Back On The Chain Gang

by The Pretenders
Loading song
Fetching song
1
—
Personalize the finger hints for your handsPick your hand size and we'll re-suggest this song's fingering to fit you.Personalize
More ways to play

Other arrangements of Back On The Chain Gang

Pick a learning view.

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 — Simple Sheet Music

4 people have learned this song

"Back On The Chain Gang" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. 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”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Back On The Chain Gang"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
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.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "Back On The Chain Gang". Key of D, 135 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.