The Bottle Let Me Down by Merle Haggard
Key: A · 123 BPM · 4/4
The Bottle Let Me Down by Merle Haggard is written in A major. Rather than one of the handful of progressions that show up again and again across pop and rock, it settles into its own 2-chord loop — A-D — repeating with its own internal logic instead of borrowing a familiar shape. At 123 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace.
The progression
This song cycles a 2-chord progression in A major: A-D. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| No capo | A | A-D |
| Capo 2 | G | G-C |
| Capo 5 | E | E-A |
| Capo 7 | D | D-G |
Chord chart
- 0:01 A
- 0:05 A7
- 0:12 D
- 0:28 A
- 0:33 A7
- 0:43 D
- 0:58 A
- 1:07 A7
- 1:13 D
- 1:17 A7
- 1:29 D
- 1:44 A
- 1:59 D
- 2:15 A
- 2:22 A7
- 2:30 D
- 2:34 A
- 2:38 D
Frequently asked questions
What key is The Bottle Let Me Down in?
The Bottle Let Me Down is in A major.
What chords does The Bottle Let Me Down use?
The core of The Bottle Let Me Down cycles through A, D (2 chords).
What is the tempo of The Bottle Let Me Down?
The Bottle Let Me Down runs at 123 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chord progression does The Bottle Let Me Down use?
The Bottle Let Me Down doesn't follow one of the common named progressions — it cycles its own 2-chord loop: A-D.
What capo should I use for The Bottle Let Me Down?
No capo needed — A major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.