Refugee by Tom Petty

Key: F#m · 117 BPM · 3/4

Refugee by Tom Petty is written in A major. Its chords cycle through the I-V-IV progression — common turnaround / bluesy resolution: F#m-A-E. At 117 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace, in waltz time. The same chords are equally correct read against A major's relative key, F#m — two valid ways to name the exact same notes, depending on which one the song feels like it's resolving to.

The progression

This song follows the I-V-IV progression (Common turnaround / bluesy resolution) in A major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently i-III-VII in F#m — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-V-IV progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoAF#m-A-E
Capo 2GEm-G-D
Capo 5EC#m-E-B
Capo 7DBm-D-A

Chord chart

  • 0:02 F#m
  • 0:03 A
  • 0:05 E
  • 0:06 F#m
  • 0:08 A
  • 0:09 E
  • 0:10 F#m
  • 0:12 A
  • 0:13 E
  • 0:14 F#m
  • 0:16 A
  • 0:17 E
  • 0:18 F#m
  • 0:20 A
  • 0:21 E
  • 0:22 F#m
  • 0:26 E
  • 0:26 F#m
  • 0:30 E
  • 0:31 F#m
  • 0:33 A
  • 0:34 E
  • 0:35 D
  • 0:39 B
  • 0:43 F#m
  • 0:45 A
  • 0:46 E
  • 0:47 F#m
  • 0:49 A
  • 0:50 E
  • 0:52 F#m
  • 0:55 E
  • 0:56 F#m
  • 0:58 A
  • 0:59 E
  • 1:00 F#m
  • 1:02 A
  • 1:03 E
  • 1:04 F#m
  • 1:06 A
  • 1:07 E
  • 1:08 D
  • 1:12 B
  • 1:16 F#m
  • 1:18 A
  • 1:20 E
  • 1:20 F#m
  • 1:23 A
  • 1:24 E
  • 1:25 F#m
  • 1:27 A
  • 1:28 E
  • 1:29 F#m
  • 1:31 A
  • 1:32 E
  • 1:37 A
  • 1:41 D
  • 1:45 E
  • 1:50 F#m
  • 1:52 A
  • 1:53 E
  • 1:54 F#m
  • 1:56 A
  • 1:57 E
  • 1:58 F#m
  • 2:00 A
  • 2:01 E
  • 2:02 F#m
  • 2:04 A
  • 2:05 E
  • 2:06 F#m
  • 2:08 A
  • 2:09 E
  • 2:10 F#m
  • 2:17 A
  • 2:18 E
  • 2:19 F#m
  • 2:21 A
  • 2:22 E
  • 2:23 D
  • 2:27 B
  • 2:31 F#m
  • 2:33 A
  • 2:34 E
  • 2:35 F#m
  • 2:37 A
  • 2:38 E
  • 2:40 F#m
  • 2:41 A
  • 2:43 E
  • 2:44 F#m
  • 2:46 A
  • 2:47 E
  • 2:48 F#m
  • 2:50 A
  • 2:51 E
  • 2:52 F#m
  • 2:54 A
  • 2:55 E
  • 2:56 F#m
  • 2:58 A
  • 2:59 E
  • 3:00 F#m
  • 3:02 A
  • 3:03 E
  • 3:05 F#m
  • 3:06 A
  • 3:07 E
  • 3:09 F#m
  • 3:11 A
  • 3:12 E

Frequently asked questions

What key is Refugee in?

Refugee is in A major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, F#m, since the two share the same notes.

What chords does Refugee use?

The core of Refugee cycles through F#m, A, E (3 chords).

What is the tempo of Refugee?

Refugee runs at 117 BPM in 3/4 time.

What chord progression does Refugee use?

Refugee follows the I-V-IV progression. It's a common turnaround / bluesy resolution.

What capo should I use for Refugee?

No capo needed — A major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.

Related songs

Other songs using the I-V-IV progression

Other songs in F#m

More by Tom Petty