D
D7
G
A
A7
Em
Back Home Again
John Denver
About the Original John Denver’s “Back Home Again” is a classic country-folk song known for its warm, relaxed feel and simple, heartfelt lyrics. Its easygoing nature makes it a great choice for beginner guitarists seeking to develop confidence with basic chords and strumming.
How to Play
The song uses common open chords: D, D7, G, A, A7, and Em. If you’re new to guitar, practice switching between these chords slowly at first, especially between D and D7, and A and A7, as they appear back-to-back frequently.
Strumming Pattern A comfortable strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U), which fits the gentle, country rhythm. Focus on keeping your strumming hand moving smoothly and evenly—don’t rush. If that feels difficult, simply strum down on each beat until you’re comfortable.
Chord Transitions When moving between D and D7, just lift your middle finger and place your little finger on the first string, second fret. Switching between A and A7 is as simple as lifting your middle finger. For G, use the standard open shape; for Em, use your middle and ring fingers on the second fret of the fifth and fourth strings.
General Tips Play slowly at first, singing along if you can. Listen to the original recording to get a sense of the tempo and feel. As you gain confidence, try to emphasize the bass note of each chord on the first strum for a more authentic country sound.
Enjoy making this timeless song your own!
Intro
D D D D
Verse 1D There's a storm across theD7 valley,G clouds are rollin' in
TheA afternoon isA7 heavy on yourD shouldersA
There's aD truck out on theD7 four lane, aG mile or more away
TheA whinin' of hisA7 wheels just makes itD colderA
Verse 2He's anD hour away fromD7 ridin', on yourG prayers up in the sky
AndA ten days on theA7 road are barelyD goneA
There's aD fire, softlyD7 burning,G supper's on the stove
But it's theA light, in yourA7 eyes, that makes himD warm
ChorusG Hey it's good toA be back home aD gainD7
G SometimesA this old farmD feels like a long lostG friend
Yes 'nA hey it's good, toA7 be back home aD gain
Verse 3There's all the news toD7 tell him:G How'd you spend your time?
AndA what's the latestA7 thing the neighborsD sayA
And yourD mother called lastD7 Friday,G Sunshine made her cry
YouA felt the babyA7 move just yesterD day
ChorusG Hey it's good toA be back home aD gain, yes itD7 is
G SometimesA this old farmD feels like a long lostG friend
Yes 'nA hey it's good, toA7 be back home aD gain
BridgeAndG oh the time thatA7 I can lay thisD tired old bodyG down
AndEm feel your fingers,A7 feather-soft upD on meD7
TheG kisses that I liveA for, theD love that lights myG way
TheEm happiness, thatG livin' with youA brings me
Verse 4It's theD sweetest thing ID7 know of, justG spending time with you
It's theA little things,A7 that make a house aD homeA
Like aD fire softlyD7 burning andG supper on the stove
TheA light in yourA7 eyes that makes meD warm
OutroG Hey it's good toA be back home aD gainD7
G SometimesA this old farmD feels like a long lostG friend
Yes 'nA hey it's good, toA7 be back home aD gain
G Hey it's good toA be back home aD gainD7
G SometimesA this old farmD feels like a long lostG friend
'NA hey it's good, toA7 be back home aD gain
I saidA hey it's good, toA7 be back home aG gainD