I made this tab because I couldn't see a stripped down chord and lyric version that was satisfactory.
If you want something more advanced then Neckwringer has submitted a detailed and complete tab
with strumming patterns and lead guitar.
You can find that here: http://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/d/david_bowie/john_im_only_dancing_ver2_tab.htm
Check it out!
Okay so the basic chords of this song are simple. The only disclaimer I will give is that the Fmaj7 in the
chorus sounds better if you play it as notated below:
Fmaj7
|-0-|
|-1-|
|-2-|
|-2-|
|-0-|
|-1-|
[Intro]
Keep a G shape but quickly alternate between the B and the C on the A string. Listen to the record for timing!
G C G C G C
[Verse 1]
G
Well, Annie's pretty neat, she always eats her meat
Joe is awful strong, bet your life he's putting us on
C Am C
Oh Lordy, oh Lordy, you know I need some loving
G
Oh, move me, touch me
[Chorus]
Em Fmaj7
John, I'm only dancing
Em E
She turns me on, but I'm only dancing
F G
She turns me on, don't get me wrong
A
I'm only dancing
*Break similar to intro*
G C G C G C
[Verse 2]
G
Oh, shadow love was quick and clean, life's a well-thumbed machine
I saw you watching from the stairs, you're everyone that ever cared
C Am C
Oh, Lordy, oh Lordy, you know I need some loving
G
Move me, touch me
[Chorus]
Em Fmaj7
John, I'm only dancing
Em E
She turns me on, but I'm only dancing
F G
She turns me on, don't get me wrong
A
I'm only dancing
Em Fmaj7
John, I'm only dancing
Em E
She turns me on, but I'm only dancing
F G
She turns me on, don't get me wrong
A
I'm only dancing
[Outro](keep playing the A to close out the song)
Dancing
Won't someone dance with me?
Touch me, ohh
***
And that's pretty much it. I hope this is useful for someone other than me. Please let
me know if there is any
mistakes or if you play it differently!