End Of The Line | Chords + Lyrics
Intro
| N.C G | G D | D G | G A D |
| D G | G A G E | D/A | D/A |
Chorus 1
| D D/A | D | D A | G |
Well, it’s alright, ridin’ around in the breeze.
| D D/A | D | D A | D |
Well, it’s alright, if you live the life you please.
| D D/A | D | D A | G |
Well, it’s alright, doin’ the best you can.
| D D/A | D | D A | D D/A | D |
Well, it’s alright, as long as you lend a hand.
Verse 1
| G G/D | G | D D/A | D D/A |
You can sit around and wait for the phone to ring (at the end of the line).
| G G/D | G | D D/A | D D/A |
Waiting for someone to tell you everything (at the end of the line).
| G G/D | G | D D/A | D |
Sit around and wonder what tomorrow will bring (at the end of the line).
| A A/E | A |
Maybe a diamond ring.
Chorus 2
Well, it’s alright, even if they say you’re wrong.
Well, it’s alright, sometimes you gotta be strong.
Well, it’s alright, as long as you got somewhere to lay.
Well, it’s alright, everyday is judgment day.
Verse 2
Maybe somewhere down the road a ways (at the end of the line).
You’ll think of me and wonder where I am these days (at the end of the line).
Maybe somewhere down the road when somebody plays (at the end of the line).
Purple Haze.
Chorus 3
Well, it’s alright, even when push comes to shove.
Well, it’s alright, if you got someone to love.
Well, it’s alright, everything’ll work out fine.
Well, it’s alright, we’re going to the end of the line.
Verse 3
Don’t have to be ashamed of the car I drive (at the end of the line).
I’m just glad to be here, happy to be alive (at the end of the line).
And it don’t matter if you’re by my side (at the end of the line).
I’m satisfied.
Chorus 4
Well, it’s alright, even if you’re old and grey.
Well, it’s alright, you still got something to say.
Well, it’s alright, remember to live and let live.
| D D/A | D | D A | D |
Well, it’s alright, the best you can do is forgive.
Chorus 5 (as chorus 1)
Well, it’s alright (alright), riding around on the breeze.
Well, it’s alright (alright), if you live the life you please.
Well, it’s alright, even if the sun don’t shine.
Well, it’s alright (alright), we’re going to the end of the line.
Outro
| (D) G | G D | D G | G A D |
| D G | G A G E | D |
End Of The Line Chords: Understanding the Progressions
I love the subtle variation in End of the Line’s chorus when the chords shift from D to D/A, and then from D to A. It’s such a simple change, yet incredibly effective!
This is followed by a move to IV (G). The pattern repeats, staying on D the first time, then resolving to G the second time, like this:
||: D (I) D/A (I/5) | D (I) | D (I) A (V) | G (IV) |
| D D/A | D | D A |1. D :|| 2. D D/A | D |
It’s deceptively simple, but precision is key—missing even one note can throw off the whole feel.
I’ve put together some TAB covering both the verse and chorus, including a bass line so you can play everything on one guitar. You’ll find it here: End of the Line – Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Once you’ve grasped the concept, all you’ll need is a simple chord chart—here’s one I made for you.
End Of The Line Chord Chart + PDF + iReal Pro
Should you want to download this chart, here’s a PDF: End Of The Line chord chart PDF.
This chord chart was created using iReal Pro, here’s a link to that file: End Of The Line chord chart iReal Pro. Using this and the iRealPro app, you can change the key.
End of the Line has one of the greatest acoustic guitar sounds ever recorded!
Supergroup the Traveling Wilburys—Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and George Harrison—released their biggest hit, End of the Line, in 1989.
This track is a masterclass in recording, layering, and how to strum acoustic guitars effectively alongside bass and drums.
Check out Video 2 in the playlist for a breakdown of the recording process—Jeff Lynne was behind the magic.
In short, he recorded multiple guitars playing the same part, in the same room, at the same time. The resulting sound is vastly different from overdubbing one guitar at a time—it’s mind-blowing.
Jeff wasn’t the first to use this technique. Phil Spector pioneered the approach, calling it the Wall of Sound. Lynne adapted the idea from a full orchestra to just a handful of acoustic guitars, creating a rich, immersive texture.
End Of The Line Chords: Continue Learning
Want to master this song? Check out the full TAB lesson here: End Of The Line (Traveling Wilburys) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Alternatively, here are five similar tunes you might enjoy: