C
G
F
D
D7
A7
Sally Simpson
The Who
About the Original
Sally Simpson is from The Who’s iconic rock opera Tommy. The original features piano, guitar, and energetic, storytelling vocals. Its simple chord structure and moderate tempo make it accessible for beginner guitarists.
How to Play
The song uses mostly open chords: C, G, F, D, D7, and A7. You’ll play in 4/4 time. For verses and choruses, the progression alternates between C and G, occasionally moving to F and D in the chorus, with some D7 and A7 in the bridge.
Strumming Pattern
A straightforward pattern works well:
Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up
Practice slowly to maintain steady rhythm, especially during chord changes.
Chord Transitions
- Move between C and G by keeping your ring finger anchored on the 3rd fret of the B string (if you use the four-finger G).
- The transition from C to F can be tricky. Try using the easy F (xx3211) or barre F if comfortable.
- D7 and A7 are both open-position chords and should be practiced for the bridge.
Tips for Beginners
- Focus on cleanly fretting each chord before speeding up.
- Practice the chord progression for the verse until you can switch smoothly without pausing.
- Sing or hum along to help with timing and keep the energy of the song.
Summary
This song is beginner-friendly, emphasizing steady rhythm and basic chords. Practice the chord transitions and strumming separately before putting it all together. Enjoy its storytelling spirit!
Intro
C G C G
Verse 1C Outside the house Mr.G Simpson announced thatC Sally couldn't go to theG meeting
HeC went on cleaning hisG blue Rolls Royce andC she ran inside aG weeping
SheC got to her room andG tears splashed the pictureC of the new messG iah
SheC picked up a book of herG father's life andC threw it on theG fire
ChorusSheF knew from the start deep down in her heart, she and Tommy wereG worlds apart
But herF Mother said neverC mind your part is toD be what you'llG be
Verse 2TheC theme of the sermon wasG Come unto me andC love will find aG way
SoC Sally decided to igG nore her dad andC sneak out anyG way
SheC spent all afternoonG gettin' ready and deC cided she'd try toG touch him
C Maybe he'd see thatG she was free andC talk to her thisG Sunday
ChorusSheF knew from the start deep down in her heart, she and Tommy wereG worlds apart
But herF Mother said neverC mind your part is toD be what you'llG be
Verse 3She aC rrived at six and theG place was swinging toC gospel music byG nine
C Group after group aG ppeared on the stage andC Sally just sat thereG crying
SheC bit her nails lookingG pretty as a pictureC right in the very frontG row
And then aC DJ wearing aG blazer with a badge ranC on and said Here weG go
BridgeTheD7 crowd wentG crazy, asD7 Tommy hit theG stage
LittleD7 Sally got lost as theG police bossed, theA7 crowd back in aD rage
Verse 4C Soon the atmosG phere was cooler andC Tommy gave aG lesson
C Sally just had to let himG know she loved him andC leapt up on theG rostrum
SheC ran cross stage to theG spotlit figure andC brushed him on theG face
C Tommy whirled around as aG uniformed manC threw her off theG stage
ChorusSheF knew from the start deep down in her heart that she and Tommy wereG worlds apart
But herF Mother said neverC mind your part is toD be what you'llG be
Verse 5HerC cheek hit a chair andG blood trickled down,C mingling with herG tears
C Tommy carried onG preaching and hisC voice filled Sally'sG ears
SheC caught his eye, sheG had to try butC couldn't see through theG lights
HerC face was gashed and theG ambulance men had toC carry her out thatG night
BridgeTheD7 crowd wentG crazy, asD7 Tommy left theG stage
LittleD7 Sally was lost for theG price of a touch and aA7 gash across herD face
Verse 6C Sixteen stitches put herG right and her Dad saidC Don't say I didn'tG warn ya
C Sally got married to aG rock musician sheC met in CaliG fornia
C Tommy alwaysG talks about the day theC disciples all wentG wild
C Sally still carries aG scar on her cheek to reC mind her of hisG smile
Final ChorusSheF knew from the start deep down in her heart that she and Tommy wereG worlds apart
But herF Mother said neverC mind your part is toD be what you'llG be
OutroG C G