Couldn't I Just Tell You
View chords used in this chart
Intro:
12-string [2X, w/bass drum 1st time, full band 2nd time]:
(E) (B) (A)
v v v v v v v v
-----0-------0---|-----0-------0--- (let open E and B strings ring)
---5-------4-----|---2-------0---0-
-4-----4-------2-|-------2---------
-----------------|-----------------
-----------------|-----------------
-----------------|-----------------
[1: bass enters]
(B) (A) (E)
v v v v v v v v
-----------------|---0-0---2---0---
-----0-------0---|---0-0---2---0---
---4-------2-----|---1-1---2---1---
-4-----2-------2-|---2-2-----------
---------------2-|---2-2-----------
---------------0-|---0-0-----------
^^^^^^^^^^^ omit before bridge, before and
during coda
Verse 1:
D D5 C#5 B
Keep your head and everything will be cool
(B)
You didn't have to make me feel like a fool
Asus2 A Asus2 A F#m E
When I try to say, I feel the way that I do
B F#m E
I want to talk with you
B E B A
And make it loud and clear
B
Though you don't care to hear, but
Chorus:
(w/12-string as per intro)
E B A
Couldn't I just tell you the way that I feel
B A E
I can't keep it bottled up inside
E B A
And couldn't we pretend that its no big deal
B A E
And there's really nothing left to hide
Verse 2:
Something sure doesn't seem right to me
When you can turn your back whenever you please
And you stroll away, calmly bid me adieu
Why can't I talk with you
And put it in your ear
Though you don't care to hear, but
[repeat chorus]
Bridge:
A A# B A
(Hear me out) Why don't you lend me an ear
A A# B A
(Hear me out) You got no reason to fear
A A# B A E
(Hear me out) I'll make it perfectly clear
F#m A A# B
I love you
[guitar solo over bridge chords]
[pickup into last verse]
(B) B C C# D
/ / / /
Verse 3:
I don't come whining with my heart on my sleeve
I'm not a coward if that's what you believe
And I'm not afraid but not ashamed if it's true
I got to talk with you
And then I'll make it clear
(A)
Make it clear
Make it clear
[variation on intro]:
12-string [2X, w/band 2nd time]:
(E) (B) (A)
v v v v v v v v
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
-5-5-5-4-4-4-4-4-|-2-2-2-0-0-0-0-0-
-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-|-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-
-----------------|-----------------
-----------------|-----------------
-----------------|-----------------
(B) (A) (E)
v v v v v v v v
-----------------|-0-0-0-0-2-2-0-0-
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-|-0-0-0-0-2-2-0-0-
-4-4-4-2-2-2-2-2-|-1-1-1-1-2-2-1-1-
-4-4-4-2-2-2-2-2-|-2-2-2-2-----2-2-
-----------------|-----------------
-----------------|-----------------
[repeat chorus]
Coda:
[repeat intro 1X w/band; end cold (sort of - drums continue) on E]
-- another ace 70's tab from Andrew Rogers
How to play Couldn't I Just Tell You
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.