About the Original
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine by Peter, Paul & Mary is a classic folk song known for its simple, sing-along melody and gentle acoustic accompaniment. The original features smooth vocal harmonies and a steady, flowing rhythm that’s accessible for beginner guitarists.
Chord Progression & Transitions
The song uses common open chords: Am, G, F, Em, Dm, C, and A. Beginners may find F and Dm slightly challenging; try using the F major “mini-barre” (covering only the first two strings with the index finger) if the full barre F is too hard. Practice transitioning especially between F–Em–Dm, as these occur frequently and quickly in the verses.
Strumming Pattern
Aim for a gentle, flowing folk strum. A good starting point is a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern, keeping your hand moving in a relaxed and even motion. For a softer, more authentic feel, use your thumb or fingers instead of a pick.
Techniques & Tips
- Keep your fretting hand relaxed to allow for smooth chord changes.
- Listen to the original to match the tempo and feel; the song moves at a moderate pace.
- During the chorus, emphasize the chord changes slightly to highlight the melody.
- If singing along, keep your strumming quieter to let the vocals shine.
Practice slowly at first, focusing on clean chord sounds and smooth transitions; speed up as you gain confidence.
IntroAm G F Em Dm G Am
Verse 1When I was aG young man andF never beenEm kissed IDm got to thinkin'G over,Am what I had missed.
IC got me aG girl, IF kissed her andG then,Dm ohEm Lord, IAm kissed her again.
ChorusOh-G ohAm kissesEm sweeter thanAm wine. Oh-Em oh-G ohAm kissesEm sweeter thanA wine.
Verse 2IC asked her toG marry andF be my sweetEm wife andDm we would be soG happy, theAm rest of our lives.
IC begged and IG pleaded like aF naturalG man and thenDm , ohEm Lord, sheAm gave me her hand.
ChorusOh-G ohAm kissesEm sweeter thanAm wine. Oh-Em oh-G ohAm kissesEm sweeter thanA wine.
Verse 3IC worked mightyG hard, andF so did myEm wife workin'Dm hand inG hand, toAm make a good life.
WithC corn in theG field, andF wheat in theG bins I wasDm , ohEm Lord, theAm father of twins.
ChorusOh-G ohAm kissesEm sweeter thanAm wine. Oh-Em oh-G ohAm kissesEm sweeter thanA wine.
Verse 4OurC children theyG numbered,F just aboutEm four. TheyDm all hadG sweetheartsAm knockin' at the door.
TheyC all gotG married and theyF didn't hesiG tate I wasDm , ohEm Lord the grandAm mother of eight.
ChorusOh-G ohAm kissesEm sweeter thanAm wine. Oh-Em oh-G ohAm kissesEm sweeter thanA wine.
Verse 5C Now that we'reG old, andF ready toEm go we get toDm thinkin' whatG happened, aAm long time ago.
WeC had a lot ofG kids,F trouble andG pain but thenDm , ohEm Lord, we'dAm do it again.
OutroOh-G ohAm kissesEm sweeter thanAm wine. Oh-Em oh-G ohAm kissesEm sweeter thanA wine.