A Cockeyed Optimist
View chords used in this chart
Introd.: Fm6/G G7/13
C5
When the sky
Cm9add B5+
Is a bright canary yellow I forget
Bbm9
Every cloud I've ever seen
Ab Gm
So they call me a cockeyed optimist
Fm
Immature and incurably green I have heard
C5
People rant
Cm9add B5+
And rave and bellow that we're done and we might
Bbm9
As well be dead but I'm only
Ab Gm
A cockeyed optimist And I can't get it into my head
Fm
I hear the human race is fallin' on it face
C5
And hasn't
Cm9add B5+
Very far to go but ev'ry whippoorwill is sellin' me a bill
Bbm9
And tellin' me it just ain't so
Ab Gm
I could say life is just a bowl of Jello
Fm
And appear more intelligent and smart
C5
But I'm stuck
Cm9add B5+
Like a dope with a thing called hope and I can't
Bbm9
No, I won't get it out of my heart
Ab
Not this heart
How to play A Cockeyed Optimist
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Fm6/G. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.