The Only Living Boy In New York

Chords
5.01,767 votes
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
[Intro]
G
[Verse 1]
GTom, get your plane right oCn time
GI know your part'll gCo fine
GFly down to MexiCcoC/B  Am  Am/G  
D/F#Do-n-da-da-n-da-da-n-da-da and Chere I am
The Gonly living boy in NeCw York
G
GI get the news I need on the weather reCport
Oh, I can Ggather all the news I need on the weather reCport
GHey, I've got nothing to Cdo C/Bto - Amday Am/Gbut smile
D/F#Do-n-da-da-n-da-n-da-da-n Chere I am
The Gonly living boy in NeCw York
E E7
[Chorus]
AmHalf of the time we're D7/F#gone, but we don't know
GWhere, and we don't know Cwhere
[Interlude]
G C G C G C C/B Am Am/G D/F#
CHere I GamC  
E E7
[Chorus]
AmHalf of the time we're D7/F#gone, but we don't know
Gwhere, and we don't know Cwhere
[Verse 2]
GTom, get your plane right oCn time
GI know that you've been eager to Cfly now
GHey, let your honesty Cshine, C/Bshine, Amshine Am/Gnow,
D/F#Do-n-da-da-n-da-da-n-do like it sCmaj7hines on me
The Gonly living boy in New CYork
The Gonly living boy in New CYork
[Break]
G G
[Instrumental]
C E Am D/F# G C C
[Interlude]
G C G C G C C/B Am Am/G D/F#
CHere I GamC  
G C G C G C C/B Am Am/G D/F#
CHere I GamC  
[Coda]
G G
All chords in this song (10)

The story behind the song

"The Only Living Boy in New York" captures a profound sense of loneliness, written by Paul Simon as a message to Art Garfunkel. It reflects the period when Garfunkel was away filming, leaving Simon alone in New York to write songs for their album Bridge over Troubled Water. Simon addresses Garfunkel as "Tom," a nod to their early days as "Tom and Jerry," and encourages him to let his honesty shine. The song, featured as the eighth track on their final studio album, uses multi-tracked background vocals by both Simon and Garfunkel to create its distinctive sound. It plays like a heartfelt, intimate letter from one friend to another, full of longing and quiet encouragement.

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About The Only Living Boy In New York Chords by Simon & Garfunkel

Learn how to play The Only Living Boy In New York by Simon & Garfunkel with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Only Living Boy In New York chords”, “The Only Living Boy In New York guitar chords”, or “Simon & Garfunkel The Only Living Boy In New York 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 The Only Living Boy In New York chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Only Living Boy In New York lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, C, C/B, Am, Am/G, D/F#.

FAQ — The Only Living Boy In New York by Simon & Garfunkel

How do I play "The Only Living Boy In New York" by Simon & Garfunkel on guitar?

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Can I transpose "The Only Living Boy In New York" to a different key?

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Is "The Only Living Boy In New York" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "The Only Living Boy In New York" by Simon & Garfunkel with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Simon & Garfunkel below.

What key is "The Only Living Boy In New York" in?

The chords for "The Only Living Boy In New York" show the original chord names (including G, C, C/B, Am, Am/G, D/F#). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.