Johnny Too Bad

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Below's the Reggae/Rhythm Guitar Chords and the Lyrics pattern for UB40's version
of 'Johnny Too Bad' which is taken from their 1983 hit LP 'Labour Of Love'.
[Chords]
Ab Eb Db
EADGBE EADGBE EADGBE
466544 X68886 X46664
[Intro]
Ab Eb Db Ab
[Verse 1]
Ab Eb
Walkin' down the road with a pistol in your waist
Db Ab
Johnny, you're too bad (wo-oy)
Ab Eb
Walkin' down the road with a ratchet in your waist
Db Ab
Johnny, you're too bad (wo-oy)
[Chorus 1]
Db Eb
You're just robbin' and stabbin', lootin' and shootin'
Ab
You're too bad (too bad)
Db Eb
You're just robbin' and stabbin', lootin' and shootin'
Ab
You're too bad (too bad)
[Verse 2]
Ab Eb
One of these days when you hear a voice say come
Db Ab
Where you gonna run to? (wo-oy)
Ab Eb
One of these days when you hear a voice say come
Db Ab
Where you gonna run to? (wo-oy)
[Chorus 2]
Db Eb
You're gonna run to the rock for rescue
Ab
And there'll be no rock (no rock)
Db Eb
You're gonna run to the rock for rescue
Ab
And there'll be no rock (no rock)
[Keyboard Instrumental 1]
Ab Eb Db Ab
Ab Eb Db Ab
[Verse 3]
Ab Eb
Walkin' down the road with a pistol in your waist
Db Ab
Johnny, you're too bad (wo-oy)
Ab Eb
Walking down the road with a ratchet in your waist
Db Ab
Johnny, you're too bad (wo-oy)
[Chorus 3]
Db Eb
You're just robbin' and stabbin', lootin' and shootin'
Ab
You're too bad (too bad)
Db Eb
You're just robbin' and stabbin', lootin' and shootin'
Ab
You're too bad (too bad)
[Verse 4]
Ab Eb
One of these days when you hear a voice say come
Db Ab
where you gonna run to? (wo-oy)
Ab Eb
One of these days when you hear a voice say come
Db Ab
Where you gonna run to? (wo-oy)
[Chorus 4]
Db Eb
You're gonna run to the rock for rescue
Ab
And there'll be no rock (no rock)
Db Eb
You're gonna run to the rock for rescue
Ab
And there'll be no rock (no rock)
Db Eb
You're gonna run to the rock for rescue
Ab
And there'll be no rock (no rock)
[Astro Toasting 1]
Ab
You say dat you're bad, you gwan like you're mad
Eb Db
You terrorise the people an' ya mek dem sad wo-oy
Ab
You are de babylon
Ab
You tink dat you tough, you gwan like you rough
Eb Db
Intimidate de mon jus' to call him bluff wo-oy
Ab
You are de babylon
[Chorus 5]
Db Eb
You're just robbin' and stabbin', lootin' and shootin'
Ab
You're too bad (too bad)
Db Eb
You're just robbin' and stabbin', lootin' and shootin'
Ab
You're too bad (too bad)
[Astro Toasting 2]
Ab Eb
You stop an' you search an' you broke in on mi house
Db Ab
You turn it upside down like a damn -[?]-
Ab Eb
You set up a man any way you can
Db Ab
You double cross the man according to plan
Eb Db Ab
Wo-oy you are de babylon
Eb Db Ab
Wo-oy you are de babylon
[Keyboard Instrumental 2]
Ab Eb Db Ab
Ab Eb Db Ab
[Astro Toasting 3]
Ab
You take a man's weed, put him 'pon the street
Eb
You get a three year stretch courtesy of de queen
Db Ab
Wo-oh, why you so wicked?
Ab
You come an' dance, you will take chance
Eb
You better watch your step or you will get lanced
Db Ab
Wo-oh, because you're so wicked
[Chorus 6]
Db Eb
You're just robbin' and stabbin', lootin' and shootin'
Ab
Boy, you're too bad (too bad)
Eb Eb
You're just robbin' and stabbin', lootin' and shootin'
Ab
Boy, you're too bad (too bad)
[Astro Toasting 4]
Ab Eb
In the day time you smile, in the nighttime you snarl
Db Ab
You get equipment fi get in a brawl
Ab
You let loose your dogs to set upon de wogs
Eb
You come in disguise but everyone get wise
Db Ab
Wo-oy, you are the babylon (no rock)
[Outro]
Db Eb Ab
You gonna run, you gonna run but you cannot hide, no no
Db Eb Ab
Oh no, boy, you cannot hide
Db Eb Ab
No, you cannot hide, no no
(fade out)

Johnny Too Bad chords and lyrics

Free chords for Johnny Too Bad by UB40. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

Below's the Reggae/Rhythm Guitar Chords and the Lyrics pattern for UB40's version
of 'Johnny Too Bad' which is taken from their 1983 hit LP 'Labour Of Love'.
[Chords]
466544    X68886    X46664
[Intro]
Ab    Eb    Db    Ab
[Verse 1]
[Chorus 1]
[Verse 2]
[Chorus 2]
[Keyboard Instrumental 1]
Ab    Eb    Db    Ab
Ab    Eb    Db    Ab
[Verse 3]
[Chorus 3]
[Verse 4]
[Chorus 4]
[Astro Toasting 1]
[Chorus 5]
[Astro Toasting 2]
[Keyboard Instrumental 2]
Ab    Eb    Db    Ab
Ab    Eb    Db    Ab
[Astro Toasting 3]
[Chorus 6]
[Astro Toasting 4]
[Outro]
(fade out)

Johnny Too Bad Chords by UB40

Learn how to play Johnny Too Bad by UB40 with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Johnny Too Bad chords”, “Johnny Too Bad guitar chords”, or “UB40 Johnny Too Bad 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 Johnny Too Bad chords and for experienced players who want accurate Johnny Too Bad lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Ab, Eb, Db.

Frequently asked questions about Johnny Too Bad

How do I play "Johnny Too Bad" by UB40 on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Johnny Too Bad" by UB40 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 "Johnny Too Bad" by UB40 free?

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Can I transpose "Johnny Too Bad" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Johnny Too Bad"?

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

Is "Johnny Too Bad" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Johnny Too Bad" by UB40 with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by UB40 below.

What key is "Johnny Too Bad" in?

The chords for "Johnny Too Bad" show the original chord names (including Ab, Eb, Db). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.

Johnny Too Bad Chords · UB40