Am
E7
E
Dm
B
The Cockroach That Ate Cincinnati
Rose & The Arrangement
Original Version Context
This novelty song by Rose & The Arrangement is built around a quirky, spoken-sung delivery over a simple, repetitive minor-key progression. The original has a playful, slightly spooky vibe that you can emulate in your playing.
Chords and Structure
Chords used:
Am, E7, E, Dm, B
All are basic open chords except B, which is a barre chord. Beginners can substitute B7 for B if needed.
Strumming Pattern
Try a relaxed, medium tempo. For the verses, a simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) pattern works well. Alternatively, use all downstrokes for a more dramatic, staccato feel, matching the song's humor and narrative style.
Chord Transitions & Tips
- Practice moving between Am and E7/E, as these changes repeat often. From Am to E7, just lift your ring finger. E7 to E is a simple finger switch (add your ring finger to the second fret, fourth string).
- Switching to B can be tricky. If barre chords are hard, use B7 (x21202).
- The change from Am to Dm is straightforward; keep your index finger anchored.
- Give a slight pause before the "aah aah" sections to match the call-and-response feel.
- Emphasize the minor key’s spooky mood but keep it playful.
Keep your strumming hand relaxed, and enjoy the storytelling aspect as you play!
Intro
Am
Verse 1Uh-uh don't touch that dial!
Am Aah aahE7 aahE aah-aah-aahAm aah aahE7 aahE aah-aah-aah
I mustAm offer to you a conE7 fession, I like movies that giveE me aAm fright
If theDm subject is horror, I'veAm got to see more or IB won't be contented allE night
Verse 2You mayAm call it my ghoulish obE7 session, It's a subject on whichE I getAm chatty
But theDm worst one it seems, hauntingAm all of my dreams
Was theE cockroach that ate CincinAm nati
AahE7 aahE aah-aah-aahAm aah aahE7 aahE aah-aah-aah
Verse 3I'veAm seen ghouls and hobgoblins andE7 witches, and some moth-eaten wereE wolves withAm fangs
There wereDm creatures that chattered andAm others that clattered, andB Japanese monsters withE fangs
Verse 4Am Frankenstein gives me theE7 shakes, and Count Dracula's driE ving meAm batty
But they'reDm not one a par with theAm worst one by far
TheE cockroach that ate CincinAm nati
Am Aah aahE7 aahE aah-aah-aahAm aah aahE7 aahE aah-aah-aah
Verse 5OhAm he must have needed aE7 seltzer, It's amazing how muchE he gotAm down
ForDm lunch he'd just chew up aAm suburb or two and forB dinner he ate the wholeE town
Verse 6Am Willard just sent me outE7 laughing, I thought Ben looked aE little bitAm ratty
But they'reDm not half as bad as theAm worst scare I've had
TheE Cockroach that ate CincinAm nati
OutroOh myDm heart nearly stopped he willAm never be topped
TheE cockroach that ate CincinAm nati