Altar
View chords used in this chart
{Introduction}
Em Bm/D Em Bm/D
[Verso 1]
G C G
I meant to build an altar
Bm C
When I was a beardless boy
Am G
But my roses turned to bread
Em D
And my sorrow turned to joy
G C G
I meant to build an altar
Bm C
When the horse began to weep
Am G
And the prayers of the mountain
Em D Em
Sang me off to sleep
Interlude
Em Bm/D Em Bm/D
[Verso 2]
G C G
I meant to build an altar
Bm C
When the days of darkness came
Am G
When the wolves bayed in the woods
Em D
And the devil knew my name
G C G
And the angels came a-riding
Bm C
On steeds so white and gay
Em Am
I meant to build an altar
C D Em
Perhaps I will someday
Interlude
Em Em/D Em Em/D
[Verso 3]
G C G
I meant to build an altar
Bm C
When I was a beardless boy
Am G
But my roses turned to bread
Em D
And my sorrow turned to joy
G C G
I meant to build an altar
Bm C
When the horse began to weep
Em Am
And the prayers of the mountain
C D Em
Sang me off to sleep
Outro
Em Em/D Em Em/D
How to play Altar
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 Em. 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.