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Only Mama Knows

Chords

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KeyOriginal

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Em      Em
 Em/C      Em/B   Em/C  Em/C# (repeat x5)
Em
EmWell DI was fEmound iDn the transit lounge of a dirty airport town
EmWhat Dwas EmI doing F#mon the road to ruin, where my mama laid me down?
EmMy mDama laid me down
EmRound my DhanEmd was a pDlastic band with a picture of my face
EmI was cryDing, lEmeft to diF#me in this godforsaken place
EmThis gDodfAorsEaken place
BOnly D#mmama knows
WC#mhy she laiEmd me Bdown in this godforsaken town
ShD#me was running too
WhC#mat she ran from who I always wondered
Em7I never knew
Only mama knows
Only mama knows
Bm  Em  Bm  Em
Bm  Em  Bm  Em
				 Em(Bm)
I'm passing through, I'm on my way
		  Em(Bm)
On the road, no ETA
				  Em(Bm)
I'm passing through, no fixed abode
EmAnd that is why
I need to try
EmTo hold on (to hold on)
Got to hold on
EmWas it pDlanned aEms a one-Dnight stand, or did she leave in disgrace?
EmWell I neDver, Emwill I F#mever see my father's face?
EmSee mDy fAathEer's face
BOnly D#mmama knows
WC#mhy she laiEmd me Bdown in this godforsaken town
ShD#me was running too
WhC#mat she ran from who I always wondered
Em7I never knew
Only mama knows
Only mama knows
BOnly D#mmama knows
WC#mhy she laiEmd me Bdown in this godforsaken town
ShD#me was running too
WhC#mat she ran from who I always wondered
Em7I never knew
Only mama knows
Only mama knows
Bm  Em  Bm  Em
Bm  Em  Bm  Em
EmI've got to hold on
Got to hold on
Gotta hold on
Em/B Em/C Em/C#
 Em/C   Em/B   Em/C  Em/C#
Em/C Em

All chords in this song (13)

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Only Mama Knows

by Paul McCartney

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Em/C

Em/B

F#m

D#m

C#m

Em7

Em/C#

Em Em

Em/C Em/B Em/C Em

/C# (repeat x5)

Em D Em D

Well I was found in the transit lounge of a dirty airport town

Em D Em F#m

What was I doing on the road to ruin, where my mama laid me down?

Em D

My mama laid me down

Em D Em D

Round my hand was a plastic band with a picture of my face

Em D Em F#m

I was crying, left to die in this godforsaken place

Em D A E

This godforsaken place

B D#m

Only mama knows

C#m Em B

Why she laid me down in this godforsaken town

D#m

She was running too

C#m

What she ran from who I always wondered

Em7

I never knew

Only mama knows

Bm Em Bm Em

Em Bm

()

I'm passing through, I'm on my way

Em Bm

()

On the road, no ETA

Em Bm

()

I'm passing through, no fixed abode

And that is why

I need to try

To hold on (to hold on)

Got to hold on

Em D Em D

Was it planned as a one-night stand, or did she leave in disgrace?

Em D Em F#m

Well I never, will I ever see my father's face?

Em D A E

See my father's face

B D#m

Only mama knows

C#m Em B

Why she laid me down in this godforsaken town

D#m

She was running too

C#m

What she ran from who I always wondered

Em7

I never knew

Only mama knows

B D#m

Only mama knows

C#m Em B

Why she laid me down in this godforsaken town

D#m

She was running too

C#m

What she ran from who I always wondered

Em7

I never knew

Only mama knows

Bm Em Bm Em

I've got to hold on

Got to hold on

Gotta hold on

Em/B Em/C Em/C#

Em/C Em/B Em/C Em

/C#

Em/C Em

About Only Mama Knows Chords by Paul McCartney

Learn how to play Only Mama Knows by Paul McCartney with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Only Mama Knows chords”, “Only Mama Knows guitar chords”, or “Paul McCartney Only Mama Knows 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 Only Mama Knows chords and for experienced players who want accurate Only Mama Knows lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Em, Em/C, Em/B, C, D, F#m.

FAQ — Only Mama Knows by Paul McCartney

How do I play "Only Mama Knows" by Paul McCartney on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Only Mama Knows" by Paul McCartney 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 "Only Mama Knows" by Paul McCartney free?

Yes. The chords for "Only Mama Knows" by Paul McCartney are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Only Mama Knows" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Only Mama Knows"?

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

Is "Only Mama Knows" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Only Mama Knows" by Paul McCartney with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Paul McCartney below.

What key is "Only Mama Knows" in?

The chords for "Only Mama Knows" show the original chord names (including Em, Em/C, Em/B, C, D, F#m). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.