Guitar chords Cortez The Killer

Cortez the Killer is a song by Neil Young, released in 1975 on the album Zuma by Neil Young & Crazy Horse. The lyrics recount the story of Hernan Cortezs arrival in Mexico and his interaction with the Aztec emperor Montezuma II. It is noted for its powerful critique of the destruction of the Aztec culture by Spanish forces. While historical, the song carries a strong emotional weight, reflecting on the loss and beauty of the Aztec civilization.

Key:  Em 
Em
 
D
 
Am7
 
Am7
 *

  
Em
     
D
      
Am7
 

        
Em
 
He came dancing across the water
           
D
 
With his galleons and guns
Am7
 
Looking for the new world
                       
Am7
 *
In that palace in the sun

        
Em
 
On the shore lay Montezuma
          
D
 
With his coca leaves and pearls
Am7
 
In his halls he often wandered
                         
Am7
 *
With the secrets of the worlds

         
Em
 
And his subjects gathered 'round him
           
D
 
Like the leaves around a tree
           
Am7
 
In their clothes of many colours
                      
Am7
 *
For the angry gods to see

          
Em
 
And the women all were beautiful
         
D
 
And the men stood straight and strong
       
Am7
 
They offered life in sacrifice
                        
Am7
 *
So that others could go on

  
Em
     
D
      
Am7
 

Em
 
Hate was just a legend
    
D
 
And war was never known
    
Am7
 
The people worked together
                        
Am7
 *
And they lifted many stones

      
Em
 
They carried them to the flatlands
         
D
 
But they died along the way
         
Am7
 
And they built up with their bare hands
                         
Am7
 *
What we still can't do today

      
Em
 
And I know she's living there
        
D
 
And she loves me to this day
Am7
 
I still can't remember when
                 
Am7
 *
Or how I lost my way

  
Em
     
D
      
Am7
 

        
Em
 
He came dancing across the water
D
 
Cortez, Cortez
Am7
 
What a killer

  
Em
     
D
      
Am7
 
  
Em
     
D
      
Am7
 
(fade out)