Harper Valley P.T.A. - Jeannie C. Riley | Song Tabs

Harper Valley P.T.A. Jeannie C. Riley

Original Song Context
Jeannie C. Riley’s "Harper Valley P.T.A." is a classic country song from 1968. The original version features a storytelling vocal style with a straightforward country backing, making it approachable for beginners.

Chords and Progression
The song uses basic open chords: G, C, D, Em, A, E, and E7. These are common beginner chords. Practice each shape to ensure smooth transitions, especially between G and C, and D and G/A.

Strumming Pattern
A simple country strum works well: try a pattern like down-down-up-up-down-up. Keep your wrist relaxed for a steady rhythm. Play the intro and verses gently, building volume for dramatic moments.

Chord Transitions
Transitions are frequent but not difficult. For G to Em in the intro, keep your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string to anchor your hand. Moving between C and D, and D to G, use small finger movements for efficiency. Practice the switch from D to A and E in the last verse/outro section, as it marks the key change.

Additional Tips
Listen to the original to match the song’s tempo and phrasing. Don’t rush—the storytelling is key. If you find the E7 challenging at the end, it’s fine to play a regular E instead until comfortable.

Enjoy the story and have fun playing!

Intro

G Em G Em

Verse 1

I want toG tell you all a story 'bout a Harper Valley widowed wife

Who had aC teenage daughter who attended Harper Valley Junior High

Well herG daughter came home one afternoon and didn't even stop to play

And she saidC Mom I got a note here from theD Harper Valley P.T.G A.

Verse 2

Well the note said Mrs. Johnson you're wearing your dresses way too high

It's reC ported you've been drinking and a-runnin' 'round with men and going wild

And weG don't believe you ought to be a bringin' up your little girl this way

And it wasC signed by the SecretaryD Harper Valley P.T.G A.

Verse 3

Well it happened that the P.T.A. was gonna meet that very afternoon

And they wereC sure surprised when Mrs. Johnson wore her mini-skirt into the room

And as sheG walked up to the blackboard I can still recall the words she had to say

She said I'dC like to address this meetingD of the Harper Valley P.T.G A.

Verse 4

Well there's Bobby Taylor sittin' there and seven times he's asked me for a date

And Mrs.C Taylor sure seems to use a lot of ice whenever he's away

And Mr.G Baker can you tell us why your secretary had to leave this town

And shouldn'tC widow Jones be told to keep herD window shades all pulled completelyG down

Verse 5

Well Mr. Harper couldn't be here 'cause he stayed too long at Kelly's Bar again

And if youD smell Shirley Thompson's breath you'll find she's had a little nip of gin

And then youA have the nerve to tell me you think that as a mother I'm not fit

Well this isD just a little Peyton Place andE you're all Harper Valley hypoA crites

Outro

No I wouldn't put you on because it really did it happened just this way

The day myD Mama socked it to theE Harper Valley P.T.A A.

The day myD Mama socked it to theE Harper Valley P.T.A A.E⁷ A