Parisienne Walkways | Chords + Lyrics
Intro
| 12/8 (A E C) | Am | Dm7 | Dm7/G | Cmaj7 |
| F | Bm7b5 | E7sus4 E7 | A5 N.C (A E C) |
Verse 1
| Am | Dm7 |
I remember Paris in ’49.
| Dm7/G | Cmaj7 |
The Champs-Élysées, Saint Michelle and old Beaujolais wine.
| F | Bm7b5 E7 |
And I recall that you were mine,
| A D/A | A5 N.C |
in those Parisienne days.
Solo
| Dm7 | Dm7/G | Cmaj7 | Fmaj7 |
| Bm7b5 | Esus4 E | A Asus4 |
Verse 2
| A5 N.C | Dm7 |
Looking back at the photographs.
| Dm7/G | Cmaj7 |
Those summer days spent outside corner cafes.
| Fmaj7 | Bm7b5 |
Oh, I could write you paragraphs,
| Esus4/B | E F | E5 N.C | N.C |
about my old Parisienne days.
Solo
| Dm7 | Dm7/G | Cmaj7 | Fmaj7 | Bm7b5 E7 |
||: Am Dm7 | Am F E :|| x8
Parisienne Walkways Chords: Exploring the Complexities of the Progressions
There’s more to Parisienne Walkways’ chords than one might initially assume. It’s easy to get consumed by the impressive lead guitar work, but the chord progressions themselves hold plenty of interest.
Let’s break down how each section is slightly varied, starting with the intro. The cello-like swells are based on an Am arpeggio. We then move around the cycle of 4ths, with some clever extensions.
Starting with VI – II, the V chord is actually a II chord with its 4th in the bass (Dm7/G). Cmaj7 serves as the I chord, and F here is not a maj7. E7sus4 to E adds extra tension, forming a IIIx. We then stop on an A5—neither major nor minor, quite clever.
| Am | Dm7 | Dm7/G | Cmaj7 |
| F | Bm7b5 | E7sus4 E7 | A5 N.C (A E C) |
The first verse mirrors the intro but changes slightly after the F chord:
| Am | Dm7 | Dm7/G | Cmaj7 |
| F | Bm7b5 E7 | A D/A | A5 N.C |
In the bar with Bm7b5, we move to E7 earlier than expected, then play A (major!), D/A, and finish with a stop.
The first solo transitions directly to chord II. F becomes Fmaj7, and D/A shifts to Asus4.
| Dm7 | Dm7/G | Cmaj7 | Fmaj7 |
| Bm7b5 | E7sus4 E | A Asus4 |
The next verse brings another variation. Toward the end, we play an Esus4/B chord before resolving to E and F.
| A5 N.C | Dm7 | Dm7/G | Cmaj7 |
| Fmaj7 | Bm7b5 | Esus4/B | E F | E5 N.C | N.C |
Finally, the outro introduces new chords. After playing part of the verse again, these final chords come into play:
||: Am Dm7 | Am F E :||
Here’s a chord chart summing it all up.
Parisienne Walkways Chord Chart | PDF + iReal Pro Download
Should you want to download and print the correct chords for Parisienne Walkways to keep in your back pocket, you can do so with this PDF: Parisienne Walkways chord chart PDF.
If you have bigger aspirations and want to change the key or alter my arrangement layout, you can opt for the iReal Pro format: Parisienne Walkways iReal Pro.
Parisienne Walkways was a co-write between Gary and Phil!
Originally an instrumental piece, Parisienne Walkways took shape when Gary Moore played it to Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) one night, and Phil began writing lyrics for it. That’s when the song truly came together.
To achieve the huge note that Moore holds at the end of the song, it’s best to crank up the amp—preferably to 10.
If you listen closely, you’ll notice the similarities between the chord progression of Parisienne Walkways and Gary’s other smash hit, Still Got The Blues.
For those interested in songwriting, take a moment to examine how both melodies follow the chords. It’s a great example of the craftsmanship involved in creating a memorable piece.
Make sure to study the chords and lyrics for Parisienne Walkways as presented above. While Matt’s video lesson is helpful, it isn’t fully accurate, especially when it comes to the intricate chords. However, I don’t blame him—the solo is the real highlight, especially when you’re in your early twenties, and I must say—he plays it well!
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