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How to Play Crocodile Rock

Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" is a classic showpiece for any pianist and a fun challenge to play. The rest of the band will work hard trying to keep up with some unusual chord changes, while the singer gets to really stretch out the top of his falsetto range on the chorus refrain.



This lilting, 1950s-style rocker conjures up images of sock hops, Hula-hoops and drive-ins and will get people moving on the dance floor.



"Crocodile Rock" was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and appears on Elton's 1973 album, "Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player." It is in the key of G.

Instructions

    • 1

      Play the pre-intro section slowly. This section is for solo piano only.

      G (hold for 4 beats)

      C/E (2 beats)

      F# (2 beats)

    • 2

      Play the intro on the Farfisa organ, at tempo:

      G

      G

      Em

      Em

      C

      C

      D

      D

    • 3

      Play the first verse as follows:

      G

      I remember when rock was young,

      Em

      Me and Susie had so much fun

      C

      Holding hands and skimmin' stones

      D

      Had an old gold Chevy and a place of my own

      G

      But the biggest kick I ever got

      Em

      Was doin' a thing called the Crocodile Rock

      C

      While the other kids were rockin'

      D

      'Round the clock, we were hoppin' and boppin' to the Crocodile Rock, well

    • 4

      Play the chorus this way:

      Em

      Crocodile Rockin' is something shockin'

      A7

      When your feet just can't keep still

      D7

      I never had me a better time

      G

      And I guess I never will.

      E

      Oh, Lawdy mamma, those Friday nights

      A7

      When Susie wore her dresses tight and

      D7

      The Crocodile Rockin' was out of

      C

      Si-i-i-ght

      (Refrain)

      La-la-la-la-la-la

      La-la-la-la-la

      La-la-la-la-la

      (Refrain is sung over same chord progression as intro:)

      G

      G

      Em

      Em

      C

      C

      D

      D

    • 5

      Repeat the same chord progression as in first verse for the second verse:

      But the years went by and rock just died,

      Susie went and left me for some foreign guy,

      Long nights cryin' by the record machine

      Dreamin' of my Chevy and my old blue jeans

      But they'll never kill the thrills we got

      Burnin' up to the Crocodile Rock

      Learning fast till the weeks went past,

      We really thought the Crocodile Rock would last

    • 6

      Repeat the chorus and refrain.

    • 7

      Repeat first verse.

    • 8

      Repeat chorus and refrain to end.

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