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Allentown

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Allentown chords *
C   D   G3x
AWell we're Emliving here in AAllenDtown
And they're Amclosing all the Dfactories Gdown
Out in EmBethlehem they're Akilling Bmtime
AFilling out Emforms
DStanding in Aline.
Well our Emfathers fought the ASecond World DWar
Spent their Amweekends on the DJersey GShore
Met our Emmothers at the AUSBmOA  
AAsked them to Emdance
DDanced with them AslowA7  
And we're Emliving here in AAllenDtown.
But the Frestlessness was Ghanded Cdown
And it's Amgetting very Dhard to EmstaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaBmaaaaaaaayC  D  G  
C   D   G2x
AWell we're Emwaiting here in AAllenDtown
For the AmPennsylvania Dwe never Gfound
For the Empromises our Ateachers Bmgave
AIf we worked Emhard
DIf we beAhavedA7.
So the Emgraduations Ahang on the Dwall
But they Amnever really Dhelped us at Gall
No they Emnever taught us Awhat was Bmreal
AIron and Emcoke,
DChromium AsteelA7.
And we're Emwaiting here in AAllenDtown.
But they've Ftaken all the Gcoal from the Cground
And the Amunion people Dcrawled EmawaaaaaaaaaaBmaaaaaaaaaCyD  G  
C   D   G2x
FEvery child had a Gpretty good Fshot
To get at Gleast as far as Ftheir old man Bbgot.
FIf something happened on the Gway to that Fplace
They threw an American flag Gin our faceF, G  
C   D   G2x
AWell I'm Emliving here in AAllenDtown
And it's Amhard to keep a Dgood man Gdown.
But I Amwon't be getting Dup toEmdaaaaaaaaaaaaBmaaaaaayyyyyyyCyD  G  
C D G
Guitar solo
C D G
And it's Amgetting very Dhard to EmstaaaaaaaBmaaaaaaaCy.D  G  
And we're Amliving here in DAllenGtown.C  G  
Capo II
C= Bb  
D= C  
G= F  
Em= Dm  
Am= Gm  
Bm= Am  
A7= G7  
F= Eb  
Bb= Ab  
Capo III
C= A  
D= B  
G= E  
Em= C#m  
Am= F#m  
Bm= Abm  
A7= F#7  
F= D  
Bb= G  
Open (These chords are not in the original key)
C= F  
D= G  
G= C  
Em= Am  
Am= Dm  
Bm= Em  
A7= D7  
F= Bb  
Bb= Eb  
C= D  
D= E  
G= A  
Em= F#m  
Am= Bm  
Bm= C#m  
A7= B7  
F= G  
Bb= C  
All chords in this song (23)

The story behind the song

"Allentown" by Billy Joel, the lead track from his 1982 album The Nylon Curtain, became an anthem for blue-collar America. It captures the aspirations and frustrations of the working class, particularly lamenting the decline of the Rust Belt. The song's theme centers on the resilience of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding Lehigh Valley as the region faced the decline of its manufacturing sector. Despite telling a sad tale of unemployment, Joel intended the song to be "hopeful," conveying a message of enduring spirit and the will to keep trying. It plays like a powerful testament to perseverance in the face of hardship.

AI-written from these sources:Allentown (song) — Wikipedia ↗List of Billy Joel band members — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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About Allentown Chords by Billy Joel

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

FAQ — Allentown by Billy Joel

How do I play "Allentown" by Billy Joel on guitar?

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Can I transpose "Allentown" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Allentown"?

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

Is "Allentown" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Allentown" 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 "Allentown" in?

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