[Intro]
D G D G
[Verse 1]
D G
I was in a country band in the 1970s
D Bm7 A
One night we had a flat on the van, on the way out to Tennessee
D G
Asked an old mechanic, name of Johnson, for some air
A G D G
And everybody called him "Socrates"
[Verse 2]
D
"Hey. What's goin' on?"
G
"Not much of nothin'. How 'bout you?"
D Bm7 A G
And that's the way it's done in our hometown
D G
He could talk a stream of nonsense, just as pretty as you please
A G D
And everybody called him "Socrates"
[Verse 3]
G D G
But he said, "Fame and fortune are easily confused, as are luck and destiny
D Bm7 A
Are you bein' loved, boys, or bein' used? Runnin' wild or bein' free?"
G D G
He said, "The answers to your questions are more questions such as these."
A G D
And everybody called him "Socrates"
[Guitar Solo]
D G Em7 A D G Em7 D
[Verse 4]
D G
I got to know him well, I even worked with him a while
D Bm7 A G
He had an old guitar we'd pass around once in a while
D G
I never will forget the last few words he said to me
A G D
When I finally quit old Socrates
[Bridge]
F#m G Em7 A
"Do you know what you are capable of knowing?
F#m G Em7
Do your hands, son, ever touch the soil?
A F#m G Em7 A
And do you love all that you are capable of lovin'?
Bm A G
And do you want me to check that oil?"
A G D G
Everybody called him "Socrates"
[Verse 5]
D
Yeah, the Christians found him crazy
G
And the derelicts agreed
A G
But everybody called him
A G
Everybody called him
A G
Everybody called him
D
"Socrates"
[Outro]
G D G D G D
G D G D G D
G D G D G D
X
Chords used: D, G, Bm7, A, F#m, Em7
Intro:
The song begins with a D to G progression, setting a relaxed and inviting tone
for the storytelling that follows.
Verse 1:
The verse tells a story through a D to G progression, with a momentary shift to
Bm7 and A, painting a vivid picture of a chance encounter that leads to wisdom.
The introduction of "Socrates" sets the thematic tone of the song.
Verse 2:
Continuing with the D and G chords, the narrative dives into the wisdom imparted
by Socrates, emphasizing simplicity and profound insights through casual conversation.
Verse 3:
The verse shifts focus to the philosophical, exploring themes of fame, fortune, love,
and freedom. The chord progression supports the lyrical depth, with the G chord
highlighting the wisdom shared by Socrates.
Guitar Solo:
The solo follows a D, G, Em7, A progression, offering a musical interlude that reflects
on the wisdom and themes discussed in the verses.
Verse 4:
As the relationship between the narrator and Socrates deepens, the chords D, G, Bm7,
and A underscore the lasting impact of their friendship and the final words of advice.
Bridge:
The bridge introduces F#m and Em7, adding a layer of introspection to the questions
posed by Socrates, urging self-examination and a connection to the world.
Verse 5:
The concluding verse reflects on the legacy of Socrates, with the repeating D to G
progression underscoring the universal respect and curiosity he inspired.
Outro:
The song ends on a reflective note, with the D to G progression gently fading,
leaving the listener with the enduring wisdom of Socrates.
Playing Tips:
Pay attention to the dynamic changes between verses and the bridge, allowing
the philosophical questions to resonate.
Use the guitar solo as a moment to reflect on the song's themes, perhaps adding
your interpretation while staying within the song's emotional range.
The transitions between chords, especially during the bridge, are crucial for conveying
the shift in tone from storytelling to introspection.
Emphasize the narrative aspect of your playing, letting the chords support the story
being told for a more engaging performance.
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