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Sweet Mama

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Gmajor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

CAPO I
[Intro] x2
G
C G C D7 G
[Verse]
I was rGaised on the west side shanty town
I didn't get up until the sun went down
When your baCck's against the wall, you better get tough
                            N.C.
You learn real quick how to swing and duck
I was born in Cthe sweet hot Florida sunshine
GGood lookin' women backwoods and moonshine
Learned Dmore about life on the streets than in the school
N.C.
My sweet mama didn't raise no fool, that's right
[Chorus]
GSome folks cheat and some folks lie
But I can judge a man by the look in his eye
CDon't hand by Jack and try to call it cola
                                  N.C.
I can tell the difference between shit and shinola
[Solo] 
C  G  C  D
[Verse]
  G    C    G     CI'm talkin' 'bout Gmama
  G    C    G     COh sweet Dmama
GMama was no angel but she taught me right from wrong
She knew every single word and every note of every song
She tCaught me how to gamble and how to roll the dice
If it makes you feel good do it, don't think twice
[Chorus]
GSome folks cheat and some folks lie
But I can judge a man by the look in his eye
CDon't hand by Jack and try to call it cola
                                  N.C.
I can tell the difference between shit and shinola

All chords in this song (4)

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Sweet Mama

by Van Zant

Lyrics & chords · Original key · Capo on fret 1 (as written in this song)

Chords in this song · guitar

CAPO I

[Intro] x2

C G C D7 G

[Verse]

I was raised on the west side shanty town

I didn't get up until the sun went down

When your back's against the wall, you better get tough

N.C.

You learn real quick how to swing and duck

I was born in the sweet hot Florida sunshine

Good lookin' women backwoods and moonshine

Learned more about life on the streets than in the school

N.C.

My sweet mama didn't raise no fool, that's right

[Chorus]

Some folks cheat and some folks lie

But I can judge a man by the look in his eye

Don't hand by Jack and try to call it cola

N.C.

I can tell the difference between shit and shinola

[Solo]

C G C D

[Verse]

G C G C G

I'm talkin' 'bout mama

G C G C D

Oh sweet mama

Mama was no angel but she taught me right from wrong

She knew every single word and every note of every song

She taught me how to gamble and how to roll the dice

If it makes you feel good do it, don't think twice

[Chorus]

Some folks cheat and some folks lie

But I can judge a man by the look in his eye

Don't hand by Jack and try to call it cola

N.C.

I can tell the difference between shit and shinola

About Sweet Mama Chords by Van Zant

Learn how to play Sweet Mama by Van Zant with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Sweet Mama chords”, “Sweet Mama guitar chords”, or “Van Zant Sweet Mama 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 Sweet Mama chords and for experienced players who want accurate Sweet Mama lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, C, D7, D.

FAQ — Sweet Mama by Van Zant

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Can I transpose "Sweet Mama" to a different key?

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

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

Is "Sweet Mama" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Sweet Mama" in?

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