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Working Class Hero

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1/14
Sound:
123456789101112131415eBGDAEO1234
Step 1 / 14Position: 1
1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO open
Written by: John Lennon
From the album "Plastic Ono Band" (1970)
[Main Riff]
Whatever your strumming pattern may be, try to include this basic riff:
Am1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + Am1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 +
e|----0---0-------0---0---|----0---0-------0---0---|
B|----1---1-------1---1---|----1---1-------1---1---|
G|----2---2-------2---2---|----2---2-------2---2---|
D|----2---2---0h2---------|----2---2---0h2---------|
A|0-----------------------|0-----------------------|
E|------------------------|------------------------|
********************
| h Hammer-on
********************
[Intro]
| Am| % |
[Verse 1]
As Amsoon as you're born they Gmake you feel Amsmall
By Amgiving you no time insGtead of it Amall
Till the Ampain is so big you feel Gnothing at Amall
A Amworking class hero is Gsomething to Ambe
A Amworking class Ghero is Dsomething to Ambe
[Verse 2]
They Amhurt you at home and they Ghit you at Amschool
They Amhate you if you're clever and they Gdespise a Amfool
Till you're Amso fucking crazy you can't Gfollow their Amrules
A Amworking class hero is Gsomething to Ambe
A Amworking class Ghero is Dsomething to Ambe
[Verse 3]
When they've Amtortured and scared you for Gtwenty odd Amyears
AmThen they expect you to Gpick a caAmreer
When you Amcan't really function you're Gso full of Amfear
A Amworking class hero is Gsomething to Ambe
A Amworking class Ghero is Dsomething to Ambe
[Verse 4]
Keep you Amdoped with religion and Gsex and T.AmV.
And you Amthink you're so clever and Gclassless and Amfree
But you're Amstill fucking peasants as Gfar as I can Amsee
A Amworking class hero is Gsomething to Ambe
A Amworking class Ghero is Dsomething to Ambe
[Verse 5]
There's Amroom at the top they are Gtelling you Amstill
But Amfirst you must learn how to Gsmile as you Amkill
If you Amwant to be like the Gfolks on the Amhill
A Amworking class hero is Gsomething to Ambe
A Amworking class Ghero is Dsomething to Ambe
[Outro]
If you Amwant to be a hero well Gjust follow Amme
If you Amwant to be a hero well Gjust follow DmeAm  
All chords in this song (3)

The story behind the song

This song is a stridently political commentary on the difference between social classes. According to John Lennon, it's about working-class people being processed into the middle classes, into the "machine." He considered it a revolutionary song, a warning to people about his own experience. It feels like a stark, direct message about societal structures.

AI-written from these sources:Working Class Hero — Wikipedia ↗John Lennon — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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About Working Class Hero Chords by John Lennon

Learn how to play Working Class Hero by John Lennon with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Working Class Hero chords”, “Working Class Hero guitar chords”, or “John Lennon Working Class Hero 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 Working Class Hero chords and for experienced players who want accurate Working Class Hero lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Am, B, G, D, A, E.

FAQ — Working Class Hero by John Lennon

How do I play "Working Class Hero" by John Lennon on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Working Class Hero" by John Lennon 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 "Working Class Hero" by John Lennon free?

Yes. The chords for "Working Class Hero" by John Lennon are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Working Class Hero" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Working Class Hero"?

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

Is "Working Class Hero" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Working Class Hero" by John Lennon with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by John Lennon below.

What key is "Working Class Hero" in?

The chords for "Working Class Hero" show the original chord names (including Am, B, G, D, A, E). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.