[Intro]
D A Em x2
[Verse 1]
D
A Em
I left your heart of glass in my unmade bed
D A Em D
In the right time, you could shine so bright in my doubtful eyes, and
A Em D
I--- imprint all your ideas on mine
A Em
I--- move awkwardly at the speed of light
[Pre-Chorus]
D A
Maybe it's easier to be afraid
Em
Drenched in tragedy, man-made, and my
D A
Compass is an antique
Em
But if I'm not back soon
G
Don't come looking for me
[Chorus]
D A Em G
You can take it pretty far on a prayer that's pale and synthetic
D A Em
Bending my crowbar with tension that's telekinetic
G D
A paradox poetic
A
You get choked up
Em G
Reading the classics
D A
Your pride'll take a gluttonous bite
Em
A stupid question, I'd rather not ask it
[Interlude]
D A Em x2
[Verse 2]
D
A Em D
I take a sip of something I can barely taste
A Em D
Dull as dusk, with a skull and crossbones to bring us luck, and
A Em D
I---, I know that you can't read my mind
A Em
I--- swear I said the same thing a hundred times
[Pre-Chorus]
D A
Maybe it's harder than it should be
Em
Variations on a theme, I could
D A
Wear it right on my sleeve
Em
When an antagonist emerges
G
Don't blame me---
[Chorus]
D A Em G
You can take it pretty far on a prayer that's pale and synthetic
D A Em
Bending my crowbar with tension that's telekinetic
G D
A paradox poetic
A
You get choked up
Em G
Reading the classics
D A
Your pride'll take a gluttonous bite
Em
A stupid question, I'd rather not ask it
G D
A Em
A stupid question, I'd rather not ask it
[Outro]
G D
A Em
A stupid question, I'd rather not ask it
G D A Em x3
(Fade out or end on D)
How to play "Crowbar" by Waxahatchee on guitar involves delving into a
series of chords that provide the foundation for its introspective lyrics and melody.
The song is set in a sequence that transitions smoothly between
the chords D, A, Em, and G, offering a blend of reflection and subtle energy
that characterizes much of Waxahatchee's music. The chord progression
and structure create a compelling narrative ambiance, suitable for both
beginners and more experienced guitarists looking to add emotional
depth to their playing.
Introduction to the Song:
The intro sets the tone with a simple repetition of D, A, and Em, creating a space
for the song's introspective journey. This sequence is not only a musical foundation
but also a thematic one, reflecting the song's contemplative nature.
Verse Progression:
The verses continue with the D, A, and Em chords, a pattern that's both easy to
follow and effective in driving the narrative forward. The lyrics, "I left your heart
of glass in my unmade bed," paired with this chord progression, evoke a sense
of vulnerability and reflection.
Strumming Pattern:
A straightforward strumming pattern works well here, allowing the lyrics and
chord transitions to carry the emotional weight of the song.
Pre-Chorus and Chorus:
The pre-chorus introduces a tension-building progression with D, A, Em, and
then shifts to G, adding a lift before moving into the chorus. The chorus itself
utilizes D, A, Em, and G to underscore the song's central message, with a
rhythm that's a bit more pronounced than in the verses.
Dynamic Variation:
Experiment with dynamic variations in the chorus to highlight
the song's emotional peaks. The lyrics, "You can take it pretty far on a prayer
that's pale and synthetic," gain depth when played with a mix of intensity and restraint.
Bridge and Outro:
The song maintains its established chord patterns throughout, ensuring
a cohesive sound that's both engaging and reflective. The outro offers
a chance to slowly fade out or end on a resolved note with the D chord,
mirroring the song's contemplative conclusion.
Playing Tips:
- Capo Adjustment: There's no capo required for this song, but you can adjust
based on vocal range or preference.
- Emotional Expression: Pay attention to the emotional nuances of the lyrics and
adjust your playing style to match. The dynamic shifts from verse to chorus and
the introspective nature of the lyrics should guide your strumming intensity and tempo.
- Practice Transitions: Smooth transitions between chords are crucial for
maintaining the flow of the song. Practice the transitions, especially the switch
to the G chord in the chorus, to ensure a seamless performance.
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