Key: G
Introduction: D/F# Em G A
G D/F# Em D
I was ten, I was thin, I was playing first base
G D/F# Em A
with a secondhand glove and dirt on my face
G D/F#
In nowhere, Virginia
Em D/F# C G A
Who'd ever figure that kid in the yard would go very far
G D/F# Em A
It was 419 Lakewood , had no silverspoons
G D/F# Em A
Just an old beat up upright that played out of tune
G D/F# Em A
Now I'm singin' and living the life that I love
C G A
And when I count my blessings I thank God I was
D Em GA
An American child
D Em GA
An American child
Bm A
'Cause dreams can grow wild
G A D
Born inside an American child
Seven pounds, three ounces, she's got my nose
D/F# GA
(Bridge)
Bm F C F
My grandfather would have been eighty today
Bm A D Em GA
But in '45 he fell down beside an American child
(Chorus)