Back On The Chain Gang

by The Pretenders
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Lyrics

I found a (A)pic ture of you.

trol.

(Gmaj7)Oh.

What hi jacked my world news that night

to a place in the past like a we’ve been cast out of?

(Gmaj7)Oh.

Threw sand in our eyes Now we’re back in the fight.

Put We’re back on the train.

(Em)Oh,

back on the chain gang.

A cir cum (A)stance be yond our trol.

(Gmaj7)Oh.

The phone, T V and news of the

to a Got in the house like a pi geon from out hell.

(Gmaj7)Oh.

Threw sand in our eyes and de scend ed like flies.

Put us back on the train.

(Em)Oh,

back on the chain gang.

(Em)Oh,

back on the chain gang.

The (A7)pow ers that be

that (A7)force us to live like we do

(A7)bring me to my knees

when I (A7)see what they’ve done to you.

But I’ll (A7)die as I stand here to day,

(A7)know ing that deep in my heart

(A7)they’ll fall to ru in one (Dm)day

for (A7)mak ing us part.

I found a (B)pic ture of you.

(Amaj7)Oh.

Those were the hap pi est days of my life.

Like a break in the bat tle was your part,

(Amaj7)oh,

in the wretch ed life of a lone ly heart.

Now we’re back on the train.

(A)Oh,

back on the chain gang.

Back On The Chain Gang — Piano Lead Sheet

4 people have learned this song

"Back On The Chain Gang" lead sheet with chords, melody, and lyrics. Play the melody while following chord symbols above. Perfect for sing-along or accompaniment. Key of D, 135 BPM.

Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.

About “Back On The Chain Gang”

Where are the chord symbols for "Back On The Chain Gang" displayed?
Lead Sheet shows chord symbols (like Am, G7, C) above the melody line with lyrics below. Every chord change highlights in real time as the song plays, so you can play the melody with the right hand and follow chord shapes with the left. "Back On The Chain Gang" is in D.
What key is "Back On The Chain Gang" by The Pretenders played in?
Back On The Chain Gang is arranged in the key of D on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Back On The Chain Gang"?
The arrangement plays at 135 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Back On The Chain Gang" easy to play on piano?
This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
Can I download sheet music for "Back On The Chain Gang"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Back On The Chain Gang"?
"Back On The Chain Gang" was originally performed by The Pretenders. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Back On The Chain Gang"?
This arrangement uses 11 chords: A, A7, Amaj7, B, D, Dm, E, Em, +3 more.
What other songs by The Pretenders can I play here?
Try "I'LL STAND BY YOU", "MIDDLE OF THE ROAD", "BRASS IN POCKET". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Does "Back On The Chain Gang" have chords and lyrics?
Yes! The Lead Sheet shows the melody with chord symbols (like Am, G, C) and full lyrics. Perfect for singing along or playing with a band. "Back On The Chain Gang" is in the key of D at 135 BPM.
What chords are in "Back On The Chain Gang"?
Open the Lead Sheet to see all chord symbols displayed above the melody line. The song is in the key of D, so you'll find chords common to that key. Each chord highlights in real time as the song plays.