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With Pen In Hand
The story behind the song
"With Pen in Hand" captures the raw emotion of a parent facing divorce and the potential loss of their child. The song is a heartfelt plea from one spouse to another, urging reconciliation before the final signatures are made, before they are truly "on your own." It questions how the other parent will teach their child simple joys, like how to whistle a tune, without them. Written by Bobby Goldsboro and released on his 1968 album Honey, the song became a hit for several artists, resonating with the pain of a family on the brink. Playing it evokes the deep yearning for connection and the fear of an irreversible separation.
Story time
With Pen In Hand
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With Pen In Hand
by Bobby Goldsboro
Chords in this song · guitar
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Lyrics and compositions © their respective songwriters and publishers. Free for personal practice.
About With Pen In Hand Chords by Bobby Goldsboro
Learn how to play With Pen In Hand by Bobby Goldsboro with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “With Pen In Hand chords”, “With Pen In Hand guitar chords”, or “Bobby Goldsboro With Pen In Hand 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 With Pen In Hand chords and for experienced players who want accurate With Pen In Hand lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, A7, F#m, D, Bm, E7.
FAQ — With Pen In Hand by Bobby Goldsboro
How do I play "With Pen In Hand" by Bobby Goldsboro on guitar?
Open the free chords for "With Pen In Hand" by Bobby Goldsboro 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 "With Pen In Hand" by Bobby Goldsboro free?
Yes. The chords for "With Pen In Hand" by Bobby Goldsboro are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.
Can I transpose "With Pen In Hand" to a different key?
Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "With Pen In Hand" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.
Can I see chord diagrams for "With Pen In Hand"?
Yes. Tap any chord in "With Pen In Hand" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.
Is "With Pen In Hand" easy to play on guitar?
Many players learn "With Pen In Hand" by Bobby Goldsboro with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Bobby Goldsboro below.
What key is "With Pen In Hand" in?
The chords for "With Pen In Hand" show the original chord names (including A, A7, F#m, D, Bm, E7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.