Before We Retire
View chords used in this chart
Intro
C F Am
C F Am C
verse 1
F Am C
Maybe we should take some time
C F Am
Long enough to let the blood dry
C F
On both sides
Am C F Am C
On both sides
verse 2
F Am C
Maybe if we just slow down
C F Am
Long enough to lay our sons down
C F
And we retire
Am
Before we
C F Am
Retire
Instrumental
C Em/D Am
C Em/D Am C
verse 3
F Am C
The only thing that remains
C F Am
Are graves to dig and rich mans games
C F
That you had to play
Am
That you had
C F Am C
To play
verse 4
F Am C
The only thing they'll take from me
C F Am
Is a life of peace and dreamless sleep
C F
Dreamless sleep
Am C F Am
Ohhhhhh dream....less sleep
Instrumental
C Em/D Am
C Em/D Am C
Verse 5
F Am C
I guess I'd rather have my limbs
C F Am
So you've got something to sleep in
C F
Than to be free
Am C F Am C
Ohhhhh to... be free
Verse 6
F Am C
Brother I'll live in chains
C F Am
Than have you as a cell mate
Outro
C Em/D Am
Before a meeeeeemory
C Em/D Am
Before a meeeeeemory
C Em/D Am
Before a meeeeeemory
C Em/D Am
Before a meeeeeemory
C Em/D Am
How to play Before We Retire
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 C. 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.