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If I Could

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[Verse 1]
If I could mGake my living going fishCing
Then I would mGake my living with a lDine and pole
Put Gfood on the table pay the money to the landlord
BCuy some working clothes
Cause I ain't making Gmoney going fishing Like I'm pDaid at the factGory
[Verse 2]
If I could pGay all these bills with my guiCtar
Then I would pGay these bills with some rDock and roll
Put fGood on the table pay the money to the landlord
BCuy some working clothes
Cause I ain't making mGoney playing guitar Like I'm pDaid at the factGory
[Chorus]   
Now if I cCould (if I could)
Then I woGuld (then I would)
Make mAoney doing something that I love
I'd thDank my lucky stars above
[Verse 3] 
If I could jusGt get by loving yoCu dear
Then I would jGust get by making Dlove to you
Put fGood on the table pay the money to the landlord
CBuy some working clothes
Cause I ain't making moGney making love
Like I'm pDaid at the factoGry
[Chorus]      
Now if I cCould (if I could)
Then I woGuld (then I would)
Make mAoney doing something that I love
I'd thDank my lucky stars above

All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

John Prine was a country-folk singer-songwriter known for his blend of humorous and sweet songs, often touching on themes of love, life, and current events. He was a prolific artist, writing and performing from the early 1970s. This song, appearing on the 1997 release Live on Tour, carries the heartfelt weight of his expressive style. It plays like a tender reflection on profound longing.

AI-written from these sources:John Prine — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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Chord Book

670,000+ free guitar chords · free-chords.com

If I Could

by John Prine

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

[Verse 1]

G C

If I could make my living going fishing

G D

Then I would make my living with a line and pole

Put food on the table pay the money to the landlord

Buy some working clothes

G D G

Cause I ain't making money going fishing Like I'm paid at the factory

[Verse 2]

G C

If I could pay all these bills with my guitar

G D

Then I would pay these bills with some rock and roll

Put food on the table pay the money to the landlord

Buy some working clothes

G D G

Cause I ain't making money playing guitar Like I'm paid at the factory

[Chorus]

Now if I could (if I could)

Then I would (then I would)

Make money doing something that I love

I'd thank my lucky stars above

[Verse 3]

G C

If I could just get by loving you dear

G D

Then I would just get by making love to you

Put food on the table pay the money to the landlord

Buy some working clothes

Cause I ain't making money making love

D G

Like I'm paid at the factory

[Chorus]

Now if I could (if I could)

Then I would (then I would)

Make money doing something that I love

I'd thank my lucky stars above

About If I Could Chords by John Prine

Learn how to play If I Could by John Prine with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “If I Could chords”, “If I Could guitar chords”, or “John Prine If I Could 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 If I Could chords and for experienced players who want accurate If I Could lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, C, D, A.

FAQ — If I Could by John Prine

How do I play "If I Could" by John Prine on guitar?

Open the free chords for "If I Could" by John Prine 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 "If I Could" by John Prine free?

Yes. The chords for "If I Could" by John Prine are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "If I Could" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "If I Could"?

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

Is "If I Could" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "If I Could" by John Prine with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by John Prine below.

What key is "If I Could" in?

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