Anniversary Song chords
by Andy Williams
- The Anniversary Song was written by Al Jolson and Saul Chaplin in 1946. It is an adaptation of the 1820 waltz, Waves Of The Danube written by Romanian military band leader and composer - Ion Ivanovic. This version by Andy Williams is featured on his album - Call Me Irresponsible.
- Music: Ebm in 3/4 time at ~128 bpm .
- Chords: Ebm, Fm, Gb, Abm, Bb7, B6, Db9
- Easier in the key of Dm
- Chords in Dm: Dm, Em, F, Gm, A7, Bb6, C9
Chart Legend
Numbered Circles: Fingers used to play chords O: Optional Note
Barre Line: One finger holds down multiple strings R: Root Note
Unmarked strings: Play open X: Don't play string B: Bass Note
Barre Line: One finger holds down multiple strings R: Root Note
Unmarked strings: Play open X: Don't play string B: Bass Note
















Anniversary Song
Capo on 1st fret if playing with the video
The Relative Major Key of Dm is highlighted (F) - Transpose to any other key.A7 Dm Gm Bb6 A7 Intro: 3/4 ‖ | 𝄎 | | 𝄎 | | 𝄎 | | ‖ A7 Dm 1. Oh How we danced On the night We were wed Gm Dm A7 Dm We vowed Our true love Though a word Was-n't said A7 Dm The world was in bloom There were stars In the skies Gm Dm A7 Dm Ex-cept For the few That were there In your eyes C9 F Chorus: Dear as I held you so close in my arms Bb6 F An-gels were sing-ing a hymn to your charms Gm Em A7 Dm Two hearts gent-ly beat-ing were mur-mur-ing low Gm Dm A7 Dm "My Darl-ing I love you | so." | 𝄎 | 𝄎 | 𝄎 | A7 Dm 3. The night Seemed to fade In-to blos-som-ing dawn Gm Dm A7 Dm The sun Shone a-new But the dance Ling-ered on A7 Dm Could we But re-live That sweet mo-ment sub-lime Gm Dm A7 Dm We'd find That our love Is un-al-tered by time C9 F Chorus: Dear as I held you so close in my arms Bb6 F An-gels were sing-ing a hymn to your charms Gm Em A7 Dm Two hearts gent-ly beat-ing were mur-mur-ing low Gm Dm A7 Dm Gm A7 Dm "My... Darl-ing I love you | so." | 𝄎 | | | |
Please Note: When playing Bb6, it may be easier to barre the first fret (strings 1-5). It has no effect on the sound as the notes are all covered by the fingers on the third fret... and it may be a little more comfortable.
Andy Williams

Born: Howard Andrew Williams on Dec 3, 1927 at Wall Lake, Iowa, United States.
Died: Sept 25, 2012 at Branson, Missouri, United States - aged 84.
Music Styles: Traditional pop, easy listening
Instruments: Vocals
Active Years: 1938 -2012
- 1963, 1966 and 1967- Andy Williams Show - won 3 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Variety Series.
- 6 Grammy Nominations from 1959 - 1967.
- 2008 - Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Starred in 8 Films from 1944 - 2009.
- Recorded 43 Studio albums, 2 live albums, 89 singles, with songs included in numerous compilation albums.
Song Facts:
- The song was written by Al Jolson and Saul Chaplin in 1946.
- The music is based on the Romanian waltz "Waves of the Danube" by Iosif Ivanovici, which was first published in 1880.
- The song was originally recorded by Al Jolson and released in 1946.
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Shore, Pat Boone, Joni James, Connie Francis, Eddie Fisher, Tom Jones, Willie Nelson, and Andy Williams (featured artist).
- It is a popular choice for wedding anniversaries and other special occasions.
- The lyrics of the song are about a couple celebrating their anniversary. They reminisce about the night they were married and how their love has only grown stronger over time.
- The song is set to a waltz tempo, which is a traditional dance music that is often associated with romance and love.
- The song has been used in several movies including: Dishonored (1931), The Circus Clown (1934,) The Jolson Story (1946), Jolson Sings Again (1949) Blondie's Anniversary (1947), The Anniversary (1968), Mayerling (1968), Falling in Love Again (1980), When Father Was Away on Business (1985), Avalon (1990), Payback (1999), Father and Daughter (2000), and A Guy Thing (2000).
- The song is considered a classic of American popular music and is often included in lists of the greatest love songs of all time.
- A Time For Us
- Anniversary Song
- Moon River
- More