Blues Got A Skeleton Key
View chords used in this chart
Verse
G C
You can lock all the doors;
Am
Close up the house;
Em
Pretend you're not home;
Am
Stay quiet as a mouse;
B7
Shut all the shutters and turn out the lights;
Am Em
But the blues got a skeleton key.
Verse
G
You can throw a wild party
C Am
For the usual crowd;
Serve margaritas;
Em Am
Turn the volume up loud;
B7
Burn the candle both ends night after night,
Am Em
But the blues got a skeleton key.
Chorus
C G D
Well, the blues don't go with my decor,
Am Em B7
But still the come creepin' in;
Em
And you can't help wond'rin' what's it all for
Am B7 Em
When without any warnin', your heart hits the floor;
Am D
Bartender, pour me a gin.
Verse
G
You can call up the cops;
C
File a complaint;
Am
Snort a kilo of charlie;
Em
Live like a saint;
Am B7
You can hide from your heart and pretend you don't see,
Am Em
But the blues got a skeleton key.
Chorus
C G D
Well, the blues don't need any reason
Am Em B7
Just to come up and hit you from behind;
Em
They'll take you in each and ev'ry season;
Am B7 Em
Hold you hostage to each tawdry treason,
Am D
Bartender, pull down the blind.
Verse
G C
You can run like the wind,
Am
Or give up the chase;
Em
You can beg them for mercy,
Am
They'll laugh in your face;
B7
'Cause once you're their prisoner, you'll never be free;
Am Em
Yeah, the blues got a skeleton key.
Am B7 Am Em
Yeah, the blues got a skeleton ke-y.
How to play Blues Got A Skeleton Key
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 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.