Rock, Pop

Waterloo Sunset Chords

The Kinks Beginner Key of D 5 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Bmtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

D · A · G · Bm · Em

Waterloo Sunset Chords – Guitar

The Kinks’ classic 1967 song about finding peace in the city’s twilight. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, but these chords are for open position playing in D.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D A G

Dirty old river, must you keep rolling

D A

Flowing into the night?

G A D

People so busy, makes me feel dizzy

A G

Taxi light shines so bright

Verse 2

D A G

But I don’t need friends as long as I gaze on

D A

Waterloo sunset

G A

I am in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Verse 3

D A G

Terry meets Julie, Waterloo station

D A

Every Friday night

G A D

But I am so lazy, don’t want to wander

A G

I stay at home at night

Verse 4

D A G

But I don’t feel afraid as long as I gaze on

D A

Waterloo sunset

G A

I am in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Bridge

G A D

Millions of people swarming like flies ’round Waterloo underground

G A

But Terry and Julie cross over the river

G

Where they feel safe and sound

A

And they don’t need no friends

G A

As long as they gaze on Waterloo sunset

D

They are in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Outro

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Practice tip: The chord progression D-A-G is used throughout; practice switching between these three chords smoothly before adding the lyrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Waterloo Sunset"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, G, Bm and Em.

Is "Waterloo Sunset" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Waterloo Sunset" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Waterloo Sunset"?

It was written by Ray Davies, and released in 1967.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Bmtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

D · A · G · Bm · Em

Waterloo Sunset Chords – Ukulele

The Kinks’ classic 1967 song about finding peace in the city’s twilight. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, but these chords are for open position playing in D.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D A G

Dirty old river, must you keep rolling

D A

Flowing into the night?

G A D

People so busy, makes me feel dizzy

A G

Taxi light shines so bright

Verse 2

D A G

But I don’t need friends as long as I gaze on

D A

Waterloo sunset

G A

I am in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Verse 3

D A G

Terry meets Julie, Waterloo station

D A

Every Friday night

G A D

But I am so lazy, don’t want to wander

A G

I stay at home at night

Verse 4

D A G

But I don’t feel afraid as long as I gaze on

D A

Waterloo sunset

G A

I am in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Bridge

G A D

Millions of people swarming like flies ’round Waterloo underground

G A

But Terry and Julie cross over the river

G

Where they feel safe and sound

A

And they don’t need no friends

G A

As long as they gaze on Waterloo sunset

D

They are in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Outro

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Practice tip: The chord progression D-A-G is used throughout; practice switching between these three chords smoothly before adding the lyrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Waterloo Sunset"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, G, Bm and Em.

Is "Waterloo Sunset" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Waterloo Sunset" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Waterloo Sunset"?

It was written by Ray Davies, and released in 1967.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Bmtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

D · A · G · Bm · Em

Waterloo Sunset Chords – Piano

The Kinks’ classic 1967 song about finding peace in the city’s twilight. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, but these chords are for open position playing in D.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D A G

Dirty old river, must you keep rolling

D A

Flowing into the night?

G A D

People so busy, makes me feel dizzy

A G

Taxi light shines so bright

Verse 2

D A G

But I don’t need friends as long as I gaze on

D A

Waterloo sunset

G A

I am in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Verse 3

D A G

Terry meets Julie, Waterloo station

D A

Every Friday night

G A D

But I am so lazy, don’t want to wander

A G

I stay at home at night

Verse 4

D A G

But I don’t feel afraid as long as I gaze on

D A

Waterloo sunset

G A

I am in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Bridge

G A D

Millions of people swarming like flies ’round Waterloo underground

G A

But Terry and Julie cross over the river

G

Where they feel safe and sound

A

And they don’t need no friends

G A

As long as they gaze on Waterloo sunset

D

They are in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Outro

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Practice tip: The chord progression D-A-G is used throughout; practice switching between these three chords smoothly before adding the lyrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Waterloo Sunset"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, G, Bm and Em.

Is "Waterloo Sunset" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Waterloo Sunset" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Waterloo Sunset"?

It was written by Ray Davies, and released in 1967.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Bmtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

D · A · G · Bm · Em

Waterloo Sunset Chords – Banjo

The Kinks’ classic 1967 song about finding peace in the city’s twilight. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, but these chords are for open position playing in D.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D A G

Dirty old river, must you keep rolling

D A

Flowing into the night?

G A D

People so busy, makes me feel dizzy

A G

Taxi light shines so bright

Verse 2

D A G

But I don’t need friends as long as I gaze on

D A

Waterloo sunset

G A

I am in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Verse 3

D A G

Terry meets Julie, Waterloo station

D A

Every Friday night

G A D

But I am so lazy, don’t want to wander

A G

I stay at home at night

Verse 4

D A G

But I don’t feel afraid as long as I gaze on

D A

Waterloo sunset

G A

I am in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Bridge

G A D

Millions of people swarming like flies ’round Waterloo underground

G A

But Terry and Julie cross over the river

G

Where they feel safe and sound

A

And they don’t need no friends

G A

As long as they gaze on Waterloo sunset

D

They are in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Outro

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Practice tip: The chord progression D-A-G is used throughout; practice switching between these three chords smoothly before adding the lyrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Waterloo Sunset"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, G, Bm and Em.

Is "Waterloo Sunset" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Waterloo Sunset" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Waterloo Sunset"?

It was written by Ray Davies, and released in 1967.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Bmtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

D · A · G · Bm · Em

Waterloo Sunset Chords – Mandolin

The Kinks’ classic 1967 song about finding peace in the city’s twilight. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, but these chords are for open position playing in D.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D A G

Dirty old river, must you keep rolling

D A

Flowing into the night?

G A D

People so busy, makes me feel dizzy

A G

Taxi light shines so bright

Verse 2

D A G

But I don’t need friends as long as I gaze on

D A

Waterloo sunset

G A

I am in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Verse 3

D A G

Terry meets Julie, Waterloo station

D A

Every Friday night

G A D

But I am so lazy, don’t want to wander

A G

I stay at home at night

Verse 4

D A G

But I don’t feel afraid as long as I gaze on

D A

Waterloo sunset

G A

I am in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Bridge

G A D

Millions of people swarming like flies ’round Waterloo underground

G A

But Terry and Julie cross over the river

G

Where they feel safe and sound

A

And they don’t need no friends

G A

As long as they gaze on Waterloo sunset

D

They are in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Outro

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Practice tip: The chord progression D-A-G is used throughout; practice switching between these three chords smoothly before adding the lyrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Waterloo Sunset"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, G, Bm and Em.

Is "Waterloo Sunset" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Waterloo Sunset" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Waterloo Sunset"?

It was written by Ray Davies, and released in 1967.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Bmtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

D · A · G · Bm · Em

Waterloo Sunset Chords – Harmonica

The Kinks’ classic 1967 song about finding peace in the city’s twilight. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.

Folk Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original recording’s key of E, but these chords are for open position playing in D.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

D A G

Dirty old river, must you keep rolling

D A

Flowing into the night?

G A D

People so busy, makes me feel dizzy

A G

Taxi light shines so bright

Verse 2

D A G

But I don’t need friends as long as I gaze on

D A

Waterloo sunset

G A

I am in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Verse 3

D A G

Terry meets Julie, Waterloo station

D A

Every Friday night

G A D

But I am so lazy, don’t want to wander

A G

I stay at home at night

Verse 4

D A G

But I don’t feel afraid as long as I gaze on

D A

Waterloo sunset

G A

I am in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Bridge

G A D

Millions of people swarming like flies ’round Waterloo underground

G A

But Terry and Julie cross over the river

G

Where they feel safe and sound

A

And they don’t need no friends

G A

As long as they gaze on Waterloo sunset

D

They are in paradise

Chorus

G A D

Every day I look at the world from my window

G A

But chilly, chilly is the evening time

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Outro

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

G A D

Waterloo sunset’s fine

Practice tip: The chord progression D-A-G is used throughout; practice switching between these three chords smoothly before adding the lyrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Waterloo Sunset"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, A, G, Bm and Em.

Is "Waterloo Sunset" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "Waterloo Sunset" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Waterloo Sunset"?

It was written by Ray Davies, and released in 1967.