If I Was The Priest

Chords
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transcribe Bruce's timing on this number). Excuse me if the chords are a
If I Was The Priest
Bruce Springsteen
INTRO (don't play the bottom E string on Intro)
G/B C/G G C/G
G/B C/G G C/G
VERSE
Well there's a Glight -Gon yonder -DmountaDin and it's Emcallin' Dme to shCineC/G  
There's a gGirl over Gby the water DfountaiDn and she's Emasking Dto be mCineC/G  
And ain't that GJesus's he's Gstanding in the DdoorwaDy
with a buckskin Emjacket, boots and Dspurs so really fCineC/G  
He says we nGeed you uGp in Dodge CDity son Dbecause there's
Em   D   C(hold)
oh so many bad boys tryin' to work the same line
G/B C/G G C/G
G/B C/G G C/G
CHORUS
Well now if GJesus was the sDheriff and I Emwas the Dpriest if my
Emlady was an Dheiress and my maCma was a thC/Gief oh and
Gpapa rode shotgun Don the Fargo lCineAm  
Em   D   C(hold)
still too many bad boys tryin' to work the same line
G/B C/G G C/G
G/B C/G G C/G
VERSE
Now oGld sweet Virgin GMary she runs the DHoly Grail SalDoon
Em D C
Where for a nC/Gickel they'll give you whiskey and a personally blessed
And the Gholy ghost is the hoGst with the most he ruDns the berlesque showD  
Where they let Emin for free but ooh Dhit you when you CgoC/G  
And GMary serves mass on GSunday and then she Dsells her body on DMonday
To the Embootlegger who will Dpay the highest CpriceC/G  
Well Ghe don't know he got Gstuck with the Dlosin Mary stDone
Em   D   C(hold)
Junkie what's more she's a user She's only been made once or twice
G/B C/G G C/G
G/B C/G G C/G
Well now if GJesus was the sDheriff and I Emwas the Dpriest if my
Emlady was an Dheiress and my maCma was a thC/Gief oh and
Gpapa rode shotgun Don the Fargo lCineAm  
Em   D   C(hold)
still too many outlaws tryin' to work the same line
Well things Gain't been sane in Gheaven ever since big bad DBobby came to tDown
He's been Emknown to down eDleven and then Cask for another roC/Gund
And Gme I got Gscabs on my knees from Dkneelin way to loDng
You Emgot to take a stand, be a Dman Cup where you bC/Gelong
And forGget about the Gold friends Din the old tDimes
Em   D   C(hold)
But there's just too many new boys trying to work the same line.
G/B C/G G C/G
CHORUS
Well now if GJesus was the sDheriff and I Emwas the Dpriest if my
Emlady was an Dheiress and my maCma was a thC/Gief oh and
Gpapa rode shotgun Don the Fargo lCineAm  
Em   D   C(hold)
still too many outlaws tryin' to work the same line
G/B C/G G C/G
G/B C/G G C/G
VERSE
Well there's a Glight -Gon yonder -DmountaDin and it's Emcallin' Dme to shCineC/G  
There's a gGirl over Gby the water DfountaiDn and she's Emasking Dto be mCineC/G  
And GJesus's he's Gstanding in the DdoorwaDy
with 6 guns dEmrawn Dready to fCanC/G  
Said, "We neGed you toGnight son up Din DodgDe City"
Em   D   C(hold)
Told him I was already overdue for Cheyenne
CHORUS (3 times)
Well now if GJesus was the sDheriff and I Emwas the Dpriest if my
Emlady was an Dheiress and my maCma was a thC/Gief oh and
Gpapa rode shotgun Don the Fargo lCineAm  
Em   D   C(hold)
still too many bad boys tryin' to work the same line
(3 times)
All chords in this song (7)

The story behind the song

"If I Was The Priest" introduces the listener to a vivid cast of characters within a small-town setting, painting a picture of their lives and struggles. The lyrics explore themes of faith, sin, and redemption through the lens of a priest observing his congregation. It’s a narrative-driven piece, inviting the player to step into the role of storyteller and empathize with the diverse experiences depicted.

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About If I Was The Priest Chords by Bruce Springsteen

Learn how to play If I Was The Priest by Bruce Springsteen with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “If I Was The Priest chords”, “If I Was The Priest guitar chords”, or “Bruce Springsteen If I Was The Priest 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 If I Was The Priest chords and for experienced players who want accurate If I Was The Priest lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include E, G/B, C/G, G, D, Em.

FAQ — If I Was The Priest by Bruce Springsteen

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What key is "If I Was The Priest" in?

The chords for "If I Was The Priest" show the original chord names (including E, G/B, C/G, G, D, Em). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.