Don't Tell Me

Van Halen - Don't Tell Me: Guitar Chords

Learn to play "Don't Tell Me" on your guitar with our detailed chord guide and lyrics. This page provides everything you need to perform this song on the guitar, including lyrics integrated with chords, chord diagrams, and a key transposer to match your vocal range.

Navigate quickly to the section you need:

Chords and Lyrics - Jump straight to the song's lyrics and chord overlay.
Chord Diagrams and Key Transposition - Access chord diagrams and learn how to transpose the key of the song to suit your voice.

Learn Don't Tell Me Guitar Chords and Lyrics by Van Halen

This section will guide you through each part of the song, providing the guitar chords placed directly above the lyrics for easy playing. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, these elements will help you perform "Don't Tell Me" smoothly on your guitar.

For easier playing, use our Simplify Chords feature to remove difficult chords like barre.

     F#m           D
It's ok, I'll do what I want
   E  F#m                 D
If I choose, I can take the fall
There's a choice
It's my destiny
In my hands
Yeah it's up to me
I can drive

F#m     D                   F#m
I can shoot a gun in the streets
Score me some heroin
I can jump
Be the sacrifice
                         E
Bear my cross just like Jesus Christ

Chorus:
       D                     A
And I don't wanna hear what love can do
No, I ain't gonna tell ya what's right for you

Is it right to take the easy way
Close your eyes
Get on your knees and pray
Now you're saved by a higher voice
Giving up, giving up, giving up your choice

If I'm wrong then I'll pay for it
If I'm right, yeah you're gonna hear about it
But I've tried, yeah I've tried for it
I tried, I tried, 'til I'm satisfied

Chorus:
And I
I'm tired of hearing what love can do
And I
Ain't gonna tell you what's right for you

               B
I've seen the damage done
                A
Down with the shotgun
                C#m
Don't stop the setting sun on my kingdom come
C
Oh

Is it right to take the easy way
I don't know
I get on your knees and pray
Now I'm saved by a higher voice
Givin' up, givin' up, givin' up my choice

If I'm wrong then I'll pay for it
If I'm right, yeah you're gonna deal with it
Cause I've tried, yeah I tried for it
I tried, I tried, even die for it

Chorus:
No I
Don't wanna hear what love can do
No I
I can't tell you what's right for you
Oh I
Tell you what love can do
No I
Can't say but your time is through

I've seen the damage done
Oh Lord, I've heard the shotgun
I fought the setting sun on my kingdom come
Oh
Don't tell me what love can do
Hey, hey, hey
Don't tell me what love can do
Hey, hey, hey


You can simplify chords by removing barre

Transpose

Reset

Guitar Chord Diagrams

C#m

F#m

Here you can see detailed diagrams for each guitar chord used in the song. Utilize our key transposer to adjust the chords to a key that better fits your singing range. Simply select the desired key, and the chords throughout this page will update automatically, ensuring you can play and sing comfortably.

Navigate up to:

Chords and Lyrics
Chord Diagrams and Key Transposition

If you are also interested in learning how to play "Don't Tell Me" on the ukulele, check out the chords on our sister site: Ukulele Chords for "Don't Tell Me" by Van Halen.

Van Halen - Don't Tell Me: Guitar Chords

Learn Don't Tell Me Guitar Chords and Lyrics by Van Halen

Transpose

Font Size

Guitar Chord Diagrams

Van Halen Song List