Only Mama Knows

Chords4.87 votes
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Em Em
Em/CEm/BEm/CEm
/C# (repeat x5)
Em
Em D Em D
Well I was found in the transit lounge of a dirty airport town
Em D Em F#m
What was I doing on the road to ruin, where my mama laid me down?
Em D
My mama laid me down
Em D Em D
Round my hand was a plastic band with a picture of my face
Em D Em F#m
I was crying, left to die in this godforsaken place
Em D A E
This godforsaken place
B D#m
Only mama knows
C#m Em B
Why she laid me down in this godforsaken town
D#m
She was running too
C#m
What she ran from who I always wondered
Em7
I never knew
Only mama knows
Only mama knows
Bm Em Bm Em
Bm Em Bm Em
Em Bm
()
I'm passing through, I'm on my way
Em Bm
()
On the road, no ETA
Em Bm
()
I'm passing through, no fixed abode
Em
And that is why
I need to try
Em
To hold on (to hold on)
Got to hold on
Em D Em D
Was it planned as a one-night stand, or did she leave in disgrace?
Em D Em F#m
Well I never, will I ever see my father's face?
Em D A E
See my father's face
B D#m
Only mama knows
C#m Em B
Why she laid me down in this godforsaken town
D#m
She was running too
C#m
What she ran from who I always wondered
Em7
I never knew
Only mama knows
Only mama knows
B D#m
Only mama knows
C#m Em B
Why she laid me down in this godforsaken town
D#m
She was running too
C#m
What she ran from who I always wondered
Em7
I never knew
Only mama knows
Only mama knows
Bm Em Bm Em
Bm Em Bm Em
Em
I've got to hold on
Got to hold on
Gotta hold on
Em/B Em/C Em/C#
Em/CEm/BEm/CEm
/C#
Em/C Em

Only Mama Knows chords and lyrics

Free chords for Only Mama Knows by Paul McCartney. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

Em	     Em
Em/C Em/B    Em/C Em/C# (repeat x5)
Em
Only mama knows
Only mama knows
Bm  Em  Bm  Em
Bm  Em  Bm  Em
I need to try
Got to hold on
Only mama knows
Only mama knows
Only mama knows
Only mama knows
Bm  Em  Bm  Em
Bm  Em  Bm  Em
Got to hold on
Gotta hold on
Em/B Em/C Em/C#
Em/C Em/B Em/C Em/C#
Em/C Em

Only Mama Knows Chords by Paul McCartney

Learn how to play Only Mama Knows by Paul McCartney with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Only Mama Knows chords”, “Only Mama Knows guitar chords”, or “Paul McCartney Only Mama Knows 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 Only Mama Knows chords and for experienced players who want accurate Only Mama Knows lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Em, Em/C, Em/B, C, D, F#m.

Frequently asked questions about Only Mama Knows

How do I play "Only Mama Knows" by Paul McCartney on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Only Mama Knows" by Paul McCartney 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 "Only Mama Knows" by Paul McCartney free?

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Can I transpose "Only Mama Knows" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Only Mama Knows"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Only Mama Knows" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Only Mama Knows" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Only Mama Knows" by Paul McCartney with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Paul McCartney below.

What key is "Only Mama Knows" in?

The chords for "Only Mama Knows" show the original chord names (including Em, Em/C, Em/B, C, D, F#m). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.