You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch - Thurl Ravenscroft | Song Tabs

You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch Thurl Ravenscroft

"You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" was originally performed by Thurl Ravenscroft for the 1966 TV special. The song features a playful, jazzy feel with theatrical vocals, often accompanied by a big band or orchestra. On guitar, you can capture its quirky character using the chords and progressions laid out in this ChordPro chart.

Chords & Progression

The song uses a variety of chords, many of which are common open shapes: D, G, A, C, F, E, A7, E7. If you’re new to F or barre chords, try a simplified F (xx3211) or play just the top four strings.

Chord changes are frequent but mostly follow logical progressions. Transitions like D to G or A to D are common, so practice moving smoothly between them. For A7 and E7, you can lift a finger from the standard A and E shapes respectively.

Strumming & Tempo

Keep a moderate, bouncy swing feel—think "down, down-up, up-down-up" with a slight accent on the second and fourth beats. Don’t rush; let the lyrics lead the rhythm. For a more dramatic touch, mute the strings lightly with your palm on some downstrokes.

Tips for Beginners

Pause between sections to reset your fretting hand. Practice tough transitions (like F to D or E to A) slowly. Don’t worry about perfection—focus on the fun, playful mood!

Intro

D D G A

Verse 1

You're aD mean one,G Mr.C Grinch.F YouD reallyE are aA heel.A A

A You're asD cuddly as aG cactus you're asC charming as anF eel Mr.D Gri-D inch.

E You're a bad banana with a,A A greasyA⁷ blackD peel.D G D G D G E⁷ A⁷ A

Verse 2

You're aD monster,G Mr.C Grinch.F YourD heart's anE emptyA hole.A A

A YourD brain is full ofG spiders you've gotC garlic in yourF soul Mr.D Gri-D inch.

E I wouldn't touch you with a,A thirty-nine and aA⁷ half footD pole.D G A

Verse 3

You're aD vile one,G Mr.C Grinch.F You haveD termitesE in yourA smile.A A

A You haveD all the tenderG sweetness of aC seasick crocoF dile Mr.D Gri-D inch.

E Given the choice between the two of you I'd take theA seasick crocoD dile.D G D G A

Verse 4

You're aD foul one,G Mr.C Grinch.F You're aD nastyE wastyA skunk.A A

A YourD heart is full ofG unwashed socks yourC soul is full ofF gunk Mr.D Gri-D inch.

TheE three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote: "Stink,E stank,A stunk."D D

Verse 5

You're aD rotter,G Mr.C Grinch.F You're theD king ofE sinfulA sots.A A

A YourD heart's a dead toG mato splotched withC moldy purpleF spots Mr.D Gri-D inch.

E Your soul is an appalling dump heap, overflowing with the most disgraceful assortment of deplorable rubbish imaginable,

Mangled up inA tangled upD knots.D G A

Verse 6

You nauseD ate me,G Mr.C Grinch,F with aD nauseousE superA naus.A A

A You're aD crooked jerkyG jockey and youC drive a crookedF horse Mr.D Gri-D inch.

E You're a three-decker sauerkraut and toadstool sandwich, withA arsenicD sauce.D C C G G D D D D