Don't Tear It Down
View chords used in this chart
Em G D
Stonemasons Are becoming things of the past
Em G D
The modern age Is finally taking us over at last
Em G D
Don't you wonder why? They're tearing all the old houses down
Em G D
Can't they see? That they're the best places around
Chorus:
C C D Em D C D Em D C D Em
Don't tear it down, there's life in it yet Don't tear it down
History, Is written deep in the walls
But the march of progress Wants to pour concrete over us all
Craftsmanship, The stone was cut by hand
Bulldozers Are taking over the land
Don't tear it down, there's life in it yet
Don't tear it down, there's time for us yet,
Don't tear it down
SOLO: (single notes) C B G E C B G E C B G E E G A B C D
C B G E C B G E C B G E E E E E
Em G D Em G D Em G D Em G D
An expressway, Is planning to come through our lounge
Eviction notes, in business coats Never renovate, just tear it down
A nation's heritage, They want to bring down without a sound
Another new town On top of the real town:
Don't tear it down, there's life in it yet
Don't tear it down, there's time for us yet
Don't tear it down, there's life in it yet
Don't tear it down
SOLO: (notes behind the solo) C B G E C B G E C B G E E G A B C D
C B G E C B G E C B G E E G A B C D
C B G E C B G E C B G E E G A B C D
C B G E C B G E C B G E E E E E
Intro riff is based around these progressions
E---19-19--15-15------------------19-15---------------------
B---------------------15--19--15-------------15--19---------
G----------------------------------------------------------
E--------------------------------------------------10-10-10-----------
B--10-10-10--12-12----12---10-10-10--12-12----12---10-10-10-12-12----12
G--12-12-12--12-12----12---12-12-12--12-12----12------------12-12----12
How to play Don't Tear It Down
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.