[Intro]
D
[Chorus]
D G
I went to college, and I went to jail
D A7
One was a dorm room, one was a cell
D G
Who came out on top? Hell, it's hard to tell
D Bm A D
I went to college, and I went to jail
[Verse 1]
D G
We both grew up in the 6-1-5
D
Both sides of the train tracks
A7
Had two different lives
D G
Both sons of sinners, needing set free
D A7 D
We met at a party over big bags of weed
[Chorus]
D G
And I went to college, and I went to jail
D A7
One was a dorm room, one was a cell
D G
Who came out on top? Hell, it's hard to tell
D Bm A D
I went to college, and I went to jail
[Verse 2]
D G
Well, I was supposеd to go four years and quit after one
D A7
I was sеntenced to seven, but after four, I was done
D G
Well, I burned all my books, I stayed up and read
D A7 D
I could've been a doctor, I should've been dead
[Chorus]
D G
And I went to college, and I went to jail
D A7
One was a dorm room, one was a cell
D G
Who came out on top? Hell, it's hard to tell
D Bm A D
I went to college, and I went to jail
[Verse 3]
D G
Well, who could've figured? And who could've known?
D A7
We'd both wind up working down on music row
D G
With ten years hard labor we've both paid our dues
D A D
I'm singing that country, I'm singing them blues
[Chorus]
Eb Ab
And I went to college, and I went to jail
Eb Bb7
One was a dorm room, one was a cell
Eb Ab
Who came out on top? Hell, it's hard to tell
Eb Cm Bb Eb
I went to college, and I went to jail
[Outro]
Cm
I went to college
Bb7 N.C.
And I went 448 2nd Avenue North of Criminal Justice Center
Eb
To jail
Intro & Verses Chord Structure
The song uses a simple progression mostly revolving around D, G, and A7.
Let's start with the D chord. Make sure your fingers are placed rightly: your index finger
will be on the 3rd string, middle finger on the 1st string—both at fret 2—and the ring finger
on the 2nd string, also at fret 3.
D
Play this chord cleanly, ensuring all strings are ringing out, especially the open 4th (D)
string that will add to the resonance of the chord.
Chorus Chord Progressions
The chorus adds a Bm chord in the progression, which can be somewhat tricky for
the beginner, taking into consideration that this shape is a barre. Here's how you make
the Bm chord: bar the 2nd fret with your index finger and then put your ring finger on
the 4th string, 4th fret, and your pinky on the 3rd string, 4th fret.
D G
D A7
D G
D Bm A D
The G chord can be played in its full form or as a power chord, especially if you want to
add a bit of rock texture.
The A7 chord is the dominant chord, giving a little resolved sound for the D major.
This one will be a bit of a stretch, so play it by putting your middle finger on the fourth
string, second fret, and the index on the second string, second fret, leaving
the third string open for that distinctive dissonant sound.
Strumming Pattern
A simple down-up pattern works well here. Emphasize the downstrokes to keep
the rhythm driving forward.
Especially when transitioning from D to G, the wrist should move fluidly from beat
to beat to keep the strum relaxed and continuous.
Common Mistakes
Not pressing down hard enough on the Bm barre chord, leading to a muffled sound.
Losing tempo during chord transitions. Practice switching chords slowly and build up speed.
General Tips
Ensure your guitar is properly tuned to standard tuning (EADGBE).
Use a metronome to keep your timing consistent when practicing.
Listen to the song to get familiar with its dynamics and how the chords fit into
the overall melody and rhythm. Historical Info and Song Meaning
"I Went To College / I Went To Jail" is a song by Ernest. The two experiential life
moments in college and jail are used as a extended metaphor, contrasting
the themes of freedom against constraint, life paths contrast, and actually lived.
The words of the song, they tell themselves—personal change and the irony of destiny,
not all that we choose to become clear or expected. That should give you a pretty
good basis to get down and play "I Went To College / I Went To Jail" by Ernest on your guitar.
Have fun learning it and have even more fun playing it!