American Idle
View chords used in this chart
Intro: D Dsus2 Dsus4 D (X2) C G
D Dsus2 Dsus4 D (X2) C G
D
We were the kids from the cul-de-sacs
That got out somehow without looking back
C
It's over
G
It's over
D
We were the ones that grew up too fast
On the front porch steps when we still had friends
C
It's over
G
It's over
D Dsus2 Dsus4
We were the kids who were laughing last
D Dsus2 Dsus4
With big ideas and failed attempts
C
It's over
G
It's over
Em F# G A
Repeat it now, repeat it with me
G
It's in the way
D
We can't explain
Em F# G A C
Why we were the ones who got away
G
It's in the way
D
These memories will fade
Em F# G A C
So we always keep them locked away
G
Lock them away
D Dsus2 Dsus4
We were the kids who would scrape and save
D Dsus2 Dsus4
And wait around for some better days
C
It's over
G
It's over
D Dsus2 Dsus4
We were the kids that looked one-by-one
D Dsus2 Dsus4
We said we would when we were young
C
It's over
G
Yeah, it's over
Em F# G A
Repeat it now, repeat it with me
G
It's in the way
D
We can't explain
Em F# G A C
Why we were the ones who got away
G
It's in the way
D
These memories will fade
Em F# G A C
So we always keep them locked away
G
It's in the way
D
We slowly replace
Em F# G A C
The pieces we left in yesterday
Em F# G A
Repeat it now, repeat it with me
Em F# G C
Repeat it now, repeat it with me
G
It's in the way
D
We can't explain
Em F# G A C
Why we were the ones who got away
G
It's in the way
D
These memories will fade
Em F# G A C
So we always keep them locked away
G
It's in the way
D
We slowly replace
Em F# G A C
The pieces we left in yesterday
G
It's in the way
D
These memories will fade
Em F# G A C
So we always keep them locked away
D Dsus2 Dsus4
We were the kids from the cul-de-sacs
D Dsus2 Dsus4
That got out somehow without looking back
G
It's over
How to play American Idle
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 D. 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.