Above Water
View chords used in this chart
verse 1
E
bleeding til it hurts
Am
the need to start over again
E
the stillness with the burn
F#m/b5 A/B E
remembering how to begin
E
when will it be my turn
Am
when time and I become friends?
E
and how will all this work
F#m/b5 A/B E
when you know where I have been?
Pre-Chorus 1
A B
You see, the fire that was isn’t here
E/G# C#add6
my heart is hanging onto every fear
A B
Singing the words as i try to heal
E/G# C#add6
this dark and deepest part of me
F#m E B
trying to hold on
Chorus
E
Keep off the ledge, far from the edge now
F#m
wave the white flag, it’s time to back down
E F#m
wake up and set to keep your head above water
E
dive in the sea where you can be and
F#m
swim in the deep where you and I breathe
E F#m
wake up and set to keep your head above water
Instrumental
E F#m E F#m
verse 2
E
for all and what its worth
Am
we rose and fell but in the end
E
we learn from how we were
A B E
everyone longs to pretend
E
drowning in the dark
Am
even when the sun touches our face
E
reaching for the stars
A B E
as we look back in the race
Pre-Chorus 2
You see, the fire inside disappeared
my heart is always out in the clear
telling myself there’s nothing to fear
when the dark and deepest part of me
is trying to let go
Chorus
Bridge
Am E F#m E/G#
Oh the crashing waves
Am F#m B
Bury me til I choose to be brave
Chorus 2x
Ending
E
bleeding til it hurts
Am
the need to start over again
How to play Above Water
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 E. 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.