G
C
D
My Hometown
Bruce Springsteen
The original "My Hometown" is a reflective ballad from Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." album, known for its gentle, storytelling style. The song features simple chord progressions and a steady rhythm, making it accessible for beginner guitarists.
Chords and Progression
The main chords are G, C, and D. These are basic open chords, ideal for beginners. Practice switching smoothly between these shapes, especially G to C and G to D, as they occur frequently.
Strumming Pattern
A straightforward strumming pattern works well—try a steady down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) per measure. For a softer, more reflective feel, strum gently or use just your thumb for a folk sound.
Tips for Beginners
**- Count each chord for four beats unless the lyrics or chord changes suggest otherwise.
- For transitions, keep your fingers close to the fretboard to switch smoothly.
- If the chord changes feel fast, slow down and practice the changes separately.
- Pay attention to the D chord: it often repeats twice in a row.
- For the outro, repeat the chord pattern and fade out for a similar effect to the recording.**
With practice, the song's chord changes and gentle rhythm become comfortable and enjoyable to play.
Intro
G C G D G D C
Verse 1I wasG eight years old and running with aC dimeG in myD hand
Into theD bus stop to pickD up a paper forG myD oldC man
I'dG sit on his lap in that big old BuickC steer as weG drove throughD town
He'dD tousle my hair andD say son take aG goodD look aC round
This is yourG hometown, this isC yourG homeD town
D This is your hometown, this isG yourD homeC town
Verse 2InG sixty-five tension was running high atC myG highD school
There was aD lot of fights between theD black and white
There wasG nothingD you couldC do
TwoG cars at a light on a Saturday night in theC back seatG there was aD gun
D Words were passed aD shot gun blast troubledG timesD hadC come
ToG my hometown,C myG homeD town,D my hometown,G myD homeC town
Verse 3NowC Main Street's whitewashed windows andG vacant stores
SeemsC like there ain't nobody wants to comeG down here no more
They'reC closing down the textile mill 'cross theG railroad tracks
ForemanC says these jobs are going boys andG they ain't comingD back
ToG your hometown,C yourG homeD town,D your hometown,G yourD homeC town
Verse 4Last night me and Kate we laid in bedC talkin' aboutG gettingD out
D Packing upD our bags maybeG headD ingC south
I'mG thirty-five we got a boy ofC ourG ownD now
Last night ID sat him up beD hind the wheel
SaidG son take aD good look aC round this isG your hometown
OutroC G D G D C
G C G D G D C G C G D G