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Chain Lightning

Chords

4.415 votes

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Intro:
Em
Verse 1:
EmSometimes when I'm thinkin' that Clove's not aGround
My Amheart begins Emsinkin', I Amdon't hear a B7sound
And the Emworld is in blackness, no Clight shines on Gme
I Amsuffer no Emblindness, no Amone can I B7see
Then a Emflash from the heavens like a Cloud jagged Gwire
And the Amsilence is Embroken, and the B7night is on Emfire.
Chorus:
It's like Emchain lightning, this Clove that I Gfeel.
Who Amknow's where it Emstrikes or Amwhen it will B7hit,
How Amlong it will Emlast, or B7when............ it will Emquit.
Chords repeated for rest of song:
Verse 2:
In the forest I'm burning, struck down by the blast
The fever is churning, and the heat rises fast.
and those standing nearest can show their concern
but I swear if they touch me that they too will burn.
They fear for their lives for death will soon dwell
in the warmth of your love is the fire of hell.
(Chorus)
Verse 3:
And soon the sparks scatter and wind whips the flame
and love will soon shatter what it cannot tame
and the cycle continues, from life into dust
for I am now in you with the fire of lust.
And I hear the explosion, of thunder and rain,
the water is falling, the ashes remain.
(Chorus)
Verse 4:
The Indian's tell us that the Phoenix can rise
from the smoldering ashes that once were my eyes
and watch beautiful colours from black and from grey
be formed into wings and take me away
where evil is darkness and goodness is light
and love is the lightning that cuts through the night
and strikes only once in a dark place in time
and forms a gold stairway that all of us climb.

All chords in this song (5)

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Chain Lightning

by Don McLean

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Intro:

Verse 1:

Em C G

Sometimes when I'm thinkin' that love's not around

Am Em Am B7

My heart begins sinkin', I don't hear a sound

Em C G

And the world is in blackness, no light shines on me

Am Em Am B7

I suffer no blindness, no one can I see

Em C G

Then a flash from the heavens like a loud jagged wire

Am Em B7 Em

And the silence is broken, and the night is on fire.

Chorus:

Em C G

It's like chain lightning, this love that I feel.

Am Em Am B7

Who know's where it strikes or when it will hit,

Am Em B7 Em

How long it will last, or when............ it will quit.

Chords repeated for rest of song:

Verse 2:

In the forest I'm burning, struck down by the blast

The fever is churning, and the heat rises fast.

and those standing nearest can show their concern

but I swear if they touch me that they too will burn.

They fear for their lives for death will soon dwell

in the warmth of your love is the fire of hell.

(Chorus)

Verse 3:

And soon the sparks scatter and wind whips the flame

and love will soon shatter what it cannot tame

and the cycle continues, from life into dust

for I am now in you with the fire of lust.

And I hear the explosion, of thunder and rain,

the water is falling, the ashes remain.

(Chorus)

Verse 4:

The Indian's tell us that the Phoenix can rise

from the smoldering ashes that once were my eyes

and watch beautiful colours from black and from grey

be formed into wings and take me away

where evil is darkness and goodness is light

and love is the lightning that cuts through the night

and strikes only once in a dark place in time

and forms a gold stairway that all of us climb.

About Chain Lightning Chords by Don McLean

Learn how to play Chain Lightning by Don McLean with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Chain Lightning chords”, “Chain Lightning guitar chords”, or “Don McLean Chain Lightning 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 Chain Lightning chords and for experienced players who want accurate Chain Lightning lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Em, C, G, Am, B7.

FAQ — Chain Lightning by Don McLean

How do I play "Chain Lightning" by Don McLean on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Chain Lightning" by Don McLean 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 "Chain Lightning" by Don McLean free?

Yes. The chords for "Chain Lightning" by Don McLean are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Chain Lightning" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Chain Lightning"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Chain Lightning" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Chain Lightning" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Chain Lightning" by Don McLean with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Don McLean below.

What key is "Chain Lightning" in?

The chords for "Chain Lightning" show the original chord names (including Em, C, G, Am, B7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.