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Life On Mars

Chords

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LIFE ON MARS? - David Bowie
Chords:
Bb+:  2 2 4 3 3 2     Eb:    x 6 5 3 4 3
C+:   x 0 2 1 1 0     Gsus4: 3 2 0 0 1 3
Dm/F: 1 x 0 2 3 1
NOTE: The recording on the David Bowie album "Hunky Dory" is in the key of F. This transcription transposes
the song up to the key of G and therefore cannot be played along with the original recording.
PICKING PATTERN:
For the verse, pick with the following pattern - the bass note and
first and second strings all simultaneously, then the third string.  For
the chorus, strum.
[Verse 1]
IGt's a gG/F#od-awful small aDm/Fffair to the gE7irl with the mousy hAmair
But her mAm/Gummy is yelling "ND/F#o" and her daddy has told her to gGo
But her frG/F#iend is nowhere to be Dm/Fseen
now she E7walks through her sunken Amdream
To the sAm/Geat with the clearest D/F#view
and she's hooked to the silver sBbcreen
But the fiBb+lm is a saddening bGmore
For she's liG#ved it ten times or mEbore
She could sG7pit in the eyes of foCmols as they Ebask her to focus on
[Chorus]
SaCilors, figFhting in the dance hGall
OAmh man! lFmook at those cavemen gGo,    Gmit's a freakest sDmhow
FmTake a look at the LaCwman, bFeating up the wrong gGuy
AmOh man!  FmWonder if he'll ever knGow   Gmhe's in the best selling Dmshow
FmIs there life on MAmars?C+  Am7/G  D/F#  G  E  Am  F#  Bm  C  Cm  
[Verse 2]
IGt's on AG/F#merika's tortured browDm/F  
That Mickey E7Mouse has grown up a cowAm  
Now the Am/Gworkers have struck for fameD/F#  
Cause GLennon's G/F#on sale againDm/F  
SGee the mG/F#ice in their milliDm/Fon hordes
From IbiE7za to the Norfolk BroaAmds
Rule BritAm/Gtania is out of bouD/F#nds
To my Gmother, mG/F#y dog and clowDm/Fns
But the Bb+film is a saddening boreGm  
`Cause I G#wrote it ten times or moreEb  
It's aG7bout to be writ againCm  
As I Ebask you to focus on
[Chorus]
SaCilors, figFhting in the dance hGall
OAmh man! lFmook at those cavemen gGo,    Gmit's a freakest sDmhow
FmTake a look at the LaCwman, bFeating up the wrong gGuy
AmOh man!  FmWonder if he'll ever knGow   Gmhe's in the best selling Dmshow
FmIs there life on MAmars?C+  Am7/G  D/F#  G  E  Am  F#  Bm  C  Cm  

The story behind the song

"Life on Mars?" was first released on David Bowie's 1971 album Hunky Dory. Conceived as a parody of Frank Sinatra's "My Way," the song features piano by Rick Wakeman and a string arrangement by Mick Ronson. The lyrics tell the story of a girl escaping reality at the cinema, filled with surreal images reflecting optimism and Hollywood's influence. This glam rock ballad, with elements of cabaret and art rock, is widely considered one of Bowie's finest songs.

AI-written from these sources:Life on Mars? — Wikipedia ↗David Bowie — Wikipedia ↗

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

Life On Mars

by David Bowie

Lyrics & chords · Original key

LIFE ON MARS? - David Bowie

Chords:

Bb+: 2 2 4 3 3 2 Eb: x 6 5 3 4 3

C+: x 0 2 1 1 0 Gsus4: 3 2 0 0 1 3

Dm/F: 1 x 0 2 3 1

NOTE: The recording on the David Bowie album "Hunky Dory" is in the key of F. This transcription transposes

the song up to the key of G and therefore cannot be played along with the original recording.

PICKING PATTERN:

For the verse, pick with the following pattern - the bass note and

first and second strings all simultaneously, then the third string. For

the chorus, strum.

[Verse 1]

G G/F# Dm/F E7 Am

It's a god-awful small affair to the girl with the mousy hair

Am/G D/F# G

But her mummy is yelling "No" and her daddy has told her to go

G/F# Dm/F

But her friend is nowhere to be seen

E7 Am

now she walks through her sunken dream

Am/G D/F#

To the seat with the clearest view

and she's hooked to the silver screen

Bb+ Gm

But the film is a saddening bore

G# Eb

For she's lived it ten times or more

G7 Cm Eb

She could spit in the eyes of fools as they ask her to focus on

[Chorus]

C F G

Sailors, fighting in the dance hall

Am Fm G Gm Dm

Oh man! look at those cavemen go, it's a freakest show

Fm C F G

Take a look at the Lawman, beating up the wrong guy

Am Fm G Gm Dm

Oh man! Wonder if he'll ever know he's in the best selling show

Fm Am C+ Am7/G D/F# G E Am F# Bm C Cm

Is there life on Mars?

[Verse 2]

G G/F# Dm/F

It's on Amerika's tortured brow

E7 Am

That Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow

Am/G D/F#

Now the workers have struck for fame

G G/F# Dm/F

Cause Lennon's on sale again

G G/F# Dm/F

See the mice in their million hordes

E7 Am

From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads

Am/G D/F#

Rule Brittania is out of bounds

G G/F# Dm/F

To my mother, my dog and clowns

Bb+ Gm

But the film is a saddening bore

G# Eb

`Cause I wrote it ten times or more

G7 Cm

It's about to be writ again

As I ask you to focus on

[Chorus]

C F G

Sailors, fighting in the dance hall

Am Fm G Gm Dm

Oh man! look at those cavemen go, it's a freakest show

Fm C F G

Take a look at the Lawman, beating up the wrong guy

Am Fm G Gm Dm

Oh man! Wonder if he'll ever know he's in the best selling show

Fm Am C+ Am7/G D/F# G E Am F# Bm C Cm

Is there life on Mars?

About Life On Mars Chords by David Bowie

Learn how to play Life On Mars by David Bowie with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Life On Mars chords”, “Life On Mars guitar chords”, or “David Bowie Life On Mars 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 Life On Mars chords and for experienced players who want accurate Life On Mars lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Bb, Eb, C, Gsus4, Dm/F, F.

FAQ — Life On Mars by David Bowie

How do I play "Life On Mars" by David Bowie on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Life On Mars" by David Bowie 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 "Life On Mars" by David Bowie free?

Yes. The chords for "Life On Mars" by David Bowie are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Life On Mars" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Life On Mars"?

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

Is "Life On Mars" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Life On Mars" by David Bowie with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by David Bowie below.

What key is "Life On Mars" in?

The chords for "Life On Mars" show the original chord names (including Bb, Eb, C, Gsus4, Dm/F, F). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.