I Shot The Sheriff

by Eric Clapton
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Lyrics

(Gm)I shot the sher iff,

but I did not shoot the (Gm)dep u ty.

I shot the sher iff,

but I did n’t shoot the (Gm)dep u ty.

of fense.

Sher iff a John round in my (Gm)home ed town,

they’re (Ebmaj7)try ing to (Dm7)track me down.

They (Dm7)ev ’ry time to bring me in guilt y a seed, for the (Ebmaj7)kill ing of a (Dm7)dep u (Gm)ty,

for the (Ebmaj7)life of a (Dm7)dep u (Gm)ty.

But I say:

(Gm)I shot the sher iff,

but I swear it was in (Gm)self de fense.

I shot the sher iff,

and they say it is a (Gm)cap i tal of fense.

Sher iff a John Brown al ways (Gm)hat ed me;

for (Ebmaj7)what, ing to (Dm7)I don’t know.

And (Dm7)ev ’ry time to bring that I plant y a seed, he said, (Ebmaj7)“Kill ing it be (Dm7)fore it (Gm)grows.”

He said, (Ebmaj7)“Kill it be (Dm7)fore it (Gm)grows.”

But I say:

(Gm)I shot the sher iff,

but I swear it was in (Gm)self de fense.

I shot the sher iff,

but I swear it was in (Gm)self de fense.

Free dom came my get the one bet (Gm)ter of me,

and I start ed out of (Gm)town, yeah.

All of a (Dm7)sud den I see (Gm)Sher iff John Brown

but one day the bot tom me will (Gm)down, out.

so I (Dm7)shot, Yes, one day the I shot him (Gm)down.

out.

But I (CN.C.)say:

(Gm)I shot the sher iff,

but I did not shoot the (Gm)dep u ty.

I shot the sher iff,

but I did n’t shoot the (Gm)dep u ty.

Free Re flex es get the one bet (Gm)ter of me,

and what is to be must (Gm)be.

yeah.

Ev er y (Dm7)day the buck et (Gm)goes to the well,

but one day the bot tom me will (Gm)drop out.

so I (Dm7)shot, Yes, one day the bot tom will (Gm)drop out.

But I (CN.C.)say:

(Gm)I shot the sher iff,

but I did n’t shoot the (Gm)dep u ty.

I shot the sher iff,

but I did not shoot no (Gm)dep u ty.

I Shot The Sheriff — Simple Sheet Music

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"I Shot The Sheriff" 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 Eb, 95 BPM.

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

About “I Shot The Sheriff”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "I Shot The Sheriff"?
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 "I Shot The Sheriff" by Eric Clapton played in?
I Shot The Sheriff is arranged in the key of Eb on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "I Shot The Sheriff"?
The arrangement plays at 95 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "I Shot The Sheriff" 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 "I Shot The Sheriff"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "I Shot The Sheriff"?
"I Shot The Sheriff" was originally performed by Eric Clapton. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "I Shot The Sheriff"?
This arrangement uses 5 chords: C, Cm, Dm7, Ebmaj7, Gm.
What other songs by Eric Clapton can I play here?
Try "RUNNING ON FAITH", "BELIEVE IN LIFE", "MY FATHER'S EYES". 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 "I Shot The Sheriff". Key of Eb, 95 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.