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Catcher In The Rye

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Gmajor

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Sammy uses some odd timings in the song, like throwing in an extra 2/4 measure between alternate verses,
but it works perfectly well in 4/4 signature.
Capo on 2 for the original on the"Song For Patty" album (it will still be off with the original if you 
try to play along due to a change in tape speed during mastering).
Capo on 3 for the version on "Sammy Walker"
Intro:  G   D   C   Dx 2
I'm gonna Gcatch me a ride on the subway car
That's Dheading for the Old North Star
And Cleave my troubles stranded on the GmainlandD  
I'm gonna Gcrown the god of night with light
And Dpull myself clean outta sight
And Cturn the phony world I live to Dsand
GI would gladly sail away 
And Dnever mind a word you say
They're Cjust the figments of your imagiGnationD  
GCast your riddles at my head
ADbout the way I must be fed
UCpon your rules and schools of instiDtutions
Chorus:
GWhy Lord why
Were the Cmountains built so high?
And the Dshoals of the CSea
Sometimes get Glonely?D  
GWhy Lord why
Must I Clearn to testify?
When Dall I want to be
Is just a Ccatcher in the Grye?
It's Ghard to dream within a scheme
That Dsays your soul can't be redeemed
And CSilent Night is heard outside my GwinDdow
GDays are long and ways are short
And Dnights are left with no resort 
ExCcept to listen to the lonesome Dwind blow
Chorus:
GWhy Lord why
Were the Cmountains built so high?
And the Dshoals of the CSea
Sometimes get Glonely?D  
GWhy Lord why
Must I Clearn to testify?
When Dall I want to be
Is just a Ccatcher in the Grye?
If you Gcan't seem to find the aim
DOf the rules set for the game
They'll Cthrow you in a school of restiGtutionD  
They'll Glook you in the eye and grin
And Dsay "I'd like to be your friend"
And Cwear a sign reads "Long Live ExeDcution"
Chorus:
GWhy Lord why
Were the Cmountains built so high?
And the Dshoals of the CSea
Sometimes get Glonely?D  
GWhy Lord why
Must I Clearn to testify?
When Dall I want to be
Is just a Ccatcher in the Grye?

All chords in this song (3)

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Catcher In The Rye

by Sammy Walker

Lyrics & chords · Original key · Capo on fret 2 (as written in this song)

Chords in this song · guitar

Sammy uses some odd timings in the song, like throwing in an extra 2/4 measure between alternate verses,

but it works perfectly well in 4/4 signature.

Capo on 2 for the original on the"Song For Patty" album (it will still be off with the original if you

try to play along due to a change in tape speed during mastering).

Capo on 3 for the version on "Sammy Walker"

G D C D

Intro: x 2

I'm gonna catch me a ride on the subway car

That's heading for the Old North Star

C G D

And leave my troubles stranded on the mainland

I'm gonna crown the god of night with light

And pull myself clean outta sight

C D

And turn the phony world I live to sand

I would gladly sail away

And never mind a word you say

C G D

They're just the figments of your imagination

Cast your riddles at my head

About the way I must be fed

C D

Upon your rules and schools of institutions

Chorus:

Why Lord why

Were the mountains built so high?

D C

And the shoals of the Sea

G D

Sometimes get lonely?

Why Lord why

Must I learn to testify?

When all I want to be

C G

Is just a catcher in the rye?

It's hard to dream within a scheme

That says your soul can't be redeemed

C G D

And Silent Night is heard outside my window

Days are long and ways are short

And nights are left with no resort

C D

Except to listen to the lonesome wind blow

Chorus:

Why Lord why

Were the mountains built so high?

D C

And the shoals of the Sea

G D

Sometimes get lonely?

Why Lord why

Must I learn to testify?

When all I want to be

C G

Is just a catcher in the rye?

If you can't seem to find the aim

Of the rules set for the game

C G D

They'll throw you in a school of restitution

They'll look you in the eye and grin

And say "I'd like to be your friend"

C D

And wear a sign reads "Long Live Execution"

Chorus:

Why Lord why

Were the mountains built so high?

D C

And the shoals of the Sea

G D

Sometimes get lonely?

Why Lord why

Must I learn to testify?

When all I want to be

C G

Is just a catcher in the rye?

About Catcher In The Rye Chords by Sammy Walker

Learn how to play Catcher In The Rye by Sammy Walker with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Catcher In The Rye chords”, “Catcher In The Rye guitar chords”, or “Sammy Walker Catcher In The Rye 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 Catcher In The Rye chords and for experienced players who want accurate Catcher In The Rye lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, D, C.

FAQ — Catcher In The Rye by Sammy Walker

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What key is "Catcher In The Rye" in?

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