Now playing

How Have You Been

Chords
4.76 votes
90BPM
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
How Have You Been-By John Sebastian
DHow have Cyou bGeen my darDling children
While I havCe GbeDen away in the west
ThoughCt yGou arDe strangers I feel as I know you
bGy the way that you treat me and offer to feed me
and eaDgerEmly A7ask if I’ll stay for a rest
(D)Now sit yourself (C)down in A(G)pile here
me
I wish I had (C)presents for (G)each of your(D) smiles
But I have been (C)traveling with (G)not much to(D) carry
Just a (G)broken guitar case with tape on the side a bag and a (D)few signs to help me
rides(Em7) (A7)
(D)But here are the(C) beads from the(G) throat of a(D) princess
who reigned in the(C) years round two(G) hundred B(D)C  
Divide them and (C)wear them and (G)make sure to (D)share them
cause I(G) want you to have them in hopes that you’ll be as lovely as the lady (D)who
them to me(Em7) (A7)
(D)And here is A(C)strange Euro(G)pean guitar (D)string
I found on the (C)floor of a (G)club in Marse(D)illes
It’s fat for the (C)third string and (G)skinny for the (D)fourth string
but I (G)kept in hopes that id use it someday it funny how people just (D)do things that way(Em7)
(A7)
(D)And here is A(C)turtle from the (G)Long Island Express(D)way
He says that his (C)home has been (G)covered with (D)tar
so I gave him a (C)ride on the (G)back of my (D)suitcase
and he (G)says that he’d like to stay here in your yard At long last his (D)life won’t
quite so hard (Em7) (A7)
(D)How have you (C)been my (G)darling (D)children
While I have (C)been A(G)way in the(D) west
Thought you are (C)strangers I (G)feel as I (D)know you
by the(G) way that you treat me and offer to feed me and eagerly ask if I’ll (D)stay
a rest(Em7) (A7)
All chords in this song (8)

🎸 Tips from players

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

About How Have You Been Chords by John Sebastian

Learn how to play How Have You Been by John Sebastian with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “How Have You Been chords”, “How Have You Been guitar chords”, or “John Sebastian How Have You Been 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 How Have You Been chords and for experienced players who want accurate How Have You Been lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, C, G, Em, A7, A.

FAQ — How Have You Been by John Sebastian

How do I play "How Have You Been" by John Sebastian on guitar?

Open the free chords for "How Have You Been" by John Sebastian 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 "How Have You Been" by John Sebastian free?

Yes. The chords for "How Have You Been" by John Sebastian are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "How Have You Been" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "How Have You Been"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "How Have You Been" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "How Have You Been" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "How Have You Been" by John Sebastian with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by John Sebastian below.

What key is "How Have You Been" in?

The chords for "How Have You Been" show the original chord names (including D, C, G, Em, A7, A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.

Report a problem with this sheet · Copyright concern?