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Younger Generation

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Younger Generation - John Sebastian (1967)
Cmaj7/G: 332000
Why must Cmaj7/Gevery generation think their Dm7folks are square?
And no Gmatter where their G7heads are they know Cmaj7/GMoms aint there?
Cmaj7/GCause I swore when I was small that I'd remeDm7mber when
I Gknew what was G7wrong with them I was Cmaj7/Gsmaller then.
DeCmaj7/Gtermined to remember all the Dm7cardinal rules,
Like Gsun showers are G7legal grounds for Cmaj7/Gcutting school.
I Cmaj7/Gknow I have forgotten maybe Dm7one or two,
And I Ghope that I G7recall them all Cmaj7/Gbefore the baby's due,
And I Dm7know hell Ghave a question or tCwo.
Like "HFey PGop, can I Cgo ride my ZAmoom?
It goes twDmo hundred miGles an hour suspeCnded on baAmlloons.
And caFn I put a drGoplet of this neCw stuff on my toAmngue,
And iDm7magine frothing dGragons while you Dm7sit and wreck your Flungs?"
And Cmaj7/GI must be permissive, F7understanding of the Dm7younger gG7eneration.
Cmaj7/GThen I'll know that all I've learned my Dm7kid assumes,
And Gall my deepest G7worries must be Cmaj7/Ghis cartoons,
And Cmaj7/Gstill I'll try to tell him all thDm7e things I've done
GRelated to what G7he can do when Cmaj7/Ghe becomes a man,
And Dm7still he'll stick his Gfingers in the Cfan.
And "HFey, PGop, my gCirlfriends only Amthree,
Shes got her Dm7own videopGhone and shes taCking LAmSD,
And noFw that were best Gfriends she wants to Cgive a bit to Amme.
But whFats the matter GDaddy, hFow come youre turning Ggreen?
Can it Dm7be that you cant live up Gto your dreams?"

All chords in this song (9)

The story behind the song

"Younger Generation" captures a familiar tension between different age groups, as the singer wonders why "every generation think their folks are square." It's a gentle plea for understanding across the divide, acknowledging that some things might be forgotten, but questioning whether the younger generation's struggles come from an inability to live up to their own dreams. John Sebastian, known for his work with the Lovin' Spoonful, released this song around 1970, offering a thoughtful observation on generational differences that remains relatable. It plays like a warm, reflective conversation with a touch of wistful wisdom.

AI-written from these sources:John Sebastian — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

Story time

Younger Generation

Younger Generation

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Younger Generation

by John Sebastian

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Cmaj7/G

Dm7

Younger Generation - John Sebastian (1967)

Cmaj7/G: 332000

Cmaj7/G Dm7

Why must every generation think their folks are square?

G G7 Cmaj7/G

And no matter where their heads are they know Moms aint there?

Cmaj7/G Dm7

Cause I swore when I was small that I'd remember when

G G7 Cmaj7/G

I knew what was wrong with them I was smaller then.

Cmaj7/G Dm7

Determined to remember all the cardinal rules,

G G7 Cmaj7/G

Like sun showers are legal grounds for cutting school.

Cmaj7/G Dm7

I know I have forgotten maybe one or two,

G G7 Cmaj7/G

And I hope that I recall them all before the baby's due,

Dm7 G C

And I know hell have a question or two.

F G C Am

Like "Hey Pop, can I go ride my Zoom?

Dm G C Am

It goes two hundred miles an hour suspended on balloons.

F G C Am

And can I put a droplet of this new stuff on my tongue,

Dm7 G Dm7 F

And imagine frothing dragons while you sit and wreck your lungs?"

Cmaj7/G F7 Dm7 G7

And I must be permissive, understanding of the younger generation.

Cmaj7/G Dm7

Then I'll know that all I've learned my kid assumes,

G G7 Cmaj7/G

And all my deepest worries must be his cartoons,

Cmaj7/G Dm7

And still I'll try to tell him all the things I've done

G G7 Cmaj7/G

Related to what he can do when he becomes a man,

Dm7 G C

And still he'll stick his fingers in the fan.

F G C Am

And "Hey, Pop, my girlfriends only three,

Dm7 G C Am

Shes got her own videophone and shes taking LSD,

F G C Am

And now that were best friends she wants to give a bit to me.

F G F G

But whats the matter Daddy, how come youre turning green?

Dm7 G

Can it be that you cant live up to your dreams?"

About Younger Generation Chords by John Sebastian

Learn how to play Younger Generation by John Sebastian with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Younger Generation chords”, “Younger Generation guitar chords”, or “John Sebastian Younger Generation 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 Younger Generation chords and for experienced players who want accurate Younger Generation lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, Cmaj7/G, Dm7, G7, C, F.

FAQ — Younger Generation by John Sebastian

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Is "Younger Generation" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Younger Generation" in?

The chords for "Younger Generation" show the original chord names (including G, Cmaj7/G, Dm7, G7, C, F). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.