View chords used in this chart
D G G A
D Dsus Gadd9
He really liked flannel with bib overalls
D A A7
If you looked in his closet it was all that you saw
D Dsus Gadd9
He'd dress up on Sunday and thought he looked neat
Bm A D/F# G
In a green leisure suit with wingtips on his feet
D Dsus Gadd9
I hated the music he played in the car
D A A7
It was hard to believe he called those people stars
D Dsus Gadd9
They sang through their noses like they all had colds
Bm A D/F# G
I guess it's hard to be cool when your forty years old
(chorus)
Bm G
I was fifteen and real hip with long hair
D A D/F#
I'd ask my mama why's is daddy so square
Bm G
I could't believe all that he didn't know
Bm A D/F# G
I guess it's hard to be cool when your forty years old
D Dsus Gadd9
The night I turned twenty she came with the news
D A A7
Scared half to death and didn't know what to do
D Dsus Gadd9
I told her I'm sorry, but it's not too late
Bm A D/F# G
There's a doctor I've heard of that fixes mistakes
D Dsus Gadd9
I thought he was working and I was alone
D A A7
But he was standing behind me when I hung up the phone
D Dsus Gadd9
He said Son there's a few things you don't know about
Bm A D/F# G
If you listen real close we can figure this out
(chorus)
Bm G
Cause I was eighteen and as wild as they came
D A D/F#
When one night a young girl told me the same thing
Bm G
You would't be here if she hadn't said no
Bm A D/F# G
You see, It's hard to be cool when your twenty years old
D Dsus Gadd9
These days I like flannel and old Levi jeans
D A A7
And I look at my young boy who just turned fifteen
D D/F# Gadd9
I know what he's thinking but it's ok you know
Bm A G
You see, It's hard to be cool when your fifteen years old
G A D
How to play Cool
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.