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Love In The First Degree

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"Love In The First Degree"
Capo 1st Fret
[1st Verse]
I Gonce thought of love as a prison,C  
A plCace I didn't want to be,G  
AmSo long ago, I made a Gdecision
To be fooAmtloose and fancy-free.D  
But yoGu came and I was so tempted,C  
To gaCmble on love just one time,G  
I nAmever thought, I woGuld get caught,
It sAmeemed like the perfect crime.D  
[Chorus]
CBaby you left me defenselesGs,
CI've only got one plea,G  
AmLock me away, inside of Gyour love,
And thrAmow away the key.D  
I'm guCilty,
Of lDove in the first degree.G  
[2nd Verse]
GI thought it would be so simple,C  
Like a thoCusand times before,G  
I'd tAmake what I wanted, and just walk Gaway,
But I neAmver made it to the door.D  
Now babGe I'm not begging for mercy,C  
Go aheaCd and throw the book at me,G  
If Amloving you's a crime, I know Gthat I'm
As guAmilty as a man can be.D  
[Chorus]
CBaby you left me defenselesGs,
CI've only got one plea,G  
AmLock me away, inside of Gyour love,
And thrAmow away the key.D  
I'm guCilty,
Of lDove in the first degree.G  
Tag:  LovCe in the first deGgree.
(Alternate between Chorus and Tags and fade out)

All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

This song playfully uses the imagery of a courtroom and a crime to describe falling in love. It's about someone who feels "guilty" of love and is pleading their case to the person who has captured their heart, hoping for mercy and affection in return. Released in 1981, it comes from Alabama's album Feels So Right. At its heart, it's a lighthearted confession of devotion.

AI-written from these sources:Love in the First Degree (Alabama song) — Wikipedia ↗Alabama (band) — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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Love In The First Degree

by Alabama

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

"Love In The First Degree"

Capo 1st Fret

[1st Verse]

G C

I once thought of love as a prison,

C G

A place I didn't want to be,

Am G

So long ago, I made a decision

Am D

To be footloose and fancy-free.

G C

But you came and I was so tempted,

C G

To gamble on love just one time,

Am G

I never thought, I would get caught,

Am D

It seemed like the perfect crime.

[Chorus]

C G

Baby you left me defenseless,

C G

I've only got one plea,

Am G

Lock me away, inside of your love,

Am D

And throw away the key.

I'm guilty,

D G

Of love in the first degree.

[2nd Verse]

G C

I thought it would be so simple,

C G

Like a thousand times before,

Am G

I'd take what I wanted, and just walk away,

Am D

But I never made it to the door.

G C

Now babe I'm not begging for mercy,

C G

Go ahead and throw the book at me,

Am G

If loving you's a crime, I know that I'm

Am D

As guilty as a man can be.

[Chorus]

C G

Baby you left me defenseless,

C G

I've only got one plea,

Am G

Lock me away, inside of your love,

Am D

And throw away the key.

I'm guilty,

D G

Of love in the first degree.

C G

Tag: Love in the first degree.

(Alternate between Chorus and Tags and fade out)

About Love In The First Degree Chords by Alabama

Learn how to play Love In The First Degree by Alabama with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Love In The First Degree chords”, “Love In The First Degree guitar chords”, or “Alabama Love In The First Degree 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 Love In The First Degree chords and for experienced players who want accurate Love In The First Degree lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, C, A, Am, D.

FAQ — Love In The First Degree by Alabama

How do I play "Love In The First Degree" by Alabama on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Love In The First Degree" by Alabama 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 "Love In The First Degree" by Alabama free?

Yes. The chords for "Love In The First Degree" by Alabama are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Love In The First Degree" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Love In The First Degree"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Love In The First Degree" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Love In The First Degree" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Love In The First Degree" by Alabama with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Alabama below.

What key is "Love In The First Degree" in?

The chords for "Love In The First Degree" show the original chord names (including G, C, A, Am, D). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.