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Southern Star

Chords

4.713 votes

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KeyOriginal

Chords

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Capo on fret 1 (as written in this song)

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Key:  Bb major
Alternatively, you could transcribe it doyn a half step
and put a capo on 1.
BbOh, southern star, Abhow I wish you Ebwould shineBb  
And shoFm7w me the way to gEbet homeBb  
BbWell I'm blue-collar branded, Aband stuck in a EbmillBb  
Hard woFm7rk is a way oEbf life for meBb  
BbWell I'm too young to live like AbI'm over the EbhillsBb  
And too Fm7old to be wEbild and freeBb  
       F                                       Bb
My heart is onward bound......I'm rolling with the feeling and i can't slow 
down
F....I need a guiding light......shining doBbwn to lead me through the night
BbOh southern star, Abhow I wish you Ebwould shineBb  
And shoFm7w me the way to gEbet homeBb  
INSTRUMENTAL:    Bb    Ab    Eb    Bb    Fm7    Eb   Bb(repeat)
BbOh, hey my D.J. friend, wAbould you play me one mEbore songBb  
And let Fm7my mind just go and Ebdrift awayBb  
BbNow we all have a dream....Aband a place where wEbe belongBb  
Fm7Somewhere we can go and esEbcapeBb  
My hearFt is onward bound....I'm rolling with Bbthe feeling and i can't slow down
F....I need a guiding light.....shining dBbown to lead me throught the night
BbOh, southern star, Abhow I wish you Ebwould shineBb  
And shoFm7w me the way to Ebget homeBb  
REPEAT INSTRUMENTAL
BbOh, southern star, Abhow I wish you Ebwould shine Bb  
And shoFm7w me the way to gEbet homeBb  

All chords in this song (5)

The story behind the song

This song is the title track from Alabama's 1989 album Southern Star. The band, formed by cousins Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and Jeff Cook, began by touring the Southeast bar circuit in the early 1970s, eventually changing their name to Alabama in 1977. This track was also recorded by David Allan Coe on his 1987 album A Matter of Life and Death. It plays like a journey under the guiding light of a familiar beacon.

AI-written from these sources:Southern Star (song) — Wikipedia ↗Alabama (band) — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

🎸 Tips from players

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Chord Book

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Southern Star

by Alabama

Lyrics & chords · Original key · Capo on fret 1 (as written in this song)

Chords in this song · guitar

Fm7

Key: Bb major

Alternatively, you could transcribe it doyn a half step

and put a capo on 1.

Bb Ab Eb Bb

Oh, southern star, how I wish you would shine

Fm7 Eb Bb

And show me the way to get home

Bb Ab Eb Bb

Well I'm blue-collar branded, and stuck in a mill

Fm7 Eb Bb

Hard work is a way of life for me

Bb Ab Eb Bb

Well I'm too young to live like I'm over the hills

Fm7 Eb Bb

And too old to be wild and free

F Bb

My heart is onward bound......I'm rolling with the feeling and i can't slow

down

F Bb

....I need a guiding light......shining down to lead me through the night

Bb Ab Eb Bb

Oh southern star, how I wish you would shine

Fm7 Eb Bb

And show me the way to get home

Bb Ab Eb Bb Fm7 Eb Bb

INSTRUMENTAL: (repeat)

Bb Ab Eb Bb

Oh, hey my D.J. friend, would you play me one more song

Fm7 Eb Bb

And let my mind just go and drift away

Bb Ab Eb Bb

Now we all have a dream....and a place where we belong

Fm7 Eb Bb

Somewhere we can go and escape

F Bb

My heart is onward bound....I'm rolling with the feeling and i can't slow down

F Bb

....I need a guiding light.....shining down to lead me throught the night

Bb Ab Eb Bb

Oh, southern star, how I wish you would shine

Fm7 Eb Bb

And show me the way to get home

REPEAT INSTRUMENTAL

Bb Ab Eb Bb

Oh, southern star, how I wish you would shine

Fm7 Eb Bb

And show me the way to get home

About Southern Star Chords by Alabama

Learn how to play Southern Star by Alabama with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Southern Star chords”, “Southern Star guitar chords”, or “Alabama Southern Star 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 Southern Star chords and for experienced players who want accurate Southern Star lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Bb, Ab, Eb, Fm7, F, D.

FAQ — Southern Star by Alabama

How do I play "Southern Star" by Alabama on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Southern Star" 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 "Southern Star" by Alabama free?

Yes. The chords for "Southern Star" by Alabama are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Southern Star" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Southern Star"?

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

Is "Southern Star" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Southern Star" 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 "Southern Star" in?

The chords for "Southern Star" show the original chord names (including Bb, Ab, Eb, Fm7, F, D). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.