Intro: D/F# Em G A : 2x G D/F# Em D I was ten, I was thin, I was playing first base G D/F# Em A with a secondhand glove and dirt on my face G D/F# In nowhere, Virginia Em D/F# C G A Who'd ever figure that kid in the yard would go very far G D/F# Em A It was 419 Lakewood , had no silverspoons G D/F# Em A Just an old beat up upright that played out of tune G D/F# Em A Now I'm singin' and living the life that I love C G A And when I count my blessings I thank God I was D Em G A An American child D Em G A An American child Bm A 'Cause dreams can grow wild G A D Born inside an American child Seven pounds, three ounces, she's got my nose And she's into my heart as deep as it goes With a promise that's more than just someone's last name Anyone's equal, in late August came An American child (Chorus) Instrumental: Bm F#m Em A Bm F#m Em A Bm F#m Em A D/F# G A (Bridge) Bm F C F My grandfather would have been eighty today Bm A D Em G A But in '45 he fell down beside an American child (Chorus)