Now playing

Boatman

Chords

Listen

YouTubeYouTube SpotifySpotify AppleApple Music

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

EmThe boatman sits on his boat by the river
AmTry as he might, he cannot forgive her
EmAs he watches the corpse turning blue
BHe laughs
EmThe boatman he sits on his boat by the river
AmAnother grey corpse he pulls out before dinner
EmAnother sad life, another sad time
BAnd he laughs
EmThe boatman he sits on his boat by the river
AmNo name and address when he does deliver
EmThe old ones, the worst ones, they tried and they failed
BHe laughs
EmAnd the odor and stench they once made him retch
AmWell now he just sees them as mortal flesh
EmAnd he laughs
BYes he laughs
EmYes he laughs
AmYes he laughs
EmYes he laughs
AmYes he laughs

All chords in this song (3)

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

Chord Book

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

Boatman

by The Tiger Lillies

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

The boatman sits on his boat by the river

Try as he might, he cannot forgive her

As he watches the corpse turning blue

He laughs

The boatman he sits on his boat by the river

Another grey corpse he pulls out before dinner

Another sad life, another sad time

And he laughs

The boatman he sits on his boat by the river

No name and address when he does deliver

The old ones, the worst ones, they tried and they failed

He laughs

And the odor and stench they once made him retch

Well now he just sees them as mortal flesh

And he laughs

Yes he laughs

About Boatman Chords by The Tiger Lillies

Learn how to play Boatman by The Tiger Lillies with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Boatman chords”, “Boatman guitar chords”, or “The Tiger Lillies Boatman 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 Boatman chords and for experienced players who want accurate Boatman lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Em, Am, B.

FAQ — Boatman by The Tiger Lillies

How do I play "Boatman" by The Tiger Lillies on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Boatman" by The Tiger Lillies 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 "Boatman" by The Tiger Lillies free?

Yes. The chords for "Boatman" by The Tiger Lillies are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Boatman" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Boatman"?

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

Is "Boatman" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Boatman" by The Tiger Lillies with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by The Tiger Lillies below.

What key is "Boatman" in?

The chords for "Boatman" show the original chord names (including Em, Am, B). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.