Prime Time

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[Chorus]
G A
Well this is life, this is Prime time
C G
This is livin' in the U. S. A.
G A
Well this is life, this is Prime Time
C G
This is livin' the American way
[Verse 1]
G A7
I was ridin' on the subway in the afternoon
C G
I saw some kids 'a beatin' out a funky tune
G A7
The lady right in front of me was old and brown
C G
The kids began to push her, they knocked her down
C G
I tried to help her out but there was just no way
C D7
A life ain't worth a damn on the street today
G A7
I passed the ambulance and the camera crews
C G
I saw the instant replay on the evening news
[Chorus]
G A
Well this is life, this is Prime time
C G
This is livin' in the U. S. A.
G A
Well this is life, this is Prime Time
C G
This is livin' the American way
[Verse 2]
G A7
Well will you take the car, or will you take the trip?
C G
Remove annoying hair from your upper lip
G A7
What's it really worth? Does she really care?
C G
What's the best shampoo that I can use on my hair?
C G
Hey what's the real future of democracy?
C D7
How're we gonna streamline the bureaucracy?
G A7
Hey, hey, the cost of life has gone sky-high
C G
Does the deodorant I'm using really keep me dry?
[Chorus]
G A
Well this is life, this is Prime time
C G
This is livin' in the U. S. A.
G A
Well this is life, this is Prime Time
C G
This is livin' the American way
[Verse 3]
G A7
Well spin the magic wheel and try to break the bank
C G
Think about your life when you fill in the blank
G A7
Here's a game that's real if you wanna try
C G
One spot on the wheel that says you must die
C G
American roulette is the game we play
C D7
But no-one wants to have to be the one to pay
G A7
You get to pass "GO", you get to pass away
C G
But before we start our show, here's our sponsor to say:
[Chorus]
G A
Well this is life, this is Prime time
Bb C
This is livin' in the U. S. A.
D F
Well this is life, this is Prime time
G A
This is livin' in the U. S. A.
Bb C
Well this is life, this is Prime Time
D F G
This is livin' the American way
[Verse 4]
G A7
Well down in Mexico, the laundry's on the line
C G
There's where you can go if you land on the nine
G A7
Canada is nice if you're fond of ice
C G
If you land on the two then we'll send you there twice
C G
We interrupt this game for a news release:
C D7
A man has gone insane and been killed by police!
G A7
Now back to the game, that's a dangerous play
C G
'Cause if they see you in C-U-B-A you must pass away
[Chorus]
G A
Well this is life, this is Prime time
C G
This is livin' in the U. S. A.
G A
Well this is life, this is Prime Time
C G
This is livin' the American way
[Verse 5]
G A7
My supper's on the stove, the war is on the screen
C G
Pass the bread and butter while I watch the Marine
G A7
The shot him in the chest--Pass the chicken breast!
C G
The general is saying that he's still unimpressed.
C G
"We had to burn the city 'cause they wouldn't agree
C D7
That things go better with democracy!"
G A7
The weather will be fair, forget the ozone layer,
C G
But strontium showers will be here and there
[Chorus]
G A
Well this is life, this is Prime time
C G
This is livin' in the U. S. A.
G A
Well this is life, this is Prime Time
C G
This is livin' the American way
[Verse 6]
G A7
Well livin' in the country watchin' shadows fall
C G
My reception ain't too good in a power stall
G A7
Bombers in the air, missiles in the sea
C G
Chemicals in everything, including me
C G
They don't keep their promise in the promised land
C D7
It's getting mighty hard to find an honest man
G A7
But coming very soon, a show you'll die to see
C G
It's called "The End Of The World", on channel "C"
[Chorus]
G A
Well this is life, this is Prime time
Bb C
This is livin' in the U. S. A.
D F
Well this is life, this is Prime time
G A
This is livin' in the U. S. A.
Bb C
Well this is life, this is Prime Time
D F G
This is livin' the American way

Prime Time chords and lyrics

Free chords for Prime Time by Don McLean. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

[Chorus]
[Verse 1]
[Chorus]
[Verse 2]
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
[Chorus]
[Verse 4]
[Chorus]
[Verse 5]
[Chorus]
[Verse 6]
[Chorus]

Prime Time Chords by Don McLean

Learn how to play Prime Time by Don McLean with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Prime Time chords”, “Prime Time guitar chords”, or “Don McLean Prime Time 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 Prime Time chords and for experienced players who want accurate Prime Time lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, A, C, A7, D7, Bb.

Frequently asked questions about Prime Time

How do I play "Prime Time" by Don McLean on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Prime Time" by Don McLean 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 "Prime Time" by Don McLean free?

Yes. The chords for "Prime Time" by Don McLean are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Prime Time" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Prime Time"?

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

Is "Prime Time" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Prime Time" by Don McLean with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Don McLean below.

What key is "Prime Time" in?

The chords for "Prime Time" show the original chord names (including G, A, C, A7, D7, Bb). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.