“Mary Jane’s Last Dance” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is a timeless rock anthem, beloved for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics. For guitarists eager to learn this classic, understanding the chords is the first step. This guide provides you with the chords and structure you need to play “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” making it accessible for musicians of all levels. Get ready to explore the simple yet powerful chord progression behind this iconic song.
Song Structure and Chord Progression
The beauty of “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” lies in its straightforward and repetitive chord progression, making it relatively easy to learn and memorize. The song primarily revolves around a few core chords, creating a familiar and comfortable feel. The main chords you’ll need to master for “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” are:
- Am (A minor)
- G (G major)
- D (D major)
- Em (E minor)
- A (A major)
The intro and verses follow a repeating pattern, creating the song’s signature groove. The chorus introduces a slight variation, adding dynamic contrast. Let’s break down the structure and chord progression section by section.
“Mary Jane’s Last Dance” Chords and Lyrics
Here are the lyrics and chords for “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” structured to help you follow along and play the song.
Intro: / Am – G – / D – Am – / x4
Verse 1:
Am G
She grew up in an Indiana town
D Am
Had a good lookin’ Mama who never was around
Am G
But she grew up tall and she grew up right
D Am
With them Indiana boys on an Indiana night
/ Am – G – / D – Am – / x2
Verse 2:
Am G
Well, she moved down here at the age of 18
D Am
She blew the boys away – It was more than they’d seen
Am G
I was introduced and we both started groovin’
D Am
She said I dig you baby, but I got to keep movin’
Am G D Am
on keep movin’ on
/ Am – G – / D – Am – /
Chorus:
Em (2)
Last dance with Mary Jane
A (2)
One more time to kill the pain
Em (2)
I feel summer creepin’ in and I’m
A (1) G (hold 1)
Tired of this town again
/ Am – G – / D – Am – / x2
Verse 3:
Am G
Well I don’t know but I’ve been told
D Am
You never slow down you never grow old
Am G
I’m tired of screwing up tired of going down
D Am
Tired of myself tired of this town
Bridge:
Am G
Oh my my Oh hell yes
D Am
Honey put on that party dress
Am G
Buy me a drink and sing me a song
D Am
Take me as I come ’cause I can’t stay long
Chorus:
/ Am – G – / D – Am – / x4
Verse 4:
Am G
There’s pigeons down on Market Square
D Am
She’s standing in her underwear
Am G
Looking down from a hotel room
D Am
The nightfall will be coming soon
Bridge:
Am G
Oh my my Oh hell yes
D Am
You got to put on that party dress
Am G
It was too cold to cry when I woke up alone
D Am
I hit my last number and walked to the road
Chorus:
/ Am – G – / D – Am – / x8
End on last Am
Tips for Playing “Mary Jane’s Last Dance”
To get started playing “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” consider these helpful tips:
- Strumming Pattern: A simple and effective strumming pattern for most of the song is down-down-up-down-up. Experiment with variations to find what feels natural to you.
- Chord Transitions: Practice smooth transitions between Am, G, and D chords, as these are the most frequent changes in the verses and intro. Focus on finger placement and minimizing pauses.
- Listen to the Original: Pay close attention to Tom Petty’s original recording. Listen for the rhythm, timing, and feel of the song to guide your playing.
- Simplify if Needed: If you are a beginner, focus on mastering the basic chord changes first. You can simplify strumming initially and gradually add complexity as you improve.
“Mary Jane’s Last Dance” is a fantastic song to add to your guitar repertoire. With its accessible chords and memorable melody, it’s perfect for practice, performance, and enjoying the timeless music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Grab your guitar and start playing today!
