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The Seventh Son
The story behind the song
This rhythm and blues song channels the ancient folklore surrounding the seventh son of a seventh son, believed to possess extraordinary powers. The lyrics speak from the perspective of this special individual, who can tell your future and knows what will come to pass. Willie Dixon, who wrote the song, drew on the historical idea from places like New Orleans, where the seventh child was considered born for good luck. Johnny Rivers brought his dynamic energy to this track, making it a popular single from his 1965 album Meanwhile Back at the Whisky à Go Go. It’s a song that invites you to tap into a sense of mystical power and destiny.
Story time
The Seventh Son
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The Seventh Son
by Johnny Rivers
Chords in this song · guitar
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Lyrics and compositions © their respective songwriters and publishers. Free for personal practice.
About The Seventh Son Chords by Johnny Rivers
Learn how to play The Seventh Son by Johnny Rivers with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Seventh Son chords”, “The Seventh Son guitar chords”, or “Johnny Rivers The Seventh Son 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 The Seventh Son chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Seventh Son lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include E, E7, A, B.
FAQ — The Seventh Son by Johnny Rivers
How do I play "The Seventh Son" by Johnny Rivers on guitar?
Open the free chords for "The Seventh Son" by Johnny Rivers 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 "The Seventh Son" by Johnny Rivers free?
Yes. The chords for "The Seventh Son" by Johnny Rivers are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.
Can I transpose "The Seventh Son" to a different key?
Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "The Seventh Son" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.
Can I see chord diagrams for "The Seventh Son"?
Yes. Tap any chord in "The Seventh Son" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.
Is "The Seventh Son" easy to play on guitar?
Many players learn "The Seventh Son" by Johnny Rivers with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Johnny Rivers below.
What key is "The Seventh Son" in?
The chords for "The Seventh Son" show the original chord names (including E, E7, A, B). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.