Picture Show

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By John Prine
Song:The Picture Show
G
A young man from a small town
C G
With a very large imagination
C G
Lay alone in his room with his radio on
D
Looking for another station
G
When the static from the mouthpiece
C G
Gave way to the sound below
C G
James Dean went out to Hollywood
D G
And put his picture in a Picture Show.
C G
James Dean went out to Hollywood
D G
And put his picture in a Picture Show.
Chorus:
G
And It's Oh Daddy get off of your knees
C G
Mamma why'd you have to go
C G
Your darling Jim is out on a limb
D G
I put my picture in a Picture Show
D G
Whoa Ho! Put my picture in a Picture Show
G
Hamburgers Cheeseburgers
C G
Wilbur and Orville Wright
C G
John Garfield in the afternoon
D
Montgomery Clift at night
G
When the static hit the mouthpiece
C G
Gave way to the sound below
C G
James Dean went out to Hollywood
D G
And put his picture in a Picture Show.
Chorus:
G
And It's Oh Daddy get off of your knees
C G
Mamma why'd you have to go
C G
Your darling Jim is out on a limb
D G
I put my picture in a Picture Show
D G
Whoa Ho! Put my picture in a Picture Show
Instrumental:
G
C G
C G D
G
C G
C G D G
G C G
A Mocca man in a wigwam sitting on a Reservation.
C G
With a big black hole in the belly of his soul
D
Waiting on an explanation
G
While the white man sits on his fat can
C G
And takes pictures of the Navajo
C G
Every time he clicks his Kodak pics
D G
He steals a little bit of soul.
C G
Every time he clicks his Kodak pics
D G
He steals a little bit of soul.
Chorus:
G
And It's Oh Daddy get off of your knees
C G
Mamma why'd you have to go
C G
Your darling Jim is out on a limb
D G
I put my picture in a Picture Show
D G
Whoa Ho! Put my picture in a Picture Show
Outro:
D G
Yie Hi! Put my picture in a Picture Show
Let's go!
Instrumental:
G
C G
C G D
G
C G
C G D G
C G D G
C G D G
G
A young man from a small town
C G
With a very large imagination

Picture Show chords and lyrics

Free chords for Picture Show by John Prine. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

By John Prine
Song:The  Picture Show
Chorus:
Chorus:
Instrumental:
G
C     G
C     G    D
G
C     G
C     G    D     G
Chorus:
Outro:
Let's go!
Instrumental:
G
C     G
C     G    D
G
C     G
C     G    D     G
C     G    D     G
C     G    D     G

Picture Show Chords by John Prine

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

Frequently asked questions about Picture Show

How do I play "Picture Show" by John Prine on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Picture Show" by John Prine 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 "Picture Show" by John Prine free?

Yes. The chords for "Picture Show" by John Prine are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Picture Show" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Picture Show"?

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

Is "Picture Show" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Picture Show" by John Prine with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by John Prine below.

What key is "Picture Show" in?

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