Song Tabs
Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
EADGBE C
EADGBE G
EADGBEX Am
EADGBE E
EADGBE F
Dead Puppies Ogden Edsl

 "Dead Puppies" is a novelty song by Ogden Edsl, popular on the Dr. Demento radio show. The original is simple and comedic, relying on a straightforward, sing-along feel, making it accessible to beginners.

Chords

The song uses basic open chords:
C, G, Am, E, F
F may be tricky for beginners; try playing the "easy F" (xx3211) or Fmaj7 (xx3210) if barre chords are difficult.

Strumming Pattern

Keep the strumming relaxed and steady for a comedic, folk vibe.
Try a simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) pattern or just use all downstrokes for simplicity. Match the rhythm to the sung lyrics, emphasizing the first beat of each measure.

Chord Transitions

Practice moving between C, G, and Am, as these are frequent.
Tips:

  • When switching from C to G, pivot your ring finger.
  • For Am to E, keep your index finger on the first fret, just move the other fingers.
  • For F, place your index finger flat for the barre or use the simplified version.

Techniques

Let chords ring fully; don’t rush changes.
Pause briefly on the lyric “fun” for comedic effect.
Keep it lighthearted and sing along!

Have fun, and don’t worry about perfection—embrace the humor and simplicity of the song.

EADGBE C
EADGBE G
EADGBEX Am
EADGBE E
EADGBE F
Intro
C
Chorus
DeadG puppies,Am deadE puppies,F deadC puppiesG aren't muchC fun.
They don't comeG when you call,Am they don't chaseE squirrels at all.
F Dead puppiesC aren'tG muchC fun.G
Verse 1
C My puppy diedG late last fall,Am he's still rottingE in the hall.
F Dead puppiesC aren'tG muchC fun. No noG no.
 Verse 2
C Mom says puppy'sG days are through,Am she's going to throw himE in the stew.
F Dead puppiesC aren'tG muchC fuuu-G unnn.
 Chorus
C DeadG puppies. Dead dead deadAm deadE puppies.F DeadC puppiesG aren't muchC fun.
Come on everybody out thereG sing along okay?
 Outro
C Dead, dead-dead-deadG puppies. Dead-dead-deadAm dead, dead-dead-deadE puppies.
F DeadC puppiesG aren't muchC fun. One more time for Roman Hruska.
Dead, dead-dead-dead-dead-deadG dead-dead-dead-dead-dead-dead-deadAm deadE puppies.
F DeadC puppiesG aren't muchF fuu-uu-u-C un.