"Letter From America" is a classic folk-rock song by The Proclaimers, known for its heartfelt lyrics and singalong quality. The original version has a gentle, rhythmic strumming and acoustic feel that supports the storytelling style of the vocals.
Chords & Progression
The song uses basic open chords: C, G, Am, Dm, F, and Em. These are all beginner-friendly. Practice each chord individually first to ensure clean sound, especially the F chord, which may require a simple barre or mini-barre technique on the first two strings.
Strumming Pattern
A simple down-down-up-up-down-up (DDUUDU) pattern fits well for most sections. Try starting with slow downstrokes for verses to capture the song’s mood, then use the full pattern for choruses and instrumental sections. Keep your strumming hand relaxed and aim for even dynamics.
Chord Transitions & Techniques
Focus on the transitions between C-G-Am-G, as these repeat frequently. Practice moving between these chords smoothly—try keeping your ring finger anchored on the third fret of the B string when switching between C and G for efficiency.
For the F chord, if the full barre is difficult, use the simplified version (xx3211).
General Tips
Count aloud to maintain the song’s steady rhythm. Listen to the original track to match the tempo and dynamics. Play along slowly at first, then increase your speed as you gain confidence.
IntroC G Am G
C G Am G
C G Am G
C G Am G
Verse 1When youC go, will you send back, aDm letterG from AC merica?
Take a look, up the railtrack, from MiDm amiG to CanaC da well...
Bridge 1F Broke off from my work, the other day.
Am I spent the evening thinking about all the blood that flowed away.
F Across the ocean, to the second chance.
IAm wonder how it got on when itG reached the promisedF landG .
ChorusWhen youC go, will you send back, aDm letterG from AC merica?
Take a look, up the railtrack, from MiDm amiG to CanaC da.
Bridge 2F I've looked at the ocean, tried hard to imagine
TheAm way you felt the day you sailed from Wester Ross to Nova Scotia.
F We should have held you, we should have told ya but youAm know our sense of timing,
WeEm always wait tooF longG .
ChorusWhen youC go, will you send back, aDm letterG from AC merica?
Take a look, up the railtrack, from MiDm amiG to CanaC da.
InstrumentalC G C G C G C G
Verse 2C Lochaber noG more,Am Sutherland noG more,C Lewis noG more,Am Skye noG more.
C Lochaber noG more,Am Sutherland noG more,C Lewis noG more,Am Skye noG more.
C Lochaber noG more,Am Sutherland noG more,C Lewis noG more,Am Skye noG more.
Bridge 3F I wonder my blood, will you ever return,
Am To help us kick the life back, to a dying mutual friend?
F Do we not love her, I think we all tell you aboutAm do we have to roam the world to
Em prove how much itF hurtsG ?
ChorusWhen youC go, will you send back, aDm letterG from AC merica?
Take a look, up the railtrack, from MiDm amiG to CanaC da.Am G Am G
OutroC Bathgate noG more,Am Linwood noG more,C Methil noG more,Am Irvine noG more.
C Bathgate noG more,Am Linwood noG more,C Methil noG more,Am Irvine noG more.
C Bathgate noG more,Am Linwood noG more,C Methil noG more,Am Irvine noG more.
C Bathgate noG more,Am Linwood noG more,C Methil noG more, LochC haC berAm noG more.