[Intro]
Em Em Am B7 Em
[Verse 1]
Em
Every day my Papa would work
Am
To help to make ends meet
B7
To see that we would eat
Em
Keep those shoes upon my feet
Em
Every night my Papa would take me
Am
And tuck me in my bed
B7
Kiss me on my head
Em
After all my prayers were said
Em
Growing up with him was easy
Am
Time just flew on by
B7
The years began to fly
Em
He aged and so did I
[Chorus]
C B7 Em
I could tell, that Mama wasn't well
C Am Em
Papa knew and deep down so did she, so did she...
C B7 Em
When she died, Papa broke down and cried
C Am Em
All he said was, "God, why not take me?"
[Verse 2]
Em
Every night he sat there sleeping
Am
In his rocking chair
B7
He never went upstairs
Em
All because she wasn't there
Em
Then one day my Papa said, "Son,
Am
I'm proud the way you've grown...
B7
Make it on your own...
Em
Oh, I'll be ok alone."
[Soloing during Verse 1]
e|--------------------------10--------------------------------------------------------------|
B|------------------------12--13---------12-10--12------------------------------------------|
G|-8-11---8-9---------9-12--------------9-----------------12-11-9-9-------------------------|
D|9------------------9-----------------------------------------------12-9-9-----------------|
A|---------------------------------------------------------------------------12-10----------|
E|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------10-12-----|
e|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|------------------------------------------------------------------10----------------------|
G|-----------------------------------------9-8-------------8----9-11----12------12---9------|
D|---------7-9-10------7-9-10----7-9---10-------------9-11------------------------9---------|
A|7-9-10-----------------------7------------------------------------------------------------|
E|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
[Soloing during Verse 2]
e|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|---------9--12-9--------------------------------------------------------8---11-9----------|
D|9-11-13-----------------10-12-12\10-----------9-10--9-7/9-9--------9-11-------------------|
A|-------------------------------------------12---------------------------------------------|
E|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
************************************
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************************************Papa chords and lyrics
Free chords for Papa by Paul Anka. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.
[Intro] Em Em Am B7 Em [Verse 1] [Chorus] [Verse 2] [Soloing during Verse 1] [Soloing during Verse 2] ************************************ | / Slide up | \ Slide down ************************************
Papa Chords by Paul Anka
Learn how to play Papa by Paul Anka with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Papa chords”, “Papa guitar chords”, or “Paul Anka Papa 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 Papa chords and for experienced players who want accurate Papa lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Em, Am, B7, C, B, G.
Frequently asked questions about Papa
How do I play "Papa" by Paul Anka on guitar?
Open the free chords for "Papa" by Paul Anka 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 "Papa" by Paul Anka free?
Yes. The chords for "Papa" by Paul Anka are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.
Can I transpose "Papa" to a different key?
Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Papa" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.
Can I see chord diagrams for "Papa"?
Yes. Tap any chord in "Papa" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.
Is "Papa" easy to play on guitar?
Many players learn "Papa" by Paul Anka with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Paul Anka below.
What key is "Papa" in?
The chords for "Papa" show the original chord names (including Em, Am, B7, C, B, G). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.