Bitter Green

Chords
4.892 votes
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Bitter Green:Gordon Lightfoot.
#44 on Canadian RPM Top Singles on
U/A Records in 1968.
***(Recorded live on stage in 1969.)***
INTRO: F   Gm7   F  Gm7  
#1.
FUpon the bitter green she walked,
the Chills above the town,
Echo'd Amto her footsteps as Gm7soft as Eider down.
AmWaiting for her master to Gm7kiss away her tears,
Waiting through the Cyears.
CHORUS:
Bitter FGreen they called her,
BbWalking in the Csun,
BbLoving everyCone that she Fmet.
Bitter Green they Fcalled her,
BbWaiting in the Csun,
BbWaiting for someCone to take her Fhome.
#2.
FSome say he was a sailor who Csailed upon the sea.
Some Amsay he was a prisoner who Gm7never was set free.
AmLost upon the ocean he Gm7died there in the mist,
BbDreaming Gm7of her Ckiss.
CHORUS:
Bitter FGreen they called her,
BbWalking in the Csun,
BbLoving everyCone that she Fmet.
Bitter Green they Fcalled her,
BbWatching in the Csun,
BbWaiting for someCone to take her Fhome.
#3.
FBut now the bitter green is gone, the Chills have
turned to rust.
There Amcomes a weary stranger, his tears Gm7fall in the dust.
AmWaiting by the churchyard Gm7in the autumn mist,
BbDreaming Gm7of her Ckiss.
CHORUS:
Bitter FGreen they called her,
BbWalking in the Csun,
BbLoving everyCone that she Fmet.
Bitter Green they Fcalled her,
BbWatching in the Csun,
BbWaiting for someCone...to take her Fhome.
A sixties smash from Kraziekhat.
All chords in this song (5)

The story behind the song

This ballad tells the poignant tale of a woman who spends years roaming the hills, faithfully waiting for her lover to return, her heart longing for his kiss. Though his fate is unknown, she is cherished by the town. Years later, a stranger arrives, weeping at her grave, revealing himself to be the long-awaited lover, now returned too late. The townspeople speculate about his past, wondering if he was a sailor lost at sea or a prisoner never set free. At its heart, this song is a tragic reflection on enduring love, missed opportunities, and the passage of time.

🎸 Tips from players

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

About Bitter Green Chords by Gordon Lightfoot

Learn how to play Bitter Green by Gordon Lightfoot with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Bitter Green chords”, “Bitter Green guitar chords”, or “Gordon Lightfoot Bitter Green 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 Bitter Green chords and for experienced players who want accurate Bitter Green lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, F, Gm7, C, Am, Bb.

FAQ — Bitter Green by Gordon Lightfoot

How do I play "Bitter Green" by Gordon Lightfoot on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Bitter Green" by Gordon Lightfoot 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 "Bitter Green" by Gordon Lightfoot free?

Yes. The chords for "Bitter Green" by Gordon Lightfoot are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Bitter Green" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Bitter Green"?

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

Is "Bitter Green" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Bitter Green" by Gordon Lightfoot with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Gordon Lightfoot below.

What key is "Bitter Green" in?

The chords for "Bitter Green" show the original chord names (including A, F, Gm7, C, Am, Bb). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.