[Intro]
| Asus2 | E B | Asus2 | E |
[Verse 1]
E E/G# Asus2
Colorado sunrise, New Mexico moon
C#m B Asus2
Oklahoma postcard saying I'll see you soon
E E/G# Asus2
When I hit Carolina, that's when I'll call
C#m E/G# Asus2
But I ain't coming home til I've seen it all
[Chorus]
Asus2
I've been living my life
E Bsus4
Counting highway white lines
Asus2 E Bsus4
I wake up and do it all again
Asus2
And I know it ain't the time
E Bsus4
To get off of this ride
Asus2 E Bsus4
Yeah these wheels still got miles left to spin
F#m7 E/G#
And there's some green eyes that'd do anything
Asus2 E/G#
To love me back to Tennessee
F#m7 Bsus4
But that ain't the state I'm in
[Instrumental]
| Asus2 | E Bsus4 |
[Verse 2]
E E/G# Asus2
My heart's in a place, it can't figure out
C#m B Asus2
How to run down a dream and put roots in the ground
E E/G# Asus2
I told him don't leave the light on, there's no need to wait
C#m B Asus2
Yeah there's no telling when I'm gonna hit the brakes
[Chorus]
Asus2
I've been living my life
E Bsus4
Counting highway white lines
Asus2 E Bsus4
I wake up and do it all again
Asus2
And I know it ain't the time
E Bsus4
To get off of this ride
Asus2 E Bsus4
Yeah these wheels still got miles left to spin
F#m7 E/G#
And there's some green eyes that'd do anything
Asus2 E/G#
To love me back to Tennessee
F#m7 Bsus4
But that ain't the state I'm in
[Instrumental]
| Asus2 | E Bsus4 | Asus2 | E Bsus4 |
[Bridge]
F#m7 E/G#
And years from now if he shuts the door
Asus2 E/G#
I'll see him pushing babies in the grocery store
F#m7 Asus2
It'll break my heart but it'll break me more
[Chorus]
Asus2
If I ain't living my life
E Bsus4
Counting highway white lines
Asus2 E Bsus4
I wake up and do it all again
Asus2
And I know it ain't the time
E Bsus4
To get off of this ride
Asus2 E Bsus4
Yeah these wheels still got miles left to spin
F#m7 E/G#
And there's some green eyes that'd do anything
Asus2 E/G#
To love me back to Tennessee
F#m7 E/G# Asus2
In another life that's where my heart lives
Bsus4
That ain't the state I'm in
[Ending]
| Asus2 | E Bsus4 | Asus2 | E |
How to play "State I'm In" by Cooke Ashley on guitar
[Intro & Verse Progression]
- Begin with the Asus2 chord, setting a reflective tone, followed by E and B.
This progression is central to the song, providing a melodic and harmonic
foundation that supports the lyrical themes of travel and introspection.
- For the verses, use a combination of E, E/G#, Asus2, C#m, and B. This sequence
creates a narrative progression that reflects the journey described in the lyrics.
- Pay special attention to the transition between E/G# and Asus2, ensuring smooth
movement across the fretboard. E/G# adds a rising motion which is resolved by
Asus2, mirroring the lyrical journey.
[Chorus]
- The chorus utilizes the same chords as the verse but with an emphasis on Bsus4,
which adds a suspenseful resolution to each line.
- Strum these chords more dynamically to highlight the emotional peaks of the chorus,
especially on lines like "Yeah these wheels still got miles left to spin."
- Ensure that the transitions between chords are fluid, particularly between E and
Bsus4, to maintain the song's driving rhythm and emotional momentum.
[Bridge]
- The bridge introduces F#m7 and E/G#, providing a poignant contrast to the earlier
sections. This part should be played with a touch of melancholy, reflecting the
reflective and speculative nature of the lyrics.
- Use a softer, more introspective strumming pattern here to differentiate this
section from the more dynamic chorus.
[Common Mistakes]
- Not maintaining a consistent rhythm during transitions, especially from E/G# to Asus2,
which can disrupt the song's reflective mood.
- Overpowering the bridge with too strong a strum, which can overshadow the nuanced
lyrics of this section.
[Tips]
- Practice chord transitions slowly to ensure clarity and confidence, particularly
for less common chords like E/G# and Bsus4.
- Consider using a capo to adjust the song’s key to better match your vocal range
or playing comfort, especially if singing along.
[Song Facts]
"State I'm In" explores themes of wanderlust and personal discovery against the
backdrop of geographical and emotional landscapes. The song uses vivid imagery
and compelling chord progressions to convey a sense of continuous movement and
the search for self amidst the vastness of the American landscape.
[Artist Bio]
Cooke Ashley is known for her evocative storytelling and musical versatility,
often exploring themes of journey, self-discovery, and complex emotional experiences.
Her ability to blend lyrical depth with accessible melodies has made her a
distinctive voice in contemporary music.
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