[Intro & Verses]
A5
e|--------------------------|
B|--------------------------|
G|---------------5----------|
D|-5-7-5-7---8-7----8-7-8-7-|
A|--------------------------|
E|--------------------------|
[Verse 1]
A5
I admit it... what's to say... yeah...
A5
I'll relive it... without pain... mmm...
A5
Backstreet lover on the side of the road
A5
I got a bomb in my temple that is gonna explode
A5
I got a sixteen gauge buried under my clothes,
Bb
I play...
[Chorus]
Gm Am Bb C Gm Am Bb C
Once upon a time I could control myself
Gm Am Bb C
Ooh, once upon a time
Gm Dm Bb
I could lose myself, yeah...
[Verse 2]
A5
Oh, try and mimic what's insane...ooh, yeah...
A5
I am in it...where do I stand?
A5
Oh, Indian summer and I hate the heat
A5
I got a backstreet lover on the passenger seat
I got my hand in my pocket,
Bb
so determined, discreet... I pray...
[Chorus]
Gm Am Bb C Gm Am Bb C
Once upon a time I could control myself
Gm Am Bb C
Ooh, once upon a time
Gm Dm Bb
I could lose myself, yeah...
[Solo]
G C#5 C5
e|---------------------|--|
B|--8-8-8-6------------|--|
G|----------7--6--5----|--|
D|-------------------5-|x4|
A|---------------------|--|
E|---------------------|--|
e|-------------------------------|
B|-8-8-8-8-6----8s10---10-10--8\-|
G|-----------7-------------------|
D|-------------------------------|x4
A|-------------------------------|
E|-------------------------------|
[Interlude]
N.C.
You think I got my eyes closed
But I'm lookin' at you the whole fuckin' time
[Chorus]
Gm Am Bb C Gm Am Bb C
Once upon a time I could control myself
Gm Am Bb C
Ooh, once upon a time
Gm Dm Bb
I could lose myself, yeah...
[Outro]
Gm Am Bb C Gm Am Bb C
Once upon a time I could control myself
Gm Am Bb C
Ooh, once upon a time
Gm Dm Bb
I could lose myself, yeah...
Gm Am Bb C Gm Am Bb C
Once! Once! Once! Once! Yeah
Gm Am Bb C Gm Am Bb C
Once! Once! Yeah! Yeah!
Gm Am Bb C Gm Am Bb C
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Oh!Once chords and lyrics
Free chords for Once by Pearl Jam. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.
[Verse 1] [Chorus] [Verse 2] I got my hand in my pocket, [Chorus] [Interlude] N.C. You think I got my eyes closed But I'm lookin' at you the whole fuckin' time [Chorus] [Outro]
Once Chords by Pearl Jam
Learn how to play Once by Pearl Jam with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Once chords”, “Once guitar chords”, or “Pearl Jam Once 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 Once chords and for experienced players who want accurate Once lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A5, B, G, D, A, E.
Frequently asked questions about Once
How do I play "Once" by Pearl Jam on guitar?
Open the free chords for "Once" by Pearl Jam 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 "Once" by Pearl Jam free?
Yes. The chords for "Once" by Pearl Jam are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.
Can I transpose "Once" to a different key?
Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Once" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.
Can I see chord diagrams for "Once"?
Yes. Tap any chord in "Once" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.
Is "Once" easy to play on guitar?
Many players learn "Once" by Pearl Jam with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Pearl Jam below.
What key is "Once" in?
The chords for "Once" show the original chord names (including A5, B, G, D, A, E). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.