Am
D7
G
Cmaj7
F
Dm
E
G7
Em
C
Wild World
Cat Stevens
The original "Wild World" by Cat Stevens features a gentle, folk-inspired acoustic arrangement. Its relaxed tempo and singable melody make it a favorite for beginner guitarists.
Chords and Transitions
The song uses common open chords: Am, D7, G, Cmaj7, F, Dm, E, G7, Em, and C. Practice switching between these, especially Am to D7 to G, as these transitions repeat often. The F chord can be challenging for beginners; try using the simpler F major 7 (x33210) as a substitute if needed.
Strumming Pattern
A basic down-down-up-up-down-up (D D U U D U) strumming pattern fits well. Keep your strumming hand moving steadily, even if you miss a string or two—this helps maintain flow. For the intro and la-la-la sections, you can use lighter strums or even single downstrokes to emphasize the melody.
Techniques and Tips
Take your time with the chord changes. Play slowly at first, focusing on clean transitions, then gradually build up speed. The Cmaj7 and G7 add color, so ensure they ring clearly. For the E chord at the end of lines, accentuate it with a slightly stronger strum.
Finally, sing along as you play to internalize the structure and timing. Practice regularly and enjoy bringing this classic song to life!
Intro
Am La la la laD7 la la la laG la, la la la laCmaj7 la la la laF la,
La la laDm la la la la laE la, laE E Am
Verse 1Now that I'veD7 lost everything toG you,
You say youCmaj7 wanna start somethingF new.
And it'sDm breakin' my heart you'reE leav-in' baby I'mE griev-in'Am .
But if you wannaD7 leave, take goodG care.
Hope you have aCmaj7 lot of nice things toF wear.
But then aDm lot of nice things turnE bad outG there.G7 Em G C
ChorusOoohG baby baby it's aF wild world.F G
It's hard to getF by just upon aC smile.C G C
OoohG baby baby it's aF wild world.F G
I'll always reF member you like aC child, girl.Dm E Am
Verse 2You know I've seen aD7 lot of what the world canG do.
And it'sCmaj7 breakin' my heart inF two,
Because IDm never wanna see youE sad, girl. Don't be aE bad girlAm .
But if you wannaD7 leave, take goodG care.
Hope you make aCmaj7 lot of nice friends outF there.
But just reDm member there's a lot of badE and beG ware.G7 Em G Well-C ell.
ChorusOoohG baby baby it's aF wild world.F G
It's hard to getF by just upon aC smile.C G C
OoohG baby baby it's aF wild world.F G
I'll always reF member you like aC child, girl.Dm E Am
BridgeAm D7 G La la la laCmaj7 la la la la laF la,
La la laDm la la la la la laE la, la
Baby IE loveE youAm .
Verse 3But if you wannaD7 leave, take goodG care.
Hope you make aCmaj7 lot of nice friends outF there.
Just reDm member there's a lot of badE and beG ware.G7 Em G Well-C ell.
ChorusOoohG baby baby it's aF wild world.F G
It's hard to getF by just upon aC smile.C G C
OoohG baby baby it's aF wild world.F G
And I'll always reF member you like aC child, girl.Dm E Am
OutroOoohG baby baby it's aF wild world.F G
It's hard to getF by just upon aC smile.C G C
OoohG baby baby it's aF wild world.F G
And I'll always reF member you like aC child, girl.