A A D G
A A D G
A A D G
E D A A

[Verse 1]
A                            D       G
It's coming any day said the captain
A                                 D      G
It's coming any day now cried the priest
A                               D        G
The people in high places may defend you
E                  D                  A
But son you better hope they keep the peace

[Chorus 1]
D                   E
Can't you hear them calling
F#m                D
Can't you see them shine
D                   E
The city halls are falling
F#m                       D
The defenders drink their wine
D                    E
And when the party's over
F#m                     G
Their stomachs start to sag
D                           A     A E D A
Defenders, defenders of the flag

[Verse 2]
A                                 D      G
The congregation's waiting at the altar
A                               D      G
They can't find the preacher anywhere
A                                         D       G
They found him with the new girl from the choir
E                    D                    A
Where they store the boxes of the book of prayer

[Chorus 2]
D                          E
If these guys are the good ones
F#m                      D
I don't want to know the bad
D                 E
You wonder how it happened
F#m                         D
They just picked it up from dad
D               E
While faded old glory
F#m               G
is hanging like a rag
D                           A
Defenders, defenders of the flag

[Solo]
A E D A
A A D G
A A D C
A A D G
E D A A

[Verse 3]
A                                D           G
The flag is flying high over the courthouse
A                                   D      G
The wheels of justice never stood a chance
A                                    D          G
The judge is down at charlies on his lunch hour
E                D                 A
Checking out the picture show from France

[Chorus 3]
D                   E
Carrying a fifth of whiskey
F#m              D
In a dirty paper bag
D                 E
Threw the ball to home
F#m                        D
But they always missed the tag
D         E
Faded old glory
F#m            D
hanging like a rag
D                           A     A E D A
Defenders, defenders of the flag