Can't Get Away
View chords used in this chart
Came across that piece on sugarman.org. An awesome site when you want to know
about Sixto Rodriguez. However, listening to the song and watching some videos I
reckon the version with the 7 chords much more fits what he plays. Check it out
Em A Em7 A7
Born in the troubled city
Em A Em7 A7
In Rock and Roll, USA
Em A Em7 A7
In the shadow of the tallest building
Em A Em7 A7
I vowed I would break away
Em A Em7 A7
Listened to the Sunday actors
Em A Em7
But all they would ever say
Em
That you can't get away from it
A Em A
No you can't get away
Em
No you can't get away from it
A Em
No you can't get away
Em A Em7 A7
Schooled on the city sidewalks
Em A Em7 A7
Coldness at every turn
Em A Em7 A7
Knew I had to find the exits
Em A Em7 A7
I never, ever would return
Em A Em7 A7
Scoffed at the prophet's omens
Em A Em7 A7
That said I would live to learn
Em A Em7
That you can't get away from it
Em. A
no you can't get away
Em. A.
no you can't get away from it
Em. A
no you can't get away
Em A Em7 A7
Going unaided (up 80?) toward the west coast
Em A Em7 A7
Stopped in the sleepy town
Em A Em7 A7
Left my change and walked out
Em A Em7 A7
I didn't even turn around
Em A Em7 A7
What they were getting next to
Em A Em7 A7
Was that old familiar sound
Em A Em7 A7
That you can't get away from it
Em. A
no you can't get away
Em. A
no you can't get away from it
Em. A
no you can't get away
Em A Em7 A7
In a hotel room in Amsterdam
Em A Em7 A7
On a wild and windy August night
Em A Em7 A7
As a cloud passed over a cold moon
Em A Em7 A7
My heart was seized with terror and fright
Em A Em7 A7
Seeping up through the floorboards
Em A Em7 A7
Coming in through the walls
Em A Em7 A7
Coming in through the doorway
Em A Em7 A7
Ringing up and down the halls
Em A Em7
That you can't get away from it
Em
no you can't get away
A Em A7
no you can't get away from it
Em A Em7 A7
no you can't get away
Em A
no you can't get away
Em A
no you can't get away
Em A
no you can't get away...
How to play Can't Get Away
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.