[Verse 1]
Bm D
Wise man once said
Gmaj7 A
"Wild winds are death to the candle"
Bm D Gmaj7 A
A rose by any other name is a scandal
Bm D Gmaj7
Cautions issued, he stood
A
Shooting the messengers
Bm A Gmaj7 D
They tried to warn him about her
[Chorus]
D A
Cross your thoughtless heart
Bm Gmaj7
Only liquor anoints you
D A
She's the albatross
Bm Gmaj7
She is here to destroy you
[Verse 2]
Bm D
Wise man once said
Gmaj7 A
"One bad seed kills the garden"
Bm D Gmaj7 A
"One less temptress, one less dagger to sharpen"
Bm D Gmaj7
Locked me up in towers
A
But I'd visit in your dreams
Bm D Gmaj7 A
And they tried to warn you about me
[Chorus]
D A
Cross your thoughtless heart
Bm Gmaj7
Only liquor anoints you
D A
She's the albatross
Bm Gmaj7
She is here to destroy you
D A
Devils that you know
Bm Gmaj7
Raise worse hell than a stranger
D A
She's the death you chose
Bm Gmaj7
You're in terrible danger
[Bridge]
Em Gmaj7 D A Em
And when that sky rains fire on you
Gmaj7 D A
And you're persona non grata
Em Gmaj7 D A Em
I'll tell you how I've been there too
Gmaj7 D A
And that none of it matters
[Chorus]
Bm D Gmaj7
Wise men once read fake news
A
And they believed it
Bm D Gmaj7
Jackals raised their hackles
A
You couldn't conceive it
Bm D Gmaj7 A Bm
You were sleeping soundly when they dragged you from your bed
D Gmaj7 A
And I tried to warn you about them
[Chorus]
D A
So I crossed my thoughtless heart
Bm Gmaj7
Spread my wings like a parachute
D A
I'm the albatross
Bm Gmaj7
I swept in at the rescue
D A
The devil that you know
Bm Gmaj7
Looks now more like an angel
D A
I'm the life you chose
Bm Gmaj7 D A
And all this terrible danger
Bm Gmaj7 D A
This terrible danger
D A Bm G
So cross your thoughtless heart
D A
She's the albatross
Bm Gmaj7
She is here to destroy you
How to play "The Albatross" by Taylor Swift on guitar
"The Albatross" features an intriguing chord progression and reflective lyrics.
This guide focuses on the chord shapes, strumming patterns, and the song's
overall emotional conveyance.
Chords Used:
- Bm: x24432
- D: xx0232
- Gmaj7: 320002
- A: x02220
- Em: 022000
Verse Progression:
- Start with the Bm chord to set a contemplative tone.
- Progress to D, then Gmaj7, adding to the song's narrative depth.
- A chord transitions back into Bm, completing the cycle and setting up repetition.
Chorus Progression:
- Begins with D and A, which are more assertive, driving the chorus's theme.
- The Bm and Gmaj7 chords mellow the tone, reflecting the song's cautionary tale.
Bridge:
- The Em and Gmaj7 introduce a minor tonality, enhancing the lyrical message of
impending doom.
- The bridge shifts back to D and A, balancing the urgency and reflective moments.
Strumming Pattern:
- Employ a steady, rhythmic down-up pattern throughout the song.
- Emphasize the downbeat to accentuate the lyrical delivery.
- Adjust the strumming dynamics to match the emotional intensity of the lyrics.
Transition Tips:
- The change from Bm to D should be practiced for fluidity, as it recurs
frequently.
- The transitions involving Gmaj7 demand attention to maintain clean sound
without buzzing.
Common Mistakes:
- Not fully pressing down on the Bm chord can cause a muffled sound; ensure
clarity by pressing firmly.
- Rushing through the bridge. Keep tempo consistent to maintain the song's
dramatic tension.
- Overlooking the lyrical message when playing. Try to internalize the story
being told to enhance emotional delivery.
Song Meaning:
"The Albatross" metaphorically explores the burdens and consequences of past
decisions, likening them to an albatross around one's neck. The lyrics suggest
both regret and an ominous sense of fate, portrayed through the repeated
warnings ignored by the protagonists.
By mastering the chords and understanding the lyrical depth, you can effectively
convey the song's haunting beauty and narrative complexity in your guitar
performance.
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