[Intro]
| G Am7 | Bm7 Cadd9 | Cadd9 | 2x
[Verse 1]
G Am7 Bm7 Cadd9
Bouquets of flowers fill my counter top
G Am7 Bm7 Cadd9
And bottles of champagne waitin' to be popped
G Am7 Bm7 Cadd9
And my phone is filled up with congratulations
G Am7 Bm7 Cadd9
So many moments waiting to be framed
[Chorus]
G
But the sun just started peaking through
Em7
And your arms are wrapped around me
D/A
In this shirt from middle school
Cadd9
Your Tecovas by the door
G
Half the covers on the floor
Em7 G/B Cadd9
And I trace my fingers over your tattoos
Cadd9
Yeah I've been living dreams lately
Cadd9
But they don't hold a candle to
D
Waking up next to you
[Instrumental]
| G Am7 | Bm7 Cadd9 | Cadd9 |
[Verse 2]
G Am7 Bm7 Cadd9
It's crazy to think you came so out of nowhere
G Am7 Bm7 Cadd9
And now everything feels different if you're not there
G Am7 Bm7 Cadd9
Yeah how can a person feel like comin' home?
G Am7 Bm7 Cadd9
I thought I was always meant for sleeping alone
[Chorus]
G
But the sun just started peaking through
Em7
And your arms are wrapped around me
D/A
In this shirt from middle school
Cadd9
Your Tecovas by the door
G
Half the covers on the floor
Em7 G/B Cadd9
And I trace my fingers over your tattoos
Cadd9
Yeah I've been living dreams lately
Cadd9
But they don't hold a candle to
D Em7 G/B
Waking up next to you
Cadd9 D G Am7 Bm7
Yeah waking up next to you
Cadd9 G Am7
Next to you
Bm7 Cadd9
Hmm
How to play "Next to You" by Cooke Ashley on guitar
[Intro & Verse Progression]
- The intro and verses feature a progression of G, Am7, Bm7, and Cadd9. This
pattern provides a gentle, flowing sound, suitable for the song's tender
narrative.
- Focus on smooth transitions between these chords. Use a fingerpicking or
soft strumming technique to emphasize the lyrical content and emotional
subtlety of the verses.
- Start with the G chord, which grounds the song with a familiar, warm tone.
- Transition to Am7, adding a touch of melancholy that complements the reflective
lyrics.
- Bm7 brings a deeper, more introspective feel, leading smoothly into the
brighter, hopeful sound of Cadd9.
[Chorus]
- The chorus intensifies slightly with the introduction of Em7 and D/A, creating
a fuller sound that highlights the song's emotional peak.
- Strum more vigorously here, but maintain control to keep the intimate feel
of the song.
- Emphasize the lyrical moments like "And your arms are wrapped around me" with
a gentle rise in dynamics, using Em7 to draw out the emotional depth.
- D/A gives a resolution to the progression, leading back into Cadd9, which
should be played with a sense of anticipation for the repeat of the chorus.
[Instrumental]
- The instrumental section revisits the intro and verse chord progression.
This is an excellent place to experiment with melodic fills or a slightly
varied strumming pattern to add interest without overshadowing the vocals
that will return.
[Common Mistakes]
- Rushing through the chord changes, especially in the transitions involving
Bm7 and Cadd9, which can disrupt the song's gentle rhythm.
- Not adjusting the dynamics between the verse and chorus, which is crucial for
conveying the emotional shifts in the song.
[Tips]
- Practice the transitions between Am7 and Bm7 as they can be tricky, particularly
maintaining clean finger positions.
- Consider using a capo to adjust the song’s key to better match your vocal range
or playing style, particularly if singing along.
[Song Facts]
"Next to You" explores themes of unexpected companionship and the intimate
moments that define a close relationship. The lyrics poignantly capture the
joy found in the simple act of waking next to someone, juxtaposing life’s larger
celebrations with the personal satisfaction of shared quiet moments.
[Artist Bio]
Cooke Ashley's songwriting often centers on personal relationships and the
nuances of everyday life, capturing the small yet significant moments that
shape human connections. Her melodic approach to storytelling invites listeners
to find beauty in the ordinary, resonating with those who appreciate reflective
and heartfelt music.
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