Band On The Run - Paul McCartney And Wings | Song Tabs

Band On The Run Paul McCartney And Wings

About the Song

Originally released by Paul McCartney and Wings in 1973, "Band On The Run" is famous for its dynamic structure, shifting moods, and memorable melodies. The original features acoustic guitar, piano, and layered instrumentation, but works beautifully in a solo acoustic arrangement.

Chord Progressions & Structure

The song uses standard open chords: G, D, Dmaj7, Em, Gm, Am, C, F, and occasional transitions to Em and Gm. The structure moves through several sections, each with distinct feels. Beginners should practice the chord shapes, especially Dmaj7 and Gm, which may be less familiar.

Strumming Pattern

Use a medium-tempo, relaxed down-down-up-up-down-up strumming pattern for most sections—especially in verses and choruses. For softer verses, try gentle downstrokes, switching to a fuller strum in choruses to match the song's energy.

Tips for Beginners

Practice the transition between D and Dmaj7 slowly; anchor your index finger as a pivot.
Gm (barre chord) can be tricky—if difficult, try playing only the highest four strings.
In chorus sections, keep your strumming consistent and dynamic, accenting the changes from C to F.
For the bridge and outro, simplify if needed by sticking to basic strums and focusing on clean chord changes.

Take the song section by section, practicing transitions and building up speed as you gain confidence.

Dmaj7

Intro

G D D D Dmaj⁷

Dmaj⁷ D Em

G D D D Dmaj⁷

Dmaj⁷ D Em

Gm Dmaj⁷ D

D Em Gm

Gm Dmaj⁷ D

D Em Gm

Verse 1

D Stuck inside these fourDmaj⁷ walls

G Sent inside forevGm er

D Never seeingDmaj⁷ no one

G nice again

G likeD you,Em maGm ma,D you,Em maGm ma,D youGm

Bridge

Am Am D Am

Verse 2

If I everAm get out ofAm here,D thought of giving it all aAm way

To a regisAm tered charAm ity,D all I need is a pint aAm day

If I everAm get out ofAm here, if we everAm get out ofAm here

Transition

C D D C

C C C

C C C F C F

Verse 3

Well theC rain exploded with aF mighty crash, as we fell into theC sun

And the first one said to theF second one there, I hope you're havingEm fun

Chorus

G Band on theC run,Em bandC on theAm run

And theF jailer man, andC Sailor Sam, wereF searchingF everyF one

For theC band on the runF

C Band on theF run

C Band on the runF

C Band on theF run

Verse 4

Well theC undertaker drew aF heavy sigh, seeing no one else hadC come

And a bell was ringing in theF village square, for the rabbits on theEm run

Chorus

G Band on theC run,Em bandC on theAm run

And theF jailer man, andC Sailor Sam, wereF searchingF everyF one

For theC band on the runF

C Band on theF run

C Band on the runF

C Band on theF run

Bridge

Em G C

Em C Am

F C F

Yeah theC band on theF run

C Band on theF run

C Band on the runF

C Band on theF run

Verse 5

Well theC night was falling as theF desert world, began to settleC down

In the town they're searching for usF everywhere, but we never will beEm found

Chorus

G Band on theC run,Em bandC on theAm run

And theF county Judge, whoC held a grudge, willF search forF everF more

For theC band on the runF

C Band on theF run

C Band on the runF

C Band on theF run

Outro

Em G C

Song Tabs

Other songs by Paul McCartney And Wings

Other songs by Paul McCartney And Wings