Now playing

Wildebeest

Chords

Listen

YouTubeYouTube SpotifySpotify AppleApple Music

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Wildebeest
From the album Wilderness
[INTRO]
A
[VERSE 1]
When StAephen FEoster dAied 
in a fDlop-house on the BAowery
His wDorn-out wallet hAeld 
just a quEarter and a dE7ime
[CHORUS]
But the crDocodiles hEave to eAat, 
the crF#mocodiles hEave to eAat
[VERSE 2]
He smAashed his hEead on the sAink 
in the bDitter fever of gAin
A wDildebeest gone crAazy with thirst 
pulled doEwn as he tried to drE7ink
[CHORUS]
But dDeep down in the mEuddy strAeam 
even cF#mrocodiles drEeam their drAeams
[VERSE 3]
And Aas the hEerd galloped Aoff 
he lDay on that flophouse flAoor
SDinging, "Beautiful DrAeamer"
as the liEons began to rE7oar
[CHORUS]
But we aDll have our bEeautiful drAeams 
running thrF#mough us like wEildebeAest
[INTERLUDE]
D E A  D A   D A  E E7
D E A  F#m E A
[VERSE 4]
And wAhen we mEeet at the rAiver 
to crDoss to that gleaming sAhore
The rDiver, she always tAakes a few 
as the hEerd thunders acrE7oss
[CHORUS]
But the rDiver has Eoceans to fAeed, 
she has bF#meautiful Eoceans to fAeed
[VERSE 5]
And the Aoceans they fEeed the sAky 
and the sDky feeds the eAarth
And StDephen Foster's bAeautiful ghost 
lay dEown to feed a sE7ong
[CHORUS]
To fDeed ten thEousand sAongs 
F#mechoing Ecross the wild plAains
A

All chords in this song (5)

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

Chord Book

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

Wildebeest

by The Handsome Family

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

F#m

Wildebeest

From the album Wilderness

[INTRO]

[VERSE 1]

A E A

When Stephen Foster died

D A

in a flop-house on the Bowery

D A

His worn-out wallet held

E E7

just a quarter and a dime

[CHORUS]

D E A

But the crocodiles have to eat,

F#m E A

the crocodiles have to eat

[VERSE 2]

A E A

He smashed his head on the sink

D A

in the bitter fever of gin

D A

A wildebeest gone crazy with thirst

E E7

pulled down as he tried to drink

[CHORUS]

D E A

But deep down in the muddy stream

F#m E A

even crocodiles dream their dreams

[VERSE 3]

A E A

And as the herd galloped off

D A

he lay on that flophouse floor

D A

Singing, "Beautiful Dreamer"

E E7

as the lions began to roar

[CHORUS]

D E A

But we all have our beautiful dreams

F#m E A

running through us like wildebeest

[INTERLUDE]

D E A D A D A E E7

D E A F#m E A

[VERSE 4]

A E A

And when we meet at the river

D A

to cross to that gleaming shore

D A

The river, she always takes a few

E E7

as the herd thunders across

[CHORUS]

D E A

But the river has oceans to feed,

F#m E A

she has beautiful oceans to feed

[VERSE 5]

A E A

And the oceans they feed the sky

D A

and the sky feeds the earth

D A

And Stephen Foster's beautiful ghost

E E7

lay down to feed a song

[CHORUS]

D E A

To feed ten thousand songs

F#m E A

echoing cross the wild plains

About Wildebeest Chords by The Handsome Family

Learn how to play Wildebeest by The Handsome Family with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Wildebeest chords”, “Wildebeest guitar chords”, or “The Handsome Family Wildebeest 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 Wildebeest chords and for experienced players who want accurate Wildebeest lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, E, D, E7, F#m.

FAQ — Wildebeest by The Handsome Family

How do I play "Wildebeest" by The Handsome Family on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Wildebeest" by The Handsome Family 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 "Wildebeest" by The Handsome Family free?

Yes. The chords for "Wildebeest" by The Handsome Family are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Wildebeest" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Wildebeest"?

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

Is "Wildebeest" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Wildebeest" by The Handsome Family with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by The Handsome Family below.

What key is "Wildebeest" in?

The chords for "Wildebeest" show the original chord names (including A, E, D, E7, F#m). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.