The original version by Paul McCartney & Wings is known for its relaxed, acoustic feel with gentle strumming and clear chord changes. This arrangement captures that vibe, blending folk and pop elements.
Chords and Transitions
The song uses common open chords:
G, C, D, Am, Em, Am7, Bm, B7, F, F6, A7, D7, Ab, Bbm.
Beginners should practice transitioning between these, especially moving between Em, Am, and G, which appear frequently.
Watch out for quick transitions in the chorus:
G → Bm → Em → Am7 → G → D → G/D
Practice these slowly at first; use anchor fingers to pivot between shapes.
The bridge and transition sections introduce less common chords (F6, D7, Ab, Bbm).
If F6 is new, try playing it as 1-0-2-0-1-0 (low to high strings). For Ab and Bbm, barre chords are needed—barre the 4th fret for Ab and 1st fret for Bbm.
Strumming Pattern
A basic down-down-up-up-down-up pattern works well throughout.
Keep your wrist loose; emphasize the first down strum for each chord change.
For the verses, play softly and evenly.
Choruses can be slightly louder for dynamics.
Techniques and Tips
- Keep chord transitions smooth by minimizing finger movement.
- Practice barre chords (Ab, Bbm) separately if needed.
- Count in 4/4 time; tap your foot to stay steady.
- Sing along to help memorize changes and phrasing.
Take it slow, and speed up as you gain confidence. Focus on clean chord sounds and steady rhythm for an authentic feel.
IntroG C G
G C G
Verse 1A grand oldD painterF died lastG night, his paintings on theD wall
BeAm fore he went, he bade us well, andD said goodnight to usG all
Chorus 1So drink toBm me,Em drink to myAm7 health. YouG know I can'tD drink anyG moreD
G Drink toBm me,Em drink to myAm7 health. YouG know I can'tD drink anyC moreG
Verse 2Bm Three o'clock in theEm morning.Bm I'm getting ready forEm bed
Am It came without aG warning, but I'll beBm waiting for you babe
I'll beAm waiting for youD there
Chorus 2So drink toBm me,Em drink to myAm7 health. YouG know I can'tD drink anyG moreD
G Drink toBm me,Em drink to myAm7 health. YouG know I can'tD drink anyC moreG
TransitionA7 D7 Bbm Ab Bbm Ab F F6 F
BridgeF6 F6 G G Em Em Em Em
Verse 3Em They say that Richard Cory, owns one-D half of this whole town
WithEm political connections, heB7 spread his wealth around
He wasA7 born into society, a banker's only child
He hadEm everyD thing aG man couldA want:B7 money praise and styleB7
Verse 4Em The papers print his picture almostD everywhere he goes
RichardEm Cory at the opera, RichardB7 Cory at the shows
And theA7 rumor of his parties and the orgies on his yacht
HeEm reallyD must beG happy withA everything he'sB7 got
Chorus 3ButG I, work in hisEm factory. And IAm curse the life I'mEm living
IAm curse my poverEm ty. IAm wish that I couldEm be, IAm wish that I couldEm be
Oh IAm wish that I couldB7 be RichardEm Cory
Verse 5Em He really gave to the charitiesD had the common touch
And they wereEm thankful for his patronage so they,B7 Thank you very much
So myA7 mind was filled with wonder when the evening headlines read
Em RicD hard CoG ry went home last night and put aEm bullet through his head
OutroButG I, work in hisEm factory. And IAm curse the life I'mEm living
IAm curse my poverEm ty. IAm wish that I couldEm be, IAm wish that I couldEm be
Oh IAm wish that I couldB7 be RichardEm Cory