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Born In Chains

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unreleased song performed during the 2010 Tour
as performed in Sligo (Ireland), July 31st, 2010
[LEONARD COHEN] [SPOKEN]
I was born in chains but I was taken out of Egypt
I was bound to a burden, but the burden it was raised
Oh Lord, I can no longer keep this secret
Blessed is the name, the name be praised.
[SHARON ROBINSON, HATTIE AND CHARLEY WEBB]
I was born …
[LEONARD]
I was bGorn in cB/F#hains but I was tEmaken out of Egypt
I was bGound to a bB/F#urden, but the buEmrden it was rD5aised
                  C             E    E7Am4 Am  
Oh Lord, I can no longer keep this secret
BlFessed is the nC/Game, the nEb/Bbame be prDaised.
[SHARON]
I fled to the edge of a mighty sea of sorrow
Pursued by the riders of a cruel and dark regime
But the waters parted and my soul crossed over
Out of Egypt, out of Pharaoh’s dream.
[LEONARD, ROSCOE BECK, SHARON, HATTIE AND CHARLEY]
       B(B7)                         B     Esus4Em3
Word of words and the measure of all measures 
              B(B7)              B      Esus4Em3
Blessed is the name, the name be blessed
WrCitten on my hCm9eart in burning lGettersEm  
That’s all I knEbow, I cannot read the rDest .
[HATTIE]
I was idled with my soul, when I heard that you could use me
I followed very closely, but my life remained the same
But then you showed me where you had been wounded
In every atom, broken is the name.
[CHARLEY]
I was alone on the road, your love was so confusing
And all the teachers told me that I had myself to blame
But in the arms of sensual illusion
A sweet unknowing unified the name.
[LEONARD, ROSCOE, SHARON, HATTIE AND CHARLEY]
Word of words, and the measure of all measures
Blessed is the name, the name be blessed
Written on my heart in burning letters
That’s all I know, I do not know the rest.
[LEONARD]
I’ve heard the soul unfold in the chambers of its longing
And the bitter liquor sweeten in the hammered cup
Ah but all the ladders of the night have fallen
Just darkness now, to lift the longing up.
[DINO SOLDO (saxophone), LEONARD, ROSCOE, SHARON, HATTIE AND CHARLEY]
[sax]
[sax]
But all the ladders of the night have fallen
Just darkness now, to lift the spirit up.
[LEONARD, ROSCOE, SHARON, HATTIE AND CHARLEY]
Word of words, and measure of all measures
Blessed is the name, the name be blessed
Written on my heart in burning letters
That’s all I know, I cannot read the rest .
[SHARON, HATTIE AND CHARLEY]
Cannot read the rest
Shall not read the rest

All chords in this song (17)

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Born In Chains

by Leonard Cohen

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

B/F#

C/G

Eb/Bb

Esus4

Cm9

unreleased song performed during the 2010 Tour

as performed in Sligo (Ireland), July 31st, 2010

[LEONARD COHEN] [SPOKEN]

I was born in chains but I was taken out of Egypt

I was bound to a burden, but the burden it was raised

Oh Lord, I can no longer keep this secret

Blessed is the name, the name be praised.

[SHARON ROBINSON, HATTIE AND CHARLEY WEBB]

I was born …

[LEONARD]

G B/F# Em

I was born in chains but I was taken out of Egypt

G B/F# Em D5

I was bound to a burden, but the burden it was raised

C E E7 Am

Am4

Oh Lord, I can no longer keep this secret

F C/G Eb/Bb D

Blessed is the name, the name be praised.

[SHARON]

I fled to the edge of a mighty sea of sorrow

Pursued by the riders of a cruel and dark regime

But the waters parted and my soul crossed over

Out of Egypt, out of Pharaoh’s dream.

[LEONARD, ROSCOE BECK, SHARON, HATTIE AND CHARLEY]

B B7 B Esus4

() Em3

Word of words and the measure of all measures

B B7 B Esus4

() Em3

Blessed is the name, the name be blessed

C Cm9 G Em

Written on my heart in burning letters

Eb D

That’s all I know, I cannot read the rest .

[HATTIE]

I was idled with my soul, when I heard that you could use me

I followed very closely, but my life remained the same

But then you showed me where you had been wounded

In every atom, broken is the name.

[CHARLEY]

I was alone on the road, your love was so confusing

And all the teachers told me that I had myself to blame

But in the arms of sensual illusion

A sweet unknowing unified the name.

[LEONARD, ROSCOE, SHARON, HATTIE AND CHARLEY]

Word of words, and the measure of all measures

Blessed is the name, the name be blessed

Written on my heart in burning letters

That’s all I know, I do not know the rest.

[LEONARD]

I’ve heard the soul unfold in the chambers of its longing

And the bitter liquor sweeten in the hammered cup

Ah but all the ladders of the night have fallen

Just darkness now, to lift the longing up.

[DINO SOLDO (saxophone), LEONARD, ROSCOE, SHARON, HATTIE AND CHARLEY]

[sax]

But all the ladders of the night have fallen

Just darkness now, to lift the spirit up.

[LEONARD, ROSCOE, SHARON, HATTIE AND CHARLEY]

Word of words, and measure of all measures

Blessed is the name, the name be blessed

Written on my heart in burning letters

That’s all I know, I cannot read the rest .

[SHARON, HATTIE AND CHARLEY]

Cannot read the rest

Shall not read the rest

About Born In Chains Chords by Leonard Cohen

Learn how to play Born In Chains by Leonard Cohen with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Born In Chains chords”, “Born In Chains guitar chords”, or “Leonard Cohen Born In Chains 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 Born In Chains chords and for experienced players who want accurate Born In Chains lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, B/F#, Em, D5, C, E.

FAQ — Born In Chains by Leonard Cohen

How do I play "Born In Chains" by Leonard Cohen on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Born In Chains" by Leonard Cohen 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 "Born In Chains" by Leonard Cohen free?

Yes. The chords for "Born In Chains" by Leonard Cohen are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Born In Chains" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Born In Chains"?

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

Is "Born In Chains" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Born In Chains" by Leonard Cohen with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Leonard Cohen below.

What key is "Born In Chains" in?

The chords for "Born In Chains" show the original chord names (including G, B/F#, Em, D5, C, E). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.