verse 1. 
D                  A7               G                   D     
A rusting tractor, on the hill, the fence post with the posted bill 
     G                 D        A7 
That said the sale was on until everything was sold. 
D               A7            G                    D   
Bone and silver napkin rings, elastic bands ’round spoons and things, 
G            D                        A7 
Tiny fingers held the strings of that fiddle in the case. 


[Refrão]
 
    G                D           G          D 
The auctioneer comes here today, privacy is on display, 
    G              D               A7 
The highest bidder takes away, but they can’t take it all. 

verse 2. 
D              A7          G               D 
Coffee pots we never used, silver frames a little bruised 
G                    D                     A7 
Around the portraits that amused us in the parlor and the hall. 
D             A7                  G                D 
Fireglow with favorite songs, and laughter are the things among 
G                  D            A7 
The memories, that still belong in those empty rooms. 


[Refrão]

    G                D           G          D 
The auctioneer comes here today, privacy is on display, 
    G              D               A7 
The highest bidder takes away, but they can’t take it all.  

verse 3. 
D                 A7                G                  D 
A jar of nails, a box of tacks, the dining chairs with wicker backs, 
    G              D                      A7 
Are in the garden, piled in stacks, being spotted by the rain, 
  D               A7                      G                   D 
Remember when the lights were low, we had pies, balloons, and mistletoe. 
    G                D                A7 
The morning sunlight on the snow, who will buy a broken sleigh? 


[Refrão]
 
    G                D           G          D 
The auctioneer comes here today, privacy is on display, 
    G              D               A7 
The highest bidder takes away, but they can’t take it all. 
          
verse 4. 
D                    A7               G                D 
The auctioneer comes here today, cars line the street, black and grey, 
      G                  D                A7 
While children watch the odd display, and others touch the lots 
         D                 A7             G                  D 
That are numbered with the coloured tags, books and clothing sold in bags, 
G                    D                    A7 
Bought for learning, bought for rags, and everything must go. 


[Refrão]
 
    G                D           G          D 
The auctioneer comes here today, privacy is on display, 
    G              D               A7 
The highest bidder takes away, but they can’t take it all.