Now playing

Caroline No

Chords

4.744 votes

Listen

YouTubeYouTube SpotifySpotify AppleApple Music

Aminor

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

With respect to all those who have tabbed this song in the past in the key of Fm,
this is actually closer to the real thing. Originally it was recorded in a kind of
G, before the whole mix was
sped up one semitone to G# to make the vocals sound 'younger and more innocent'.
However, the song only really works in the key described below which is, to all
intents and purposes, G.
(A note on how the chords are formed)
When played on the piano, the opening chord is constructed of an Em7 with a G bass,
followed by a Dm7 with a C bass. Towards the end of the verse there is more of this
trickery, involving a Gm7 with a C bass and an Fmaj7 also with a C bass. The G9 in the
bridge can be played as A G7, A G6 or A G13,
depending on how you play and what your ear tells you.
What I've called Em7/G is similar to the open G shape, the notes being G, (A muted), E, G, D, E.
What I've done below is the best I can for a song that was designed for piano and not guitar.
[Verse 1]
        Em7/GWhere  did your Dm7/Clong hair go
        Em7/GWhere  is the girl I Dm7/Cused to know
        Em7/GHow   could you Gm7lose that Gm7/Chappy  gFmaj7/Clow
        Oh Caroline, Fmaj7No
[Verse 2]
        Em7/GWho took that Dm7/Clook away
        Em7/GI remember how you Dm7/Cused to say
        Em7/GYou'd never Gm7change, but Gm7/Cthat's not Fmaj7/Ctrue
        Oh Caroline, Fmaj7you
[Bridge]
        Break my Dm7heart, I G9want to CM7go and cry
        It's so Bm7b5sad to E7watch a sweet thing Am7die
        Oh Caroline, Fm6/Abwhy
[Verse 3]
        Em7/GCould I ever find in Dm7/Cyou again
        Em7/GThings that made me love you Dm7/Cso much then
        Em7/GCould we ever bring them Gm7back once Gm7/Cthey had Fmaj7/Cgone
        Oh Caroline, Fmaj7no
[repeat verse chords to fade]

All chords in this song (13)

The story behind the song

"Caroline, No" captures the ache of watching someone change, a former love interest who has become a different person. The lyrics reflect a disillusioned man's pain, wondering if the past, with "long hair" and youthful innocence, can ever be recaptured. While inspired by a past girlfriend of lyricist Tony Asher, the song also touches on a broader disenchantment with the way "sweet little girls" grow into hardened adults. Released as Brian Wilson's first solo record before appearing on The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds album, it's a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of memory.

AI-written from these sources:Caroline, No — Wikipedia ↗The Beach Boys — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

Story time

Caroline No

Caroline No

🎸 Tips from players

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

Chord Book

670,000+ free guitar chords · free-chords.com

Caroline No

by The Beach Boys

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Em7/G

Dm7/C

Gm7

Gm7/C

Fmaj7/C

Fmaj7

Dm7

CM7

Bm7b5

Am7

Fm6/Ab

With respect to all those who have tabbed this song in the past in the key of Fm,

this is actually closer to the real thing. Originally it was recorded in a kind of

G, before the whole mix was

sped up one semitone to G# to make the vocals sound 'younger and more innocent'.

However, the song only really works in the key described below which is, to all

intents and purposes, G.

(A note on how the chords are formed)

When played on the piano, the opening chord is constructed of an Em7 with a G bass,

followed by a Dm7 with a C bass. Towards the end of the verse there is more of this

trickery, involving a Gm7 with a C bass and an Fmaj7 also with a C bass. The G9 in the

bridge can be played as A G7, A G6 or A G13,

depending on how you play and what your ear tells you.

What I've called Em7/G is similar to the open G shape, the notes being G, (A muted), E, G, D, E.

What I've done below is the best I can for a song that was designed for piano and not guitar.

[Verse 1]

Em7/G Dm7/C

Where did your long hair go

Em7/G Dm7/C

Where is the girl I used to know

Em7/G Gm7 Gm7/C Fmaj7/C

How could you lose that happy glow

Fmaj7

Oh Caroline, No

[Verse 2]

Em7/G Dm7/C

Who took that look away

Em7/G Dm7/C

I remember how you used to say

Em7/G Gm7 Gm7/C Fmaj7/C

You'd never change, but that's not true

Fmaj7

Oh Caroline, you

[Bridge]

Dm7 G9 CM7

Break my heart, I want to go and cry

Bm7b5 E7 Am7

It's so sad to watch a sweet thing die

Fm6/Ab

Oh Caroline, why

[Verse 3]

Em7/G Dm7/C

Could I ever find in you again

Em7/G Dm7/C

Things that made me love you so much then

Em7/G Gm7 Gm7/C Fmaj7/C

Could we ever bring them back once they had gone

Fmaj7

Oh Caroline, no

[repeat verse chords to fade]

About Caroline No Chords by The Beach Boys

Learn how to play Caroline No by The Beach Boys with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Caroline No chords”, “Caroline No guitar chords”, or “The Beach Boys Caroline No 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 Caroline No chords and for experienced players who want accurate Caroline No lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Fm, G, A, C, G9, G7.

FAQ — Caroline No by The Beach Boys

How do I play "Caroline No" by The Beach Boys on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Caroline No" by The Beach Boys 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 "Caroline No" by The Beach Boys free?

Yes. The chords for "Caroline No" by The Beach Boys are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Caroline No" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Caroline No" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Caroline No"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Caroline No" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Caroline No" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Caroline No" by The Beach Boys with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by The Beach Boys below.

What key is "Caroline No" in?

The chords for "Caroline No" show the original chord names (including Fm, G, A, C, G9, G7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.