Saved

Once I Was

Chords
Get the app
App StoreGoogle Play
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Judy Collins - Once I Was
CAPO: 1st Fret
[Intro]
G C G C G
[Verse 1]
Once I was a Csoldier, Gand I fought on foreign Csands for youG  
Once I was a Chunter, Gand I brought home fresh Cmeat for youG  
Once I was a Clover, Gand I searched behind your Ceyes for youG  
Soon there'll be aCnother, Gto tell you I was Cjust a lieEm  
[Chorus]
And sometimGes___ I Cwonder, just for a DwhileEm  
Will you eveGr___ remember Dme__C__G  C  G  
[Verse 2]
And though you have forCgotten Gall of our Crubbish dreamsG  
I find myself Csearching Gthrough the ashes of our CruinsG  
For the days when we Csmiled Gand the hours that ran CwildG  
With the magic of our Ceyes Gand the silence of our CwordsEm  
[Chorus]
And sometimGes___ I Cwonder, just for a DwhileEm  
Will you eveGr___ remember Dme__C__
Remember me
Remember GmeC  G  
All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

This song captures the lingering thoughts of a past love, from the perspective of someone wondering if their former partner ever looks back on their shared experience. It's an homage to Fred Neil's "The Dolphins," carrying a similar reflective and wistful tone. Though originally by Tim Buckley, Judy Collins brings her renowned vocal clarity to this poignant exploration of memory and connection. Playing it can feel like stepping into a quiet moment of introspection, recalling a love that once was.

AI-written from these sources:Once I Was (song) — Wikipedia ↗Judy Collins — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

🎸 Tips from players

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

About Once I Was Chords by Judy Collins

Learn how to play Once I Was by Judy Collins with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Once I Was chords”, “Once I Was guitar chords”, or “Judy Collins Once I Was 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 Once I Was chords and for experienced players who want accurate Once I Was lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, C, Em, D.

FAQ — Once I Was by Judy Collins

How do I play "Once I Was" by Judy Collins on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Once I Was" by Judy Collins 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 "Once I Was" by Judy Collins free?

Yes. The chords for "Once I Was" by Judy Collins are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Once I Was" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Once I Was"?

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

Is "Once I Was" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Once I Was" by Judy Collins with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Judy Collins below.

What key is "Once I Was" in?

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