Vienna

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Vienna – Billy Joel
[Intro]
| Bbaug| D7   Eb| Ebm/Gb   F7| Bb|
[Verse 1]
GmSlow down you Bbcrazy child
You're Fso ambitious for a Abjuvenile
But then if Ebyou're so smart tell me Bbwhy
Are you still so afCraidD9sus4  D  
GmWhere's the fire, what's the Bbhurry about
You better Fcool it off before you Abburn it out
You got Ebso much to do and only
BbSo many hours in a dAmayD9sus4  D  
[Chorus]
EbBut you know that when the Ftruth is told
That you can Bbget what you wDm/Aant
Or you can Gmjust get oBb/Fld
You're gonna Ebkick off before you Am7even get haD7lfway Gm7throughC7  
When will you Gb7realize
FVienna waits for Bbyou
[Verse 2]
GmSlow down you're Bbdoing fine
You can't be Feverything you want to be
BeAbfore your time
Although it's Ebso romantic on the Bbborderline tonCight, tonD9sus4ightD  
GmToo bad but it's the Bblife you lead
You're so aFhead of yourself
That you forAbgot what you need
Though you can Ebsee when you're wrong
You know you Bbcan't always see when you're rAmight, you're rD9sus4i - Dight
[Chorus]
EbYou got your passion, you Fgot your pride
But Bbdon't you know that Dm/Aonly fools Gmare satisfBb/Fied
EbDream on, but don't iAm7magine they'll D7all come Gm7trueC7  
When will you Gb7realize
FVienna waits Bbfor you
[Instrumental]
| Gm   Bb| F   Ab|
| Eb   Bb| Am   D9sus4   D|
[Chorus]
EbSlow down you cFrazy child
And take the Bbphone off the Dm/Ahook
And disapGmpear for a wBb/Fhile
EbIt's alright, you can afAm7ford to lose a D7day or Gm7twoC7  
When will you Gb7realize
FVienna waits Bbfor you
EbAnd you know that when the Ftruth is told
That you can Bbget what you wDm/Aant
Or you can Gmjust get oBb/Fld
You're gonna Ebkick off before you Am7even get D7halfway Gm7throughC7  
Why don't you Gb7realize
FVienna waitBbs for you
[Tag]
G7   Gb7N.C.
When will you realize
FVienna waBbaugits for you
[Outro]
|(Bbaug) | D7   Eb| Ebm/Gb   F7| Bb  Bb  
All chords in this song (20)

The story behind the song

"Vienna" is a song that explores themes of aging and the value of experience, inspired by Billy Joel's visit to the city and thoughts about his father. Joel conveyed that the song is a metaphor for old age, suggesting that life doesn't need to be rushed in youth, and there's a purpose to growing older. He observed how other cultures value their elders, seeing them as useful members of the community, which led to the idea that "Vienna waits for you." The song, from his 1977 album The Stranger, encourages embracing the journey of life with patience and perspective.

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About Vienna Chords by Billy Joel

Learn how to play Vienna by Billy Joel with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Vienna chords”, “Vienna guitar chords”, or “Billy Joel Vienna 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 Vienna chords and for experienced players who want accurate Vienna lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Bbaug, D7, Eb, Ebm/Gb, F7, Bb.

FAQ — Vienna by Billy Joel

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

Open the free chords for "Vienna" 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 "Vienna" by Billy Joel free?

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Can I transpose "Vienna" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Vienna"?

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

Is "Vienna" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Vienna" 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 "Vienna" in?

The chords for "Vienna" show the original chord names (including Bbaug, D7, Eb, Ebm/Gb, F7, Bb). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.