[Verse 1]
I found him by the stage last night
He was breathing his last breath
A bottle of gin and a cigarette
Was all that he had left
I can see you're making music
'Cause you carry a guitar
God help the troubadour
Who tries to be a star

[Chorus]
So play the chords of love, my friend
Play the chords of fame
If you want to keep your song
Don't, don't, don't
Don't play the chords of fame

[Verse 2]
I've seen my share of hustlers
As they try to take the world
When they find their melody
They're surrounded by the girls
But it all fades so quickly
Like a sunny summer's day
Reporters ask the questions
They write down what you say
[Chorus]
So play the chords of love, my friend
Play the chords of fame
If you want to keep your song
Don't, don't, don't
Don't play the chords of fame

[Harmonica Solo]

[Chorus]
So play the chords of love, my friend
Play the chords of fame
If you want to keep your song
Don't, don't, don't
Don't play the chords of fame

[Verse 3]
They'll rob you of your innocence
They will put you up for sale
The more that you will find success
The more that you will fail
I've been around, I had my share
And I really can't complain
But I wonder who I left behind
The other side of fame
[Chorus]
So play the chords of love, my friend
Play the chords of fame
If you want to keep your song
Don't, don't, don't
Don't play the chords of fame