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Chinese Envoy

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Aminor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

I've loved this song for a long time, so melancholy and mysterious.
With Music For A New Society being re-released today, it seemed like a good time to sit down and learn 
it.
These chords are based on the original album version, not the remake on M:FANS. Haven't listened to 
that one
enough to know if anything's different.
The little melody that plays in the intro and during the choruses may not be totally right here.
I play in Open Gm tuning, so with a capo on the 2nd fret, I can simply play the melody
(which is just four notes, basically: CC-D-EEE-D-C, CC-D-EEE-D-C-B) while droning an open Am chord.
Based on the sounds of the chords, I believe Mr Cale probably played the original in some sort of open 
tuning.
This is my best attempt at the chord names that would approximate it in standard, but if anybody can 
do better
please do!
[Intro]/[chorus] x2:
 Am-  Amadd4-  A5-  Amadd4- Am  
 Am-  Amadd4-  A5-  Amadd4-  Am  G6  
She was a pFmaj7rincess, much lower than people thougCmaj7ht
A mFmaj7aster of nothing, a mistress of something she thougCmaj7ht
[Chorus] x2 (instrumental)
She could Fmaj7talk about things that never mattered ever
Cmaj7From one person's miserable life after another
She could Ftalk to the French and Germans at will
Cmaj7They'd never listen.. They never willG  
[Chorus]
The chinese envoy was here, the chinese envoy was here but left
[Chorus]
The chinese envoy was here but left
Fmaj7Calling out her name you'd be surprised at what cameCmaj7  
Fmaj7Galloping out of the darkness just like furniCmaj7ture
Fmaj7We'd have lost it all if it hadn't been for Cardinal Richelieu And all his courCmaj7tiers
[Chorus]
The chinese envoy was here, the chinese envoy was here but left
[Chorus]
The chinese envoy was here but left
Gin his broken hearted pFagoda.

All chords in this song (8)

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Chinese Envoy

by John Cale

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

Chords in this song · guitar

Amadd4

Fmaj7

Cmaj7

I've loved this song for a long time, so melancholy and mysterious.

With Music For A New Society being re-released today, it seemed like a good time to sit down and learn

it.

These chords are based on the original album version, not the remake on M:FANS. Haven't listened to

that one

enough to know if anything's different.

The little melody that plays in the intro and during the choruses may not be totally right here.

I play in Open Gm tuning, so with a capo on the 2nd fret, I can simply play the melody

(which is just four notes, basically: CC-D-EEE-D-C, CC-D-EEE-D-C-B) while droning an open Am chord.

Based on the sounds of the chords, I believe Mr Cale probably played the original in some sort of open

tuning.

This is my best attempt at the chord names that would approximate it in standard, but if anybody can

do better

please do!

[Intro]/[chorus] x2:

Am Amadd4 A5 Amadd4 Am

- - - -

Am Amadd4 A5 Amadd4 Am G6

- - - -

Fmaj7 Cmaj7

She was a princess, much lower than people thought

Fmaj7 Cmaj7

A master of nothing, a mistress of something she thought

[Chorus] x2 (instrumental)

Fmaj7

She could talk about things that never mattered ever

Cmaj7

From one person's miserable life after another

She could talk to the French and Germans at will

Cmaj7 G

They'd never listen.. They never will

[Chorus]

The chinese envoy was here, the chinese envoy was here but left

[Chorus]

The chinese envoy was here but left

Fmaj7 Cmaj7

Calling out her name you'd be surprised at what came

Fmaj7 Cmaj7

Galloping out of the darkness just like furniture

Fmaj7 Cmaj7

We'd have lost it all if it hadn't been for Cardinal Richelieu And all his courtiers

[Chorus]

The chinese envoy was here, the chinese envoy was here but left

[Chorus]

The chinese envoy was here but left

G F

in his broken hearted pagoda.

About Chinese Envoy Chords by John Cale

Learn how to play Chinese Envoy by John Cale with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Chinese Envoy chords”, “Chinese Envoy guitar chords”, or “John Cale Chinese Envoy 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 Chinese Envoy chords and for experienced players who want accurate Chinese Envoy lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, Gm, D, C, B, Am.

FAQ — Chinese Envoy by John Cale

How do I play "Chinese Envoy" by John Cale on guitar?

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Can I transpose "Chinese Envoy" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Chinese Envoy"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Chinese Envoy" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Chinese Envoy" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Chinese Envoy" by John Cale with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by John Cale below.

What key is "Chinese Envoy" in?

The chords for "Chinese Envoy" show the original chord names (including A, Gm, D, C, B, Am). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.