The Promise

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[Intro]
G C G C
G C G C
[Verse]
G C G
Johnny works in a factory and Billy works downtown
Em Am G/B C
Terry works in a rock and roll band looking for that million-dollar sound
G C G
And I got a little job down in Darlington but some nights I don't go
Em Am G/B C
Some nights I go to the drive-in or some nights I stay home
G C
I followed that dream just like those guys do way up on the screen
G C
And I drove a Challenger down Route 9 through the dead ends and all the bad scenes
D G D
And when the promise was broken, I cashed in a few of my own dreams
[Verse]
G C G
Well now I built that Challenger by myself, but I needed money and so I sold it
Em Am G/B C
I lived a secret I should've kept to myself, but I got drunk one night and I told it
Em Bm Am G/B C
All my life I fought this fight, the fight that no man can ever win
G D G
Every day it just gets harder to live this dream I'm believing in
Am G/B C D G
Thunder Road, oh baby you were so right
Am G/B C D G
Thunder Road, there's something dying down on the highway tonight
[Instrumental]
G C G C
[Verse]
G C G
I won big once and I hit the coast, oh but somehow I paid the big cost
Em Am G/B C
Inside I felt like I was carrying the broken spirits of all the other ones who lost
Em Bm Am G/B C
When the promise is broken you go on living, but it steals something from down in your soul
G D G
Like when the truth is spoken and it don't make no difference, something in your heart turns cold
Am G/B C D G
Thunder Road, for the lost lovers and all the fixed games
Am G/B C D G
Thunder Road, for the tires rushing by in the rain
Am G/B C D G
Thunder Road, remember what me and Billy we'd always say
Am G/B C D
Thunder Road, we were gonna take it all then threw it all away
[Outro]
G C G C

The Promise chords and lyrics

Free chords for The Promise by Bruce Springsteen. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

[Intro]
G C G C 
G C G C
[Verse]
[Verse]
[Instrumental]
G C G C
[Verse]
[Outro]
G C G C

The Promise Chords by Bruce Springsteen

Learn how to play The Promise by Bruce Springsteen with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Promise chords”, “The Promise guitar chords”, or “Bruce Springsteen The Promise 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 The Promise chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Promise lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, C, Em, Am, G/B, D.

Frequently asked questions about The Promise

How do I play "The Promise" by Bruce Springsteen on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The Promise" by Bruce Springsteen 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 "The Promise" by Bruce Springsteen free?

Yes. The chords for "The Promise" by Bruce Springsteen are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "The Promise" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "The Promise"?

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

Is "The Promise" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "The Promise" by Bruce Springsteen with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Bruce Springsteen below.

What key is "The Promise" in?

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