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The Downeaster Alexa

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THE DOWNEASTER "ALEXA"
Billy Joel
     G/Bx20003
[Intro]
 Am-  Em-  G-         Am2x
[Verse 1]
Well I'm oCn the DowneGaster AleAmxa
And I'm crCuising through BGlock Island SFound.
I have chFarted a coCurse to the DmVineyard,
                 C           G         F   C- F  
But tonight I am Nantucket bound.
[Chorus 1]
 FWe took on diGesel back in CMontauk yesterdFay,
 FAnd left this mGorning from the bAmell in Gardiner's G/BBay.
 FLike all the lGocals here I've Chad to sell my hoFme,
 FToo proud to leGave, I worked my fAmingers to the G/Bbone
[Verse 2]
So I could oCwn my DowneGaster AleAmxa
And I gCo where the oGcean is dFeep.
There are gFiants out tChere in the cDmanyons,
                   C              G        F   C- F  
And a good captain can't fall asleep.
[Chorus 2]
 FI got bGills to pay and Cchildren who need cFlothes.
 FI know there's fGish out there but wAmhere, God only kG/Bnows.
 FThey say these wGaters aren't Cwhat they used to bFe.
 FBut I've got pGeople back on lAmand who count on G/Bme.
[Bridge]
So if you sCee my DowneGaster AleAmxa
And if you wCork with the rGod and the rFeel,
Tell my wFife I am tCrolling AtlaDmntis,
And I sCtill have my hGands on the wFheel.
[Instrumental Bridge]
 Am-  Em-  G-         Am2x
 Em-  Bm-  D-         Em2x
 Am-  Em-  G-         Am2x
[Verse 3]
Now I drCive my DowneGaster AleAmxa
More and mCore miles from sGhore ev'ry yFear,
Since they tFold me I cCan't sell no sDmtripers.
And there's Cno luck in sGword fishing hFere.
[Chorus 3]
 FI was a bGayman like my fCather was beforFe.
 FCan't make a lGiving as a Ambayman anymG/Bore
 FThere ain't much fGuture for a Cman who works the seFa.
 FBut there ain't no iGsland left for iAmslanders like G/Bme.
Ending
Ya, ya, yCaa aGaa Amyo
Ya, ya, yCaa aGaa Amyo
Ya, ya, yCaa aGaa Amyo
Ya, ya, yCaa aGaa Amyo

All chords in this song (9)

The story behind the song

"The Downeaster Alexa" tells the story of an impoverished fisherman struggling to maintain his livelihood off Long Island and its surrounding waters. He embodies the plight of many fishermen who find it increasingly difficult to earn enough to survive and hold onto their boats, like his powered vessel built in the Down Easter style. The song, from Billy Joel's 1989 album Storm Front, captures the hardship and emotional toll of a life dependent on the sea. It plays like a poignant ode to a vanishing way of life.

AI-written from these sources:The Downeaster "Alexa" — Wikipedia ↗List of Billy Joel band members — Wikipedia ↗

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The Downeaster Alexa

by Billy Joel

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

G/B

THE DOWNEASTER "ALEXA"

Billy Joel

G/B

x20003

[Intro]

Am Em G Am

- - - 2x

[Verse 1]

C G Am

Well I'm on the Downeaster Alexa

C G F

And I'm cruising through Block Island Sound.

F C Dm

I have charted a course to the Vineyard,

C G F C F

But tonight I am Nantucket bound.

[Chorus 1]

F G C F

We took on diesel back in Montauk yesterday,

F G Am G/B

And left this morning from the bell in Gardiner's Bay.

F G C F

Like all the locals here I've had to sell my home,

F G Am G/B

Too proud to leave, I worked my fingers to the bone

[Verse 2]

C G Am

So I could own my Downeaster Alexa

C G F

And I go where the ocean is deep.

F C Dm

There are giants out there in the canyons,

C G F C F

And a good captain can't fall asleep.

[Chorus 2]

F G C F

I got bills to pay and children who need clothes.

F G Am G/B

I know there's fish out there but where, God only knows.

F G C F

They say these waters aren't what they used to be.

F G Am G/B

But I've got people back on land who count on me.

[Bridge]

C G Am

So if you see my Downeaster Alexa

C G F

And if you work with the rod and the reel,

F C Dm

Tell my wife I am trolling Atlantis,

C G F

And I still have my hands on the wheel.

[Instrumental Bridge]

Am Em G Am

- - - 2x

Em Bm D Em

- - - 2x

Am Em G Am

- - - 2x

[Verse 3]

C G Am

Now I drive my Downeaster Alexa

C G F

More and more miles from shore ev'ry year,

F C Dm

Since they told me I can't sell no stripers.

C G F

And there's no luck in sword fishing here.

[Chorus 3]

F G C F

I was a bayman like my father was before.

F G Am G/B

Can't make a living as a bayman anymore

F G C F

There ain't much future for a man who works the sea.

F G Am G/B

But there ain't no island left for islanders like me.

Ending

C G Am

Ya, ya, yaa aaa yo

C G Am

Ya, ya, yaa aaa yo

C G Am

Ya, ya, yaa aaa yo

C G Am

Ya, ya, yaa aaa yo

About The Downeaster Alexa Chords by Billy Joel

Learn how to play The Downeaster Alexa by Billy Joel with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Downeaster Alexa chords”, “The Downeaster Alexa guitar chords”, or “Billy Joel The Downeaster Alexa 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 Downeaster Alexa chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Downeaster Alexa lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G/B, Am, Em, G, C, F.

FAQ — The Downeaster Alexa by Billy Joel

How do I play "The Downeaster Alexa" by Billy Joel on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The Downeaster Alexa" by Billy Joel 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 Downeaster Alexa" by Billy Joel free?

Yes. The chords for "The Downeaster Alexa" by Billy Joel are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "The Downeaster Alexa" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "The Downeaster Alexa"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "The Downeaster Alexa" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "The Downeaster Alexa" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "The Downeaster Alexa" by Billy Joel with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Billy Joel below.

What key is "The Downeaster Alexa" in?

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