Cm7.

FAQ — Jokerman by Bob Dylan

How do I play "Jokerman" by Bob Dylan on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Jokerman" by Bob Dylan on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Jokerman" by Bob Dylan free?

Yes. The chords for "Jokerman" by Bob Dylan are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Jokerman" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Jokerman" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Jokerman"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Jokerman" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Jokerman" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Jokerman" by Bob Dylan with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Bob Dylan below.

What key is "Jokerman" in?

The chords for "Jokerman" show the original chord names (including Bb, BbM7, Cm, F/Bb, Eb/Bb, Cm7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.