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Sunday Morning Coming Down Chords

Kris Kristofferson Beginner Key of G 5 Chords 4 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · C · D · Em · Am

Sunday Morning Coming Down Chords – Guitar

Kris Kristofferson’s classic, melancholic reflection on loneliness and a hangover. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match Kristofferson’s original recording key of A, but play the G, C, D, and Em shapes as written.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G

Well, I woke up Sunday morning

C G

With no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt

D G

And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad

C G

So I had one more for desert

D G

Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes

C G

And found my cleanest dirty shirt

D

And I shaved my face and combed my hair

C G

And stumbled down the stairs to meet the day

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Verse 2

G C

Well, I stopped into a church I passed along the way

G D

Well, I went down to the sanctuary

G C

I was hoping to find some people who were praying

G D

They would let me come in and pray with them

G C

They sang a song about the holy ghost

G D

And they talked about the day of rest

G C

Most of the people there were dressed like I was

G D G

Some were worse, but not a one was dressed in their best

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Verse 3

G

On a Sunday morning sidewalk

C G

I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

D

‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday

G C

Makes a body feel alone

G

And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’

D G

Half as lonesome as the sound

C G

On the sleepin’ city sidewalks

D G

Sunday mornin’ comin’ down

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Practice tip: The chord progression is very repetitive (G, C, D). Focus on keeping a steady, relaxed strumming hand to capture the song’s weary, reflective mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Sunday Morning Coming Down"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.

Is "Sunday Morning Coming Down" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Sunday Morning Coming Down" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Sunday Morning Coming Down"?

It was written by Kris Kristofferson, and released in 1970.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · C · D · Em · Am

Sunday Morning Coming Down Chords – Ukulele

Kris Kristofferson’s classic, melancholic reflection on loneliness and a hangover. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match Kristofferson’s original recording key of A, but play the G, C, D, and Em shapes as written.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G

Well, I woke up Sunday morning

C G

With no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt

D G

And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad

C G

So I had one more for desert

D G

Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes

C G

And found my cleanest dirty shirt

D

And I shaved my face and combed my hair

C G

And stumbled down the stairs to meet the day

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Verse 2

G C

Well, I stopped into a church I passed along the way

G D

Well, I went down to the sanctuary

G C

I was hoping to find some people who were praying

G D

They would let me come in and pray with them

G C

They sang a song about the holy ghost

G D

And they talked about the day of rest

G C

Most of the people there were dressed like I was

G D G

Some were worse, but not a one was dressed in their best

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Verse 3

G

On a Sunday morning sidewalk

C G

I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

D

‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday

G C

Makes a body feel alone

G

And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’

D G

Half as lonesome as the sound

C G

On the sleepin’ city sidewalks

D G

Sunday mornin’ comin’ down

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Practice tip: The chord progression is very repetitive (G, C, D). Focus on keeping a steady, relaxed strumming hand to capture the song’s weary, reflective mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Sunday Morning Coming Down"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.

Is "Sunday Morning Coming Down" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Sunday Morning Coming Down" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Sunday Morning Coming Down"?

It was written by Kris Kristofferson, and released in 1970.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · C · D · Em · Am

Sunday Morning Coming Down Chords – Piano

Kris Kristofferson’s classic, melancholic reflection on loneliness and a hangover. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match Kristofferson’s original recording key of A, but play the G, C, D, and Em shapes as written.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G

Well, I woke up Sunday morning

C G

With no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt

D G

And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad

C G

So I had one more for desert

D G

Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes

C G

And found my cleanest dirty shirt

D

And I shaved my face and combed my hair

C G

And stumbled down the stairs to meet the day

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Verse 2

G C

Well, I stopped into a church I passed along the way

G D

Well, I went down to the sanctuary

G C

I was hoping to find some people who were praying

G D

They would let me come in and pray with them

G C

They sang a song about the holy ghost

G D

And they talked about the day of rest

G C

Most of the people there were dressed like I was

G D G

Some were worse, but not a one was dressed in their best

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Verse 3

G

On a Sunday morning sidewalk

C G

I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

D

‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday

G C

Makes a body feel alone

G

And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’

D G

Half as lonesome as the sound

C G

On the sleepin’ city sidewalks

D G

Sunday mornin’ comin’ down

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Practice tip: The chord progression is very repetitive (G, C, D). Focus on keeping a steady, relaxed strumming hand to capture the song’s weary, reflective mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Sunday Morning Coming Down"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.

Is "Sunday Morning Coming Down" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Sunday Morning Coming Down" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Sunday Morning Coming Down"?

It was written by Kris Kristofferson, and released in 1970.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · C · D · Em · Am

Sunday Morning Coming Down Chords – Banjo

Kris Kristofferson’s classic, melancholic reflection on loneliness and a hangover. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match Kristofferson’s original recording key of A, but play the G, C, D, and Em shapes as written.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G

Well, I woke up Sunday morning

C G

With no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt

D G

And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad

C G

So I had one more for desert

D G

Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes

C G

And found my cleanest dirty shirt

D

And I shaved my face and combed my hair

C G

And stumbled down the stairs to meet the day

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Verse 2

G C

Well, I stopped into a church I passed along the way

G D

Well, I went down to the sanctuary

G C

I was hoping to find some people who were praying

G D

They would let me come in and pray with them

G C

They sang a song about the holy ghost

G D

And they talked about the day of rest

G C

Most of the people there were dressed like I was

G D G

Some were worse, but not a one was dressed in their best

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Verse 3

G

On a Sunday morning sidewalk

C G

I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

D

‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday

G C

Makes a body feel alone

G

And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’

D G

Half as lonesome as the sound

C G

On the sleepin’ city sidewalks

D G

Sunday mornin’ comin’ down

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Practice tip: The chord progression is very repetitive (G, C, D). Focus on keeping a steady, relaxed strumming hand to capture the song’s weary, reflective mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Sunday Morning Coming Down"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.

Is "Sunday Morning Coming Down" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Sunday Morning Coming Down" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Sunday Morning Coming Down"?

It was written by Kris Kristofferson, and released in 1970.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · C · D · Em · Am

Sunday Morning Coming Down Chords – Mandolin

Kris Kristofferson’s classic, melancholic reflection on loneliness and a hangover. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match Kristofferson’s original recording key of A, but play the G, C, D, and Em shapes as written.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G

Well, I woke up Sunday morning

C G

With no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt

D G

And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad

C G

So I had one more for desert

D G

Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes

C G

And found my cleanest dirty shirt

D

And I shaved my face and combed my hair

C G

And stumbled down the stairs to meet the day

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Verse 2

G C

Well, I stopped into a church I passed along the way

G D

Well, I went down to the sanctuary

G C

I was hoping to find some people who were praying

G D

They would let me come in and pray with them

G C

They sang a song about the holy ghost

G D

And they talked about the day of rest

G C

Most of the people there were dressed like I was

G D G

Some were worse, but not a one was dressed in their best

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Verse 3

G

On a Sunday morning sidewalk

C G

I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

D

‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday

G C

Makes a body feel alone

G

And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’

D G

Half as lonesome as the sound

C G

On the sleepin’ city sidewalks

D G

Sunday mornin’ comin’ down

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Practice tip: The chord progression is very repetitive (G, C, D). Focus on keeping a steady, relaxed strumming hand to capture the song’s weary, reflective mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Sunday Morning Coming Down"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.

Is "Sunday Morning Coming Down" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Sunday Morning Coming Down" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Sunday Morning Coming Down"?

It was written by Kris Kristofferson, and released in 1970.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · C · D · Em · Am

Sunday Morning Coming Down Chords – Harmonica

Kris Kristofferson’s classic, melancholic reflection on loneliness and a hangover. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match Kristofferson’s original recording key of A, but play the G, C, D, and Em shapes as written.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G

Well, I woke up Sunday morning

C G

With no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt

D G

And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad

C G

So I had one more for desert

D G

Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes

C G

And found my cleanest dirty shirt

D

And I shaved my face and combed my hair

C G

And stumbled down the stairs to meet the day

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Verse 2

G C

Well, I stopped into a church I passed along the way

G D

Well, I went down to the sanctuary

G C

I was hoping to find some people who were praying

G D

They would let me come in and pray with them

G C

They sang a song about the holy ghost

G D

And they talked about the day of rest

G C

Most of the people there were dressed like I was

G D G

Some were worse, but not a one was dressed in their best

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Verse 3

G

On a Sunday morning sidewalk

C G

I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

D

‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday

G C

Makes a body feel alone

G

And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’

D G

Half as lonesome as the sound

C G

On the sleepin’ city sidewalks

D G

Sunday mornin’ comin’ down

Chorus

C G

I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And smiled and tried to make him understand

C G

It was only that I was feeling

D G

A little tired and a little blue

C G

But I’d smiled and shook the preacher’s hand

D G

And wished somehow that I could be like him

C G

And on the Sunday morning sidewalk

D G

Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned

Practice tip: The chord progression is very repetitive (G, C, D). Focus on keeping a steady, relaxed strumming hand to capture the song’s weary, reflective mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Sunday Morning Coming Down"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.

Is "Sunday Morning Coming Down" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Sunday Morning Coming Down" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Sunday Morning Coming Down"?

It was written by Kris Kristofferson, and released in 1970.