#----------------------------------PLEASE NOTE---------------------------------# #This file is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the # #song. You may only use this file for private study, scholarship, or research. # #------------------------------------------------------------------------------# I SHOT THE SHERIFF Eric Clapton from the album "461 Ocean Boulevard" (1974) transcribed by Steve Garner (s_garner@hotmail.com) CHORUS: Gm Eb Gm I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy Gm Eb Gm I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy VERSE 1: Eb Dm Gm All around in my home town Eb Dm Gm They're trying to track me down Eb Dm Gm They say they want to bring me in guilty Eb Dm Gm For the killing of a deputy Eb Dm Gm For the life of a deputy But I say… (play MAIN RIFF) MAIN RIFF: |------------------------------| |------------------------------| |------------------------------| |--5--3------------------------| |--------5--3--1--5--3--1------| |--------------------------3---| CHORUS: Gm Eb Gm I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense Gm Eb Gm I shot the sheriff, and they say it is a capital offense VERSE 2: Eb Dm Gm Sheriff John Brown always hated me Eb Dm Gm For what I don't know Eb Dm Gm Every time that I plant a seed Eb Dm Gm He said "Kill it before it grows" Eb Dm Gm He said "Kill it before it grows" I say! (play MAIN RIFF) CHORUS: Gm Eb Gm I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense Gm Eb Gm I shot the sheriff, but I swear it was in self-defense VERSE 3: Eb Dm Gm Freedom came my way one day Eb Dm Gm And I started out of town yeah Eb Dm Gm All of a sudden I see sheriff John Brown Eb Dm Gm Aiming to shoot me down Eb Dm Gm So I shot, I shot him down I say! (play MAIN RIFF) CHORUS: Gm Eb Gm I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy Gm Eb Gm I shot the sheriff, but I didn't shoot the deputy VERSE 4: Eb Dm Gm Reflexes got the better of me Eb Dm Gm And what is to be must be Eb Dm Gm Every day the bucket falls to the well Eb Dm Gm But one day the bottom will drop out Eb Dm Gm Yes, one day the bottom will drop out But I say (play MAIN RIFF) CHORUS: Gm Eb Gm I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy, oh no Gm Eb Gm I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot no deputy, oh no ENDING: Eb Dm Gm Eb Dm Gm (repeat and fade) -------------------------------------------- comments, corrections: s_garner@hotmail.com