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Grandpa Was A Carpenter

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15
Original

Capo on fret 4 (as written in this song)

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Capo 4 for the version on Sweet Revenge
Capo 2 for the version on Souvenirs
[Verse 1]
Oh, Ggrandpa wore his suit to dinner nearly every Cday
No particular Greason, he just dressed that Dway
GBrown necktie with a matching vest and both his wingtip Cshoes
He built a closet on Gour back porch and put a Dpenny in a burned-out Gfuse
[Chorus]
CGrandpa was a carpenter, he built houses, stores and Gbanks
CChain-smoked Camel Gcigarettes and hammered nails in Dplanks
He would Glevel on the level, he shaved even every Cdoor
And voted for EisenGhower, 'cause DLincoln won the Gwar
[Link]
C G D G G
[Verse 2]
Well, he Gused to sing me "Blood on the Saddle" and rock me on his Cknee
And let me listen to the Gradio before we got TDV
Well, he'd Gdrive to church on Sunday and he'd take me with him Ctoo
Stained glass in every Gwindow, hearing Daids in every Gpew
[Chorus]
CGrandpa was a carpenter, he built houses, stores and Gbanks
CChain-smoked Camel Gcigarettes and hammered nails in Dplanks
He would Glevel on the level, he shaved even every Cdoor
And voted for EisenGhower, 'cause DLincoln won the Gwar
[Link]
C G D G G
[Verse 3]
Now my GGrandma was a teacher, she went to school in Bowling CGreen
Traded in a Gmilking cow for a Singer sewing maDchine
Well, she Gcalled her husband "Mister," and she walked real tall in Cpride
She used to buy me Gcomic books Dafter grandpa Gdied
[Chorus]
CGrandpa was a carpenter, he built houses, stores and Gbanks
CChain-smoked Camel Gcigarettes and hammered nails in Dplanks
He would Glevel on the level, he shaved even every Cdoor
And voted for EisenGhower, 'cause DLincoln won the GwarG  
All chords in this song (3)

The story behind the song

"Grandpa Was A Carpenter" paints a picture of family history and the simple, honest work that shaped a lineage. It evokes a sense of pride in one's roots and the legacy passed down through generations. The song's gentle humor and warmth reflect the signature style of John Prine, an artist celebrated for his blend of witty observations, social commentary, and tender ballads. It feels like a fond remembrance, a tribute to the foundations of a family's story.

AI-written from these sources:John Prine — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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About Grandpa Was A Carpenter Chords by John Prine

Learn how to play Grandpa Was A Carpenter by John Prine with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Grandpa Was A Carpenter chords”, “Grandpa Was A Carpenter guitar chords”, or “John Prine Grandpa Was A Carpenter 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 Grandpa Was A Carpenter chords and for experienced players who want accurate Grandpa Was A Carpenter lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, C, D.

FAQ — Grandpa Was A Carpenter by John Prine

How do I play "Grandpa Was A Carpenter" by John Prine on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Grandpa Was A Carpenter" by John Prine 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 "Grandpa Was A Carpenter" by John Prine free?

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Can I transpose "Grandpa Was A Carpenter" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Grandpa Was A Carpenter"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Grandpa Was A Carpenter" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Grandpa Was A Carpenter" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Grandpa Was A Carpenter" by John Prine with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by John Prine below.

What key is "Grandpa Was A Carpenter" in?

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