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Run For The Roses

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90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

(Unhurried waltz tempo)
(Capo to taste.  I usually capo one fret, but I am not sure
whether this is the original key or not.)
[Intro]
E            E/G#          A            B7
E            E/G#          A            B7
[Verse 1]
EBorn in the vE/G#alley, and raiAsed in the trB7ees
EOf Western KenE/G#tucky, on woAbbly kneB7es
With EMama besE/G#ide you, to hAelp you alAmong,
You'll soEon be a-gC#mrowing up stF#mrong.B7  
[Verse 2]
EAll the long E/G#lazy mornings, in Apastures of B7green,
EThe sun on your E/G#withers, the Awind in your B7mane
Could Enever preE/G#pare you for Awhat lies aAmhead:
The run fEor the roC#mses so red.  F#mAnd it'sB7  
[Chorus]
ARun for the B7roses as G#mfast as you can
AYour fate is deB7livered.  Your G#mmoment's at hand.
It's the Achance of a B7lifetime, in a G#mlifetime of Achance,
And it's F#mhigh time you joined in the B7dance.
It's Dhigh time you joined in the Adance.
[Verse 3]
From Esire to E/G#sire, it's Aborn in the B7blood.
The Efire of a E/G#mare and the Astrength of a B7stud.
It's Ebreeding, and it's E/G#training, and it's Asomething unAmknown,
That Edrives you and C#mcarries Ayou B7home.
[Chorus]
And it's Arun for the B7roses as G#mfast as you can
AYour fate is deB7livered.  Your G#mmoment's at hand.
It's the Achance of a B7lifetime, in a G#mlifetime of Achance,
And it's F#mhigh time you joined in the B7dance.
It's Dhigh time you joined in the Adance.

All chords in this song (9)

Open

O221OO

Major chord - Happy, bright sound

✕ Mute Open Press

Skill · find home

E major

This chord is home. When a line ends, land here.

Run For The Roses

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Run For The Roses

by Dan Fogelberg

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

Chords in this song · guitar

E/G#

C#m

F#m

G#m

(Unhurried waltz tempo)

(Capo to taste. I usually capo one fret, but I am not sure

whether this is the original key or not.)

[Intro]

E E/G# A B7

[Verse 1]

E E/G# A B7

Born in the valley, and raised in the trees

E E/G# A B7

Of Western Kentucky, on wobbly knees

E E/G# A Am

With Mama beside you, to help you along,

E C#m F#m B7

You'll soon be a-growing up strong.

[Verse 2]

E E/G# A B7

All the long lazy mornings, in pastures of green,

E E/G# A B7

The sun on your withers, the wind in your mane

E E/G# A Am

Could never prepare you for what lies ahead:

E C#m F#m B7

The run for the roses so red. And it's

[Chorus]

A B7 G#m

Run for the roses as fast as you can

A B7 G#m

Your fate is delivered. Your moment's at hand.

A B7 G#m A

It's the chance of a lifetime, in a lifetime of chance,

F#m B7

And it's high time you joined in the dance.

D A

It's high time you joined in the dance.

[Verse 3]

E E/G# A B7

From sire to sire, it's born in the blood.

E E/G# A B7

The fire of a mare and the strength of a stud.

E E/G# A Am

It's breeding, and it's training, and it's something unknown,

E C#m A B7

That drives you and carries you home.

[Chorus]

A B7 G#m

And it's run for the roses as fast as you can

A B7 G#m

Your fate is delivered. Your moment's at hand.

A B7 G#m A

It's the chance of a lifetime, in a lifetime of chance,

F#m B7

And it's high time you joined in the dance.

D A

It's high time you joined in the dance.

About Run For The Roses Chords by Dan Fogelberg

Learn how to play Run For The Roses by Dan Fogelberg with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Run For The Roses chords”, “Run For The Roses guitar chords”, or “Dan Fogelberg Run For The Roses 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 Run For The Roses chords and for experienced players who want accurate Run For The Roses lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include E, E/G#, A, B7, Am, C#m.

FAQ — Run For The Roses by Dan Fogelberg

How do I play "Run For The Roses" by Dan Fogelberg on guitar?

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Can I transpose "Run For The Roses" to a different key?

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Can I see chord diagrams for "Run For The Roses"?

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Is "Run For The Roses" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Run For The Roses" by Dan Fogelberg with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Dan Fogelberg below.

What key is "Run For The Roses" in?

The chords for "Run For The Roses" show the original chord names (including E, E/G#, A, B7, Am, C#m). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.