D
A
Em
A7
G
The Unicorn
The Irish Rovers
The Irish Rovers' "The Unicorn" is a classic folk song known for its fun, upbeat feel and simple, singalong chorus. The original version features a lively rhythm that makes it accessible and enjoyable for beginners to play on guitar.
## Chords and Progression
The song uses basic open chords: D, A, A7, Em, and G. All are beginner-friendly, requiring no barre chords. Practice each chord individually before tackling transitions.
## Strumming Pattern
A simple strumming pattern that fits the song is: Down, down-up, up-down-up. You can also use just downstrokes for a steady, march-like rhythm, especially when starting out. Aim for a moderate tempo to match the song's folk style.
## Chord Transitions
The most frequent transitions are between D and A (or A7), and between D and Em or G. To smooth these:
- For D to A/A7, pivot your index finger to minimize hand movement.
- For D to G, keep your ring finger as an anchor when possible.
## Song Structure Tips
The song alternates between verses and choruses, with instrumental breaks using the same chords as the intro (D D A D). Play these as you would a regular verse, keeping the rhythm steady.
## General Advice
Sing along if you can—it helps keep your timing. Listen to the original to match the feel. Practice slowly, focusing on chord clarity and steady rhythm before increasing speed.
Intro
D D A D
Verse 1A long time ago when theEm earth was still green,
There wasA7 more kinds of animals, thanD you've ever seen.
They'd run around free, while theG earth was being born.
But theD loveliest of them all was theA uniD corn.
ChorusThere was green alligators andEm long-necked geese,
SomeA humpty-backed camels and someD chimpanzees.
Some cats and rats and elephants, butG sure as you're born,
TheD loveliest of all was theA uniD corn.
InstrumentalD D A D
Verse 2Now God seen some sinnin', and itEm gave Him pain.
And HeA7 says "Stand back, I'm going toD make it rain."
He says "Hey brother Noah, I'llG tell you what to do.
D Build me aA floatingD zoo."
ChorusAnd take some of them green alligators andEm long-necked geese.
SomeA humpty-backed camels and someD chimpanzees.
Some cats and rats and elephants, butG sure as you're born,
D Don't you forget myA uniD corn.
InstrumentalD D A D
Verse 3Old Noah was there, toEm answer the call.
HeA7 finished up making the Ark, just as theD rain started fallin'.
He marched in the animalsG two by two,
And heD called out asA they wentD through.
Chorus"Hey Lord, I got yer green alligators andEm long-necked geese.
SomeA humpty-backed camels and someD chimpanzees.
Some cats and rats and elephants butG Lord I'm so forlorned,
ID just can't see noA uniD corn."
InstrumentalD D A D
Verse 4Then Noah looked out, through theEm driving rain.
ThemA7 unicorns was hiding,D playin' silly games.
Kickin' and splashin', while theG rain wasEm pouring.
D Oh them silly,A uniD corns.
ChorusThere was green alligators andEm long-necked geese.
SomeA humpty-backed camels and someD chimpanzees.
Noah cried "Close the door, 'cause theG rain is fallin',
And weD just can't wait, forA no uniD corn."
InstrumentalD D A D
Verse 5The Ark started movin', itEm drifted with the tides.
ThemA7 Unicorns looked up, from theD rocks and they cried.
And the waters came down and sortaG floated them away,
And that's why you've never see a unicorn, to this very day.
OutroYou'll seeD green alligators andEm long-necked geese.
SomeA7 humpty-backed camels and someD chimpanzees.
Some cats and rats and elephants butG sure as you're born,
You'reD never gonna see noA u-ni-D corn.
EndingD D A D