This week at the 3 Chord Club we’ll learn three interesting songs from pre-punk pioneer Jonathan Richman.

Each Friday we choose three songs from a specific artist, label or genre of music that we’ll learn by ear. All the songs will contain three chords or less (with the exception of Bonus Chord songs)! You’ll find links to the lyrics but not the chords. That’s where your ears come in. Since you know the song has only one to three chords, try to figure out the changes, or chord progression by ear while watching the YouTube video. Here’s a hint, most of the time the chords will be the I-IV & V or V7 chords. In the Key of C, that’s C-F-G or G7. Remember, the sound examples may be in various keys. As an added bonus, try to figure out the key of the recording. If you can’t figure out the original key of a song or songs refer to the Extra Credit Hints at the bottom of the post.

Roadrunner (lyrics below video)
(Hint: Chorus I-IV-I etc.)

Egyptian Reggae
(Hint: Chorus i-iv-i etc.)

Abominable Snowman In The Market  (lyrics below video)
(Hint: Chorus I-IV-V-I)

Extra Credit Hints:
Roadrunner: Key A (Chords A-D-E)
Egyptian Reggae: Key Dm (Chords Dm-Gm-Am)
Abominable Snowman In The Market: Key G (Chords G-C-D)