Now playing

Johnny Got A Gun

Chords
Bminor
90BPM
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Johnny Got A Gun - Tom Paxton
Bm   A   G   G   A   Bm(Twice)
BmJohnny's mum and dad both Aworked long hours, they Gworked on the Aweekends Bmtoo
BmJohnny was eleven, but they Ahad no notion of what GJohnny was Agoing Bmthrough
AJohnny got pushed and DJohnny got robbed and it Amade him feel chicken to DruF#n
BmBig kids picked on AJohnny every day, so GJohnny went and Agot him a Bmgun
Repeat intro
Johnny got a gun, he didn't bring it home, he covered it with rags and dirt.
On his way to school he looked both ways, then he hid it under his shirt.
Johnny was afraid of going to school, there was always trouble in the hall.
Fights in the boys' room, guns in the lockers and little kids bouncing
off the walls.
Chorus:
DJohnny was afraid of Adying young
GEverybody he F#knew had a gun
So BmJohnny got a gun and Gevery little Athing looked Bmcool.
Repeat intro and then between each verse and chorus
First time Johnny flashed his gun everybody backed off fast.
Everybody treated him differently then. Johnny felt safe at last.
Johnny had a gun and everybody knew and everybody left him alone.
Till he bumped a kid who was coming down the stairs and the kid had a gun
of his own.
The kid pushed Johnny, Johnny went down and the kid had something to say.
Pulled his gun, Johnny shot first and he blew the other kid away
The police came and took away the gun, said he wouldn't need a gun any more
Took him to the station, sat him in a chair
And his feet didn't reach the floor.
Chorus
Johnny had a hearing plead self defence, prosecutor said "No way."
Judge said "you're eleven, but you're killing like a man and it's gonna
be a long, long stay"
Johnny's mum and dad still work long hours and knock on the unit door
Sit with Johnny in the visitor's room and his feet don't reach the floor.
Chorus
And his Gfeet don't Areach the Bmfloor.
All chords in this song (5)

🎸 Tips from players

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

About Johnny Got A Gun Chords by Tom Paxton

Learn how to play Johnny Got A Gun by Tom Paxton with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Johnny Got A Gun chords”, “Johnny Got A Gun guitar chords”, or “Tom Paxton Johnny Got A Gun 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 Johnny Got A Gun chords and for experienced players who want accurate Johnny Got A Gun lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, Bm, G, D, F#.

FAQ — Johnny Got A Gun by Tom Paxton

How do I play "Johnny Got A Gun" by Tom Paxton on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Johnny Got A Gun" by Tom Paxton 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 "Johnny Got A Gun" by Tom Paxton free?

Yes. The chords for "Johnny Got A Gun" by Tom Paxton are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Johnny Got A Gun" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Johnny Got A Gun"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Johnny Got A Gun" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Johnny Got A Gun" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Johnny Got A Gun" by Tom Paxton with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Tom Paxton below.

What key is "Johnny Got A Gun" in?

The chords for "Johnny Got A Gun" show the original chord names (including A, Bm, G, D, F#). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.

Report a problem with this sheet · Copyright concern?