Having trouble deciphering this? Check out my guide to reading chord charts. You can find all my guitar chords and tabs here.  Also, you can subscribe to my newsletter so that you get an email when I update my chord charts. And click here if you need Seattle guitar lessons.

 

Be Prepared

Tom Lehrer

 

Strum: B   D   B   D     w/Alternating Bass

       1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +

 

Chord Guide

       32 1

C:    x32010

      134211

F:    133211

         213

D7:   xx0212

      3    1

G7:   3x0001

        2314

E7:    022130

        1 3

A7:   x02020

        3241

C7:    x32310

         132

D:    xx0232

 

Intro: / C - F - / D7 - G7 - / C - - - / - - G7 - /

 

             C (2)

Be prepared, that's the Boy Scout's marching song

           G7 (2)

Be prepared, as through life you march along

           C (½)                    E7 (½)            A7

Be prepared to hold your liquor pretty well

                   D7                                                G7

Don't write naughty words on walls if you can't spell

 

           C (2)

Be prepared to hide that pack of cigarettes

                    G7 (2)

Don't make book if you cannot cover bets

                   C (½)                 C7 (½)                         F

Keep those reefers hidden where you're sure that they will not be found

             D (½)                D7 (½)                        G

And be careful not to smoke them when the scoutmaster's around

           C (½)         F (½)               D7 (½)    G7 (½)                        

For he only will insist that it be shared

         / C - - - / - - G7 - /

Be prepared

 

           C (2)

Be prepared, that's the Boy Scouts' solemn creed

           G7 (2)

Be prepared, and be clean in word and deed

            C (½)             E7 (½)                 A7

Don't solicit for your sister, that's not nice

                   D7                                        G7

Unless you get a good percentage of her price

 

             C (2)

Be prepared, and be careful not to do

                    G7 (2)

Your good deeds when there's no one watching you

               C (½)             C7 (½)           F

If you're looking for adventure of a new and different kind

              D (½)               D7 (½)                G

And you come across a Girl Scout who is similarly inclined

               C (½)                    F (½)                    D7 (½)        G7 (½)                        

Don't be nervous, don't be flustered, don't be scared,

         / C - - - / - G7 (hold) C (hold) /

Be prepared

 

 

This file is the author's own work and represents his interpretation of this song.  It's intended solely for private study, scholarship or research.