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When He Returns

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1/4
Sound:
123456789101112131415eBGDAEO12O1234
Step 1 / 4Position: 1
1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO open
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Tuning: Standard
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capo: 1st fret
play: G
key: Ab
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TURNAROUND
D91 + G/D2 + D73 + C/D4 +
e|0-----------0---|
B|1---3---1---1---|
G|2---4---2---0---|
D|0-----------0---|
A|----------------|
E|----------------|
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CHORDS
Many of the D chords in the verses can also be played as D7.
E-A-D-G-B-e
C/G 3-x-2-0-1-0
G/D x-x-0-0-0-x
G/B x-2-0-0-0-x
G/F# 2-x-0-0-0-x
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[Intro]
| C/G   G| G/D   D| C/G   G| C/G   G|
[Verse 1]
C/GThe iron Ghand it ain't no G/DmatchD  
C/G   G| C/G   G|
For the iron rod
C/GThe strongest Gwall will G/Dcrumble and fallD  
C/G   G| C/G   G  G/F#|
To a mighty God
For Emall those who have G/Deyes and all Cthose who have G/Dears
Em   G/D   C   G/B| D   D6| D7|
It is only He who can reduce me to tears
C/GDon't you Gcry and G/Ddon't you Ddie
C/G   G| C/G   G|
And don't you burn
Like a C/Gthief in the Gnight, He'll replace G/Dwrong with Dright
C/G   G| D9   G/D   D7   C/D|
When He returns (TURNAROUND)
[Verse 2]
C/GTruth is an Garrow and the G/Dgate is Dnarrow
C/G   G| C/G   G|
That it passes through
He unC/Gleashed His Gpower at an Am7unknown Dhour
C/G   G| C/G   G   G/F#|
That no one knew
EmHow long can I G/Dlisten to the Clies of DprejuGdice?
Em   G/D   C   G/B| D   D6| D7|
How long can I stay drunk on fear out in the wilderness?
Can I C/Gcast it aGside, all this G/Dloyalty and this Dpride?
C/G   G| C/G   G|
Will I ever learn
That there'll C/Gbe no peace, Gthat the G/Dwar won't Dcease
C/G   G| D9   G/D   D7   C/D|
Until He returns?
[Verse 3]
C/GSurrender your Gcrown on this G/Dblood-stained Dground
C/G   G| C/G   G|
Take off your mask
C/GHe sees your Gdeeds, He G/Dknows your needsD  
C/G   G| C/G   G   G/F#|
Even before you ask
EmHow long can you G/Dfalsify and dCeny what Dis reGal?
Em   G/D   C   G/B| D   D6| D7   G/D   D   C|
How long can you hate yourself for the weakness you conceal?
[ C] C/G   G   G   G/D  D  
Of every earthly plan that be known to man
C/G   G| C/G   G|
He is unconcerned
He's got C/Gplans of His Gown to set G/Dup His throneD  
C/G   G| C/G   G|
When-a He returns
[Outro]
| C/G   G| C/G   G|
(fade out)
All chords in this song (13)

The story behind the song

This gospel song from Bob Dylan's 1979 album Slow Train Coming explicitly references the Second Coming of Jesus, finding inspiration in the Gospel of Matthew. It explores the idea of a narrow path to life, echoing the Sermon on the Mount. Like his earlier song "Blowin' in the Wind," it uses the metaphor of someone with eyes who cannot see, but here, the answer to that blindness is found in trust in Christ. The song feels like a powerful, personal declaration of faith.

AI-written from these sources:When He Returns — Wikipedia ↗Bob Dylan — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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About When He Returns Chords by Bob Dylan

Learn how to play When He Returns by Bob Dylan with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “When He Returns chords”, “When He Returns guitar chords”, or “Bob Dylan When He Returns 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 When He Returns chords and for experienced players who want accurate When He Returns lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, Ab, D9, G/D, D7, C/D.

FAQ — When He Returns by Bob Dylan

How do I play "When He Returns" by Bob Dylan on guitar?

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Can I transpose "When He Returns" to a different key?

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Is "When He Returns" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "When He Returns" in?

The chords for "When He Returns" show the original chord names (including G, Ab, D9, G/D, D7, C/D). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.