She Thinks His Name Was John - Reba McEntire | Song Tabs

She Thinks His Name Was John Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire's original version is a gentle country ballad with a slow tempo and emotional delivery. The arrangement is simple, focusing on storytelling, which makes it approachable for beginner guitarists.

Chords & Structure
The song uses mostly open chords: C, Am, G, F. These are standard for beginners, though the F chord may require practice. You can use the easier F major 1-finger barre or Fmaj7 if full barre is difficult. The chord progressions repeat throughout, so once you learn the verse and chorus, you’ll be set for the whole song.

Strumming Pattern
A slow, steady down-down-up-up-down-up pattern suits the feel. For absolute beginners, simple downstrokes in time with the beat will work. Keep your strumming relaxed to match the ballad style.

Chord Transitions
Pay special attention when moving between Am and G, and from F to C. Practice these transitions slowly, ensuring each note rings out. For the G to C move, keep your ring finger as an anchor if possible.

Techniques
Let chords ring and keep a gentle touch. The instrumental and outro sections repeat the same chords, so use them to practice smooth transitions.

Tip:
Sing along or hum the melody to help with timing and chord changes. Start slow and increase speed as you become comfortable.

Intro

C Am G C

Am G C

Verse 1

She can account forAm all of the men inG herC past

Where they are now who theyAm married, how many kids theyC have

SheC knew theirAm backgrounds, family andC friends

A fewG sheF even talksC to now andAm then

Chorus

ButC there isF one, she can'tC put her finger on

There isF Am one, whoC never leaves herAm thoughts

And she thinks, hisF name,G wasC JohnAm C

Verse 2

A chance meeting, aAm party a fewG yearsC back

Broad shoulders andAm blue eyes, his hair was soC black

HeC was aAm friend of a friend you couldC say

She letG hisF smile justC sweep her aAm way

Chorus

And in herF heart, though sheC knew that it was wrong

But too muchF Am wine, and sheC left his bed atAm dawn

And she thinks, hisF nameG wasC John

Instrumental

C F C F C

Verse 3

C Now each day, isAm one day, that's left inG herC life

She won't know love, have aAm marriage, or sing lullaC bies

SheC lays aAm lone and cries herself toC sleep

Cause she let aG stranF ger kill herC hopes and herAm dreams

Final Chorus

And all herF friends, say what aC pity what a loss

And in theF Am end, when she wasC barely hangin'Am on

All she could say is sheF thinks, hisG name wasF John

SheC thinks, hisF name,G was,C John

Outro

C Am G C F

Song Tabs

Songs with the same chords: Am + C + F + G

Songs with the same chords: Am + C + F + G