Civilization
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Afinação: E A D G B ECapotraste: Sem capotraste
[Intro]
Bm A E/G# G A
Bm
We learned to band together and endeavor
Clasp our hands together
A
Man developed language, letters
E/G#
An incredible advantage, getting plans together
G
But would we stand the test of time
A
Against the planet's reckless climate
And its angry weather?
[Verse 1]
Em
Spread the sails
And head west against the gales
D
And storms aboard Norse longboats
With decks as dense as nails
A/C#
Our aim was riding waves
And finding, claiming strange horizons
D E
Invading islands, native populations slain with violence
Em
Enslaved and made to aim skyward
Think of bigger things
D
Sphinxes, pyramids, raise them high in the name of different kings
A/C#
The different things we've held sacred, divine
D
Through places and times
E
The range of supplications and rites
Through ages we find
Em
Nations arise
D
As old civilizations crumble to dust
Becoming strangers in time, waiting to die
A/C#
Replaced in the night
The day breaks and the light changes
D E
Illuminating newer human faces as fights rage
Em
The human race is facing the might
D
Of righteous states who would write
The history books even if it took a knife's blade
A/C#
To find the right page
Sengoku Jidai
D E
Men offered to die for the honor of a warrior's life
[Verse 2]
Em
The sun's coming and we're watching it rise
D
As a new era's here, it's as solid as iron
A/C#
Pull the tongs from the fire
Strike the hammer to the anvil
D Em
Craft a weapon to bring an enemy to a standstill
Em
The blacksmith is the wizard that gives us these powers
D
Devour enemies leaping down from the siege towers
A/C#
The better the tech is
The lesser the effort to wreck it
D E
The less time to see their eyes and feel sympathetic
Em
Never regret it
A true knight never stays a true blade
D
Never says touché
A/C#
But would forever lay in blue rays of weathered glades
D E
To demonstrate his never-ending dedication to the crusade
Em
Reformation through flame
And after the cremation is a new age
D
Time's quill is quick to spill its ink onto a new page
A/C#
The faces are the same as when in days gone
D E
But brains are cultivated thus creating The Renaissance
[Verse 3]
Bm
We're still using steel tools to stay strong
A
Replacing blades with greater trades
Pen and paper, song
E/G#
Faith in God is tested, hiding in the desert
G A
Men excited, then enlightened by the scientific method
Bm
Tried describing its expression
By inscribing his impression
A
When applying it to heavenly bodies
That everybody reckoned
E/G#
Must have been made by a creator or a greater force
G A
Nature's author faced examination never faced before
Em
The grace of horse and rider
Replaced by wars and violence
D
Debased the laws of science
Made the case for all the pious
A/C#
Why is it progress always leads to loads of mess
D E
The western region spread across the globe and coalesced
Em
Settlers spread disease with effortless ease
D
Was it reckless or did it just happen inevitably?
A/C#
While evidently we never can see
Through the lens of this century
D E
But there's no retreating now whether or not it was meant to be
[Verse 4]
Em
The seven seas were sailed, navies prevailed
D
Leaving trails of devastation in their wake as people wailed
A/C#
A world of wonder, plundered traded in the name of progress
D E
But human nature's way shows we should expect no less
Em
Oh yes, struck by the realisation
D
This is just civilisation in the natal stages of industrialisation
A/C#
Trust me when I say
D
That previous achievements are just child's play
E
Compared to this colossal school of thought
Em
We set the world ablaze with fossil fuel we bought
It's an epiphany
D
Giving us pretty much infinite energy
It's electricity
A/C#
Edison, Nikola Tesla, different inventors
D
Giving us everything we depend on
E
Whether it's engines, cinema, television or telecoms
Em
Sending a message and spreading it on
These unreal frontier channels
D
We develop the tech and then sell it on
A/C#
The reel travels round
With the speed of a machine gun's barrels
D E
Machinery's a meaner beast and we're still in the saddle
[Verse 5]
Em
No need for cavalry, battle superseded that with ease
D
Allies and Axis charging each other like batteries
A/C#
A power vacuum allowing the superstates to flourish
C A/C#
Redistribute the food even if it means people are malnourished
Em
Propaganda is the only view that you're allowed to publish
D
'Cause totalitarians are well aware of how to punish
A/C#
Gunning down numbers countless
For doubtless nothings that they've done
C A/C#
But that won't stop subversive insurgents
From coming out with courage
Em
Using their power to the fullest, whether creativity
D
Or demonstrating general relativity
A/C#
Evidently when we find time to be efficient
C A/C#
Einsteinian clear vision can reveal the precision behind the blinds
Nuclear fission
Em
Despite derision physicists decide the mission is
D
Dividing, splitting atoms 'til a blinding light is given
A/C#
Quite efficient
The divine right to mankind's plight is christened
C A/C#
A minor decision hijacked by politicians
[Outro]
Em
But as long as they listen to the will of the people
D
Treat all as brilliant equals, we can achieve more
Than we've ever conceived before
A/C#
Leave this poor place, please explore space
C
Earth, she's a small base
A/C#
Even more awaits
Em
I implore great leaders to lead with all the grace
D
Of which we're capable
And be the author of your fate
A/C#
Band together and endeavour
Clasp our hands together
C
As our ancestors have
A/C#
And stand the test of time forever
How to play Civilization
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 E. 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.