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Banana Republics

Chords

5.0401 votes

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

[Intro]
|        G|        G|       Am|       Am|
|        D|        D|    G   C/G|        G|
|        G|        G|       Am|       Am|
|        D|   G      C|   G    D   G|(G)      |
[Verse 1]
GDown to the Banana Republics, Amdown to the tropical sun,
go the Dexpatriated Americans, Ghopin' to find some fun.
GSome of them go for the sailing, Amcalled by the lure of the sea.
DTryin' to find what is ailing, Glivin' in the land of the free.
GSome of them are running from lovers, Amleaving no forward address.
DSome of them are running tons of ganja,
some are Grunning from the I.R.S.
[Chorus]
DmLate at night you will find them,
in the Amcheap hotels and bars,
CHustling the señoGritas Cwhile they Gdance beDneath the Gstars.
DmSpending those renegade pesos on a Ebbottle of rum and a lDime.
Singin' Cgive me some words I can Gdance to,
Cor a GmeloDdy that Grhymes.
G
[Verse 2]
GFirst you learn the native customs, Amsoon a word of Spanish or two.
DYou know that you cannot trust them, 'cause Gthey know they can't trust you.
GExpatriated Americans, Amfeelin' so all alone,
Dtelling themselves the same lies that they Gtold themselves back home.
[Instrumental]
|        G|        G|       Am|       Am|
|        D|        D|        G|        G|
|       Dm|       Dm|       Am|       Am|
|        C|   G      C|   G    D   G|(G)      |
[Verse 3]
GDown to the Banana Republics, Amthings aren't as warm as they seem,
Dnone of the natives are buying any Gsecond-hand American dreams.
[Chorus]
DmLate at night you will find them,
in the Amcheap hotels and bars,
CHustling the señoGritas Cwhile they Gdance beDneath the Gstars.
DmSpending those renegade pesos on a Ebbottle of rum and a lDime.
Singin' Cgive me some words I can Gdance to,
Cor a GmeloDdy that Grhymes.
[Verse 4]
GDown to the Banana Republics, Amdown to the tropical sun;
go the Dexpatriated Americans, Ghopin' to find some fun.

All chords in this song (7)

The story behind the song

"Banana Republics" fits right into Jimmy Buffett's world of tropical music and "island escapism." His music often blends country, rock, folk, and calypso to create a sound that encourages enjoying life and following passions. This song, like much of his work, evokes a sense of laid-back living and a carefree spirit. Playing it feels like an invitation to embrace a relaxed, sun-drenched mood.

AI-written from these sources:Jimmy Buffett — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

🎸 Tips from players

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Chord Book

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

Banana Republics

by Jimmy Buffett

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

C/G

[Intro]

G G Am Am

| | | | |

D D G C/G G

| | | | |

G G Am Am

| | | | |

D G C G D G G

| | | |() |

[Verse 1]

G Am

Down to the Banana Republics, down to the tropical sun,

D G

go the expatriated Americans, hopin' to find some fun.

G Am

Some of them go for the sailing, called by the lure of the sea.

D G

Tryin' to find what is ailing, livin' in the land of the free.

G Am

Some of them are running from lovers, leaving no forward address.

Some of them are running tons of ganja,

some are running from the I.R.S.

[Chorus]

Late at night you will find them,

in the cheap hotels and bars,

C G C G D G

Hustling the señoritas while they dance beneath the stars.

Dm Eb D

Spending those renegade pesos on a bottle of rum and a lime.

C G

Singin' give me some words I can dance to,

C G D G

or a melody that rhymes.

[Verse 2]

G Am

First you learn the native customs, soon a word of Spanish or two.

D G

You know that you cannot trust them, 'cause they know they can't trust you.

G Am

Expatriated Americans, feelin' so all alone,

D G

telling themselves the same lies that they told themselves back home.

[Instrumental]

G G Am Am

| | | | |

D D G G

| | | | |

Dm Dm Am Am

| | | | |

C G C G D G G

| | | |() |

[Verse 3]

G Am

Down to the Banana Republics, things aren't as warm as they seem,

D G

none of the natives are buying any second-hand American dreams.

[Chorus]

Late at night you will find them,

in the cheap hotels and bars,

C G C G D G

Hustling the señoritas while they dance beneath the stars.

Dm Eb D

Spending those renegade pesos on a bottle of rum and a lime.

C G

Singin' give me some words I can dance to,

C G D G

or a melody that rhymes.

[Verse 4]

G Am

Down to the Banana Republics, down to the tropical sun;

D G

go the expatriated Americans, hopin' to find some fun.

About Banana Republics Chords by Jimmy Buffett

Learn how to play Banana Republics by Jimmy Buffett with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Banana Republics chords”, “Banana Republics guitar chords”, or “Jimmy Buffett Banana Republics 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 Banana Republics chords and for experienced players who want accurate Banana Republics lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, Am, D, C/G, C, Dm.

FAQ — Banana Republics by Jimmy Buffett

How do I play "Banana Republics" by Jimmy Buffett on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Banana Republics" by Jimmy Buffett 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 "Banana Republics" by Jimmy Buffett free?

Yes. The chords for "Banana Republics" by Jimmy Buffett are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Banana Republics" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Banana Republics"?

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

Is "Banana Republics" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Banana Republics" by Jimmy Buffett with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Jimmy Buffett below.

What key is "Banana Republics" in?

The chords for "Banana Republics" show the original chord names (including G, Am, D, C/G, C, Dm). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.