“Island in the Sun” is one of Weezer’s most beloved songs, a sun-drenched 2001 hit from their self-titled Green Album. It’s also one of the most beginner-friendly Weezer songs to play, using just five open chords (Em, Am, D, G, and C) cycling through a wistful, modal progression. The song is technically in E minor, but Am features so prominently in every verse and chorus that it earns its place in our A minor collection.
I’ve also included the alternative chord voicings used on Weezer’s actual recording — higher-position versions of Em, Am, and G that give the song its bright, jangly character. They’re optional and a bit more advanced; the basic open chords sound great too.
The Chords You’ll Need
Basic open chords
Alternative voicings (more accurate to the recording)
Chord Chart
Intro Em Am D G Hip hip Em Am D G Hip hip Em Am D G Hip hip Em Am D G Hip hip Verse 1 Em Am D G Em Am When you're on a holiday D G Em Am You can't find the words to say D G Em Am All the things that come to you D G Em Am And I wanna feel it too Chorus 1 D G Em Am On an island in the sun D G Em Am We'll be playing and having fun D G Em And it makes me feel so fine Am D G I can't control my brain Interlude 1 Em Am D G Hip hip Em Am D G Hip hip Verse 2 Em Am D G Em Am When you're on a golden sea D G Em Am You don't need no memory D G Em Am Just a place to call your own D G Em Am As we drift into the zone Chorus 2 D G Em Am On an island in the sun D G Em Am We'll be playing and having fun D G Em And it makes me feel so fine Am D G I can't control my brain Bridge 1 D G We'll run away together D G We'll spend some time forever C Am D We'll never feel bad anymore (Hip hip) Interlude 2 Em Am D G Hip hip Em Am D G Hip hip Solo Em Am D G Em Am D G Em Am D G Em Am D G Chorus 3 Em Am D G Em Am On an island in the sun D G Em Am We'll be playing and having fun D G Em And it makes me feel so fine Am D G I can't control my brain Bridge 2 D G We'll run away together D G We'll spend some time forever C Am D We'll never feel bad anymore Outro Em Am D G Hip hip Em Am D G Hip hip (We'll never feel bad anymore) Em Am D G Hip hip Em Am D G Hip hip (No no) Em Am D G Hip hip Em Am D G Hip hip (We'll never feel bad anymore) Em Am D G Hip hip Em Am D G Hip hip (No no)
Practice Tips
- The main progression Em → Am → D → G is the entire song. Verses, choruses, intros, interludes, solo — all the same four chords. Lock that loop in and you’ve got it.
- The bridge adds one new chord (C) for two lines, then resolves through C → Am → D back into the song. Practice that closing move on its own.
- The alternative voicings give the song its recording-accurate bright sound but are more advanced. Stick with the open chords until you’re comfortable — the song still sounds great.
- The “Hip hip” call-and-response moments throughout the intro, interludes, and outro are perfect for group singalongs. Lean into them; that interactive vibe is part of the song’s charm.