Now playing

To Be Free

Chords

Listen

YouTubeYouTube SpotifySpotify AppleApple Music

Cmajor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

[Intro]
C  F  C  F  C  F  C  F
[Verse]
The Cgilt-edged invitation came and I Fsaid, "What can this mean?
To atCtend the coronation as the Ffirst guest of the Queen
And Gsit upon her right hand, where the FPrince is normally seen?"
The Cmaids of honour stared at me and Fregistered surprise
To Csee a man of such good taste, apFpear before their eyes
Now Gbring rather humble, I aFdopted a disguise
As the GMinister of State for Mass EnFvironment Controls
Who conGdemn the working classes for inFhabiting the holes
That Gbelong to Queen and Country, but do G7not permit their souls
To be Cfree like Gme
To be fCree like Gme
Oh, to be Cfree__F  C  F  
[Verse]
The CPerspex chandelier began to Fmelt and slip away
One Cmillion candle-powered, it Fkept the night at bay
While the Gpower station workers were Fbusy making hay
The Cworkers in the fields were enFgaged in self-defence
Which inCvolved the use of barbed wire as a Fself-containing fence
But as a Gmeans of self-protection, it was Fneedlessly immense
I Gstopped to ask them for a light, they Fpointed at the sun
Which Graised their hopes of harvesting a Fbetter crop than guns
Can Gever mass produce at the exG7pense of anyone
Who is Cfree like Gme
Who is Cfree like Gme
Oh, who is Cfree__F  C  F  
[Verse]
The Csolitary peasant in his Fhome above the lake
Raised Chigh on wooden stilts, has made the Fsingular mistake
Of revoGlutionary conduct at the Fcelebration wake
His Curban counterpart engaged in Fmundane occupation
EnCjoys the chance of laughing at the FQueen's humiliation
At the Ghands of Ministers of State for FRehabilitation
Now the Gpower station worker, though his Faim is too disjointed
Finds himGself around the corner, while his Fgun is never pointed
He is Gever at the ready, he deG7sires to be anointed
And be Cfree like Gme
And be Cfree like Gme
And be Cfree__F  C  F  

All chords in this song (4)

🎸 Tips from players

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

Chord Book

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

To Be Free

by Strawbs

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

[Intro]

C F C F C F C F

[Verse]

C F

The gilt-edged invitation came and I said, "What can this mean?

C F

To attend the coronation as the first guest of the Queen

G F

And sit upon her right hand, where the Prince is normally seen?"

C F

The maids of honour stared at me and registered surprise

C F

To see a man of such good taste, appear before their eyes

G F

Now bring rather humble, I adopted a disguise

G F

As the Minister of State for Mass Environment Controls

G F

Who condemn the working classes for inhabiting the holes

G G7

That belong to Queen and Country, but do not permit their souls

C G

To be free like me

C G

To be free like me

C F C F

Oh, to be free__

[Verse]

C F

The Perspex chandelier began to melt and slip away

C F

One million candle-powered, it kept the night at bay

G F

While the power station workers were busy making hay

C F

The workers in the fields were engaged in self-defence

C F

Which involved the use of barbed wire as a self-containing fence

G F

But as a means of self-protection, it was needlessly immense

G F

I stopped to ask them for a light, they pointed at the sun

G F

Which raised their hopes of harvesting a better crop than guns

G G7

Can ever mass produce at the expense of anyone

C G

Who is free like me

C G

Who is free like me

C F C F

Oh, who is free__

[Verse]

C F

The solitary peasant in his home above the lake

C F

Raised high on wooden stilts, has made the singular mistake

G F

Of revolutionary conduct at the celebration wake

C F

His urban counterpart engaged in mundane occupation

C F

Enjoys the chance of laughing at the Queen's humiliation

G F

At the hands of Ministers of State for Rehabilitation

G F

Now the power station worker, though his aim is too disjointed

G F

Finds himself around the corner, while his gun is never pointed

G G7

He is ever at the ready, he desires to be anointed

C G

And be free like me

C G

And be free like me

C F C F

And be free__

About To Be Free Chords by Strawbs

Learn how to play To Be Free by Strawbs with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “To Be Free chords”, “To Be Free guitar chords”, or “Strawbs To Be Free 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 To Be Free chords and for experienced players who want accurate To Be Free lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C, F, G, G7.

FAQ — To Be Free by Strawbs

How do I play "To Be Free" by Strawbs on guitar?

Open the free chords for "To Be Free" by Strawbs 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 "To Be Free" by Strawbs free?

Yes. The chords for "To Be Free" by Strawbs are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "To Be Free" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "To Be Free"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "To Be Free" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "To Be Free" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "To Be Free" by Strawbs with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Strawbs below.

What key is "To Be Free" in?

The chords for "To Be Free" show the original chord names (including C, F, G, G7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.