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Key
C Major
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
C
A novelty #1 hit built entirely on one chord. Harry Nilsson proved that rhythm and melody are all you need.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: Keep the C chord ringing and focus on rhythmic variations. Add muted strums and accents to keep it interesting.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the C chord
Just one chord — C. Make sure every string rings clearly. This is the only chord in the entire song.
2
Master the rhythm
The song is all about rhythmic feel. Strum with a calypso-style bounce: emphasize beats 2 and 4. Add ghost strums and muted hits.
3
Sing along
The melody carries the song. Practice the vocal melody separately, then combine with your strumming pattern.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
C
Brother bought a coconut, he bought it for a dime,
C
His sister had another one, she paid it for a lime.
C
She put the lime in the coconut, she drank them both up,
C
She put the lime in the coconut, she drank them both up.
Chorus
C
She put the lime in the coconut, she called the doctor, woke him up, and said,
C
”Doctor, ain’t there nothing I can take?”
C
I said, “Doctor, to relieve this bellyache.”