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Altar Boy

Chords

4.43 votes

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

[Verse 1]
   EbHe's an Abol' altar boy
   BbmLying out theEb7re in the street
   AbHe's an ol' F7altar boyBbm7  
   EbBound up Db7in leather and chainsGb7  
   CmThat's F7why I'm feeling so Bbm7blue
   Eb7I'm an old altar Abboy
   F7What about youBb?
[Verse 2]
   Eb7Now, I can order Abin Latin
   F7Make 'em au Bbm7gratin, JoeEb7  
   AbI'm an old altar boy
   FThat's Bbm7why I'm so deEb7pressed
   I Db7never got the Gb7rest of the dream
   Cm7Just the rituaF7l
   Now IBbm7'm habituaEbl
   MaAbjoring in crimF7es that are unspeaBbm7kable
   Eb7Cause I'm an old altAbar boy
   F7That's what happened Bbm7to me
[Verse 3]
   Eb7I'm an Abold altar boyF7  
   He's Bbm7hoping he can meet      Eb7a woman dressed liDbke a nun
   Gb7He knows there's gCm7ot to be some arF7ound here
   Bb7Drinking across from thEb7e church
   A Ablittle Father CriFbari wine
   BbmOn a SunEb7day morn' Abtime
[Verse 4]
   DbI'm an old Gbaltar boy
   CmWhy F7is he winking Bb7at this time in his life?
   Eb7He never took a wAbife, cause he's an F7old altar boy
   BbmOh, yeEbah...
   What about Abyou?

All chords in this song (15)

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Altar Boy

by Tom Waits

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Bbm

Eb7

Bbm7

Db7

Gb7

Cm7

Bb7

[Verse 1]

Eb Ab

He's an ol' altar boy

Bbm Eb7

Lying out there in the street

Ab F7 Bbm7

He's an ol' altar boy

Eb Db7 Gb7

Bound up in leather and chains

Cm F7 Bbm7

That's why I'm feeling so blue

Eb7 Ab

I'm an old altar boy

F7 Bb

What about you?

[Verse 2]

Eb7 Ab

Now, I can order in Latin

F7 Bbm7 Eb7

Make 'em au gratin, Joe

I'm an old altar boy

F Bbm7 Eb7

That's why I'm so depressed

Db7 Gb7

I never got the rest of the dream

Cm7 F7

Just the ritual

Bbm7 Eb

Now I'm habitual

Ab F7 Bbm7

Majoring in crimes that are unspeakable

Eb7 Ab

Cause I'm an old altar boy

F7 Bbm7

That's what happened to me

[Verse 3]

Eb7 Ab F7

I'm an old altar boy

Bbm7 Eb7 Db

He's hoping he can meet a woman dressed like a nun

Gb7 Cm7 F7

He knows there's got to be some around here

Bb7 Eb7

Drinking across from the church

Ab F

A little Father Cribari wine

Bbm Eb7 Ab

On a Sunday morn' time

[Verse 4]

Db Gb

I'm an old altar boy

Cm F7 Bb7

Why is he winking at this time in his life?

Eb7 Ab F7

He never took a wife, cause he's an old altar boy

Bbm Eb

Oh, yeah...

What about you?

About Altar Boy Chords by Tom Waits

Learn how to play Altar Boy by Tom Waits with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Altar Boy chords”, “Altar Boy guitar chords”, or “Tom Waits Altar Boy 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 Altar Boy chords and for experienced players who want accurate Altar Boy lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Eb, Ab, Bbm, Eb7, F7, Bbm7.

FAQ — Altar Boy by Tom Waits

How do I play "Altar Boy" by Tom Waits on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Altar Boy" by Tom Waits 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 "Altar Boy" by Tom Waits free?

Yes. The chords for "Altar Boy" by Tom Waits are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Altar Boy" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Altar Boy"?

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

Is "Altar Boy" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Altar Boy" by Tom Waits with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Tom Waits below.

What key is "Altar Boy" in?

The chords for "Altar Boy" show the original chord names (including Eb, Ab, Bbm, Eb7, F7, Bbm7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.