The best way to play this song is as follows:
Capo on the first fret:
A Amaj7
Standing on the water, casting your bread
Bm/A E/A A
While the eyes of the idol with the iron head are glowing
A Amaj7
Distant ships sailing into the mist
Bm/A E/A A
You were born with a snake in both of your fists while a hurricane was
blowing
Bm E A
Freedom just around the corner for you
Bm E A D
But with truth so far off, what good will it do.
E D
Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
A E/G# F#m D
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
C#m7 D6 E A
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.
A Amaj7
So swiftly the sun sets in the sky
Bm/A E/A A D/A
You rise up and say goodbye to no one
A Amaj7
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
Bm/A E/A A
Both of their futures, so full of dread, you don't show one
Bm E A
Shedding off one more layer of skin
Bm E A D
Keeping one step ahead of the persecutor within.
E D
Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
A E/G# F#m D
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
C#m7 D6 E A
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.
A Anaj7
You're a man of the mountain, you can walk on the clouds
Bm/A E/A A D/A
Manipulator of crowds, you're a dream twister
A
You're going to Sodom and Gomorrah
Amaj7 Bm/A E/A A
But what do you care ? Ain't nobody there would want marry your sister
Bm E A
Friend to the martyr, a friend to the woman of shame
Bm E A D
You look into the fiery furnace, see the rich man without any name.
E D
Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
A E/G# F#m D
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
C#m7 D6 E A
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.
[ Tab from: https://www.guitartabs.cc/tabs/b/bob_dylan/jokerman_crd_ver_2.html ]
A Amaj7
Well, the Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy
Bm/A E/A A D/A
The law of the jungle and the sea are your only teachers
A Amaj7
In the smoke of the twilight on a milk-white steed
Bm/A E/A A
Michelangeo indeed could've carved out your features
Bm E A
Resting in the fields, far from the turbulent space
Bm E A D
Half asleep near the stars with a small dog licking your face.
E D
Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
A E/G# F#m D
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
C#m7 D6 E A
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.
A Ammaj7
Well, the rifleman's stalking the sick and the lame
Bm/A E/A A D/A
Preacherman seeks the same, who'll get there first is uncertain
A Amaj7
Nightsticks and water cannons, tear gas, padlocks
Bm/A E/A A
Molotow cocktails and rocks behind every curtain
Bm E A
False-hearted judges dying in the webs that they spin
Bm E A D
Only a matter of time 'til the night comes stepping in.
E D
Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
A E/G# F#m D
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
C#m7 D6 E A
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.
A Amaj7
It's a shadowy world, skies are slippery gray
Bm/A E/A A D/A
A woman just gave birth to a prince today and dressed him in scarlet
A Amaj7
He'll put the priest in his pocket, put the blade to the heat
Bm/A E/A
Take the motherless children off the street
A
And place them at the feet of a harlot
Bm E A
Oh, Jokerman, you know what he wants
Bm E A D
Oh, Jokerman, you don't show any response.
E D
Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
A E/G# F#m D
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
C#m7 D6 E A
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.
Coda ||: A | Amaj7 | Bm/A | E/A | A | D/A :||
| Bm | E | A | A
| Bm | E | A | D
| E | D | A E/G# | F#m || Fade out
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