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Big Yellow Taxi

Chords
4.619 votes
90BPM
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
#----------------------------------PLEASE NOTE---------------------------------#
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BIG YELLOW TAXI - by Joni Mitchell
>From Amy Grant's "House of Love" album.
E022100
Emaj7021100
Esus4022200
E(no 3) 022400
A002220
Asus4002230
A/C#04222x
B/D#06444x
B224442
Bsus224452
Intro:
E Emaj7 A/C# B/D#
E Emaj7 A/C# B/D#
E Esus4 E E Esus4 E Esus4 E
E   Esus4  E(no 3) Esus4   E   Esus4  E  
First verse:
A   Asus4   A   Asus4   E   Esus4  E(no 3) Esus4   E   Esus4  E  
Esus4They pEaved paradise and put up a parking lot
With a pAink Asus4hotel, a boButiquBsuse, and a sEwinging hot spot
Chorus:
DoEn't it always Emaj7seem to go
That you dA/C#on't know what you've got till B/D#it's gEone
They paAved paAsus4radise and pBut up a pBsusarking lEot
E   Esus4  E(no 3) Esus4   E   Esus4   E   Esus4   E   E   Esus4  E(no 3) Esus4   E   Esus4  E  
(Shoo bop bop bop bop Shoo bop bop bop)
Second verse:
They took all the trees and put 'em in a tree museum
And they charged all the people twenty-five bucks just to see 'em
Repeat chorus:
Third verse:
Hey farmer, farmer, put away your DDT now
Give me spots on my apples but leave me the birds and the bees, please
Repeat chorus twice:
Fourth verse:
Late last night I heard the screen door slam
And a big yellow taxi carried off my old man
Repeat chorus twice:
All chords in this song (9)

The story behind the song

Amy Grant’s take on "Big Yellow Taxi" carries a poignant message about environmental loss. The song, originally by Joni Mitchell, was inspired by a trip to Hawaii where the songwriter witnessed a beautiful landscape marred by development. It captures the feeling that "they paved paradise and put up a parking lot," a lament for what is lost when nature gives way to progress. Grant, known for her blend of Christian and pop music, brings her reflective style to this enduring anthem, reminding us that sometimes we don't know what we've got until it's gone.

Story time

Big Yellow Taxi

Goldie
Big Yellow Taxi

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About Big Yellow Taxi Chords by Amy Grant

Learn how to play Big Yellow Taxi by Amy Grant with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Big Yellow Taxi chords”, “Big Yellow Taxi guitar chords”, or “Amy Grant Big Yellow Taxi 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 Big Yellow Taxi chords and for experienced players who want accurate Big Yellow Taxi lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include E, Emaj7, Esus4, A, Asus4, A/C#.

FAQ — Big Yellow Taxi by Amy Grant

How do I play "Big Yellow Taxi" by Amy Grant on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Big Yellow Taxi" by Amy Grant 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 "Big Yellow Taxi" by Amy Grant free?

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Can I transpose "Big Yellow Taxi" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Big Yellow Taxi"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Big Yellow Taxi" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Big Yellow Taxi" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Big Yellow Taxi" by Amy Grant with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Amy Grant below.

What key is "Big Yellow Taxi" in?

The chords for "Big Yellow Taxi" show the original chord names (including E, Emaj7, Esus4, A, Asus4, A/C#). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.

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