Lime Green Jheri Curl
View chords used in this chart
Db: x4x6xx
Eb: x6x8xx
[Instrumental]
Gbmaj7 Ab Fm7 Bbm
Gbmaj7 Ab Fm7 Bbm
[Verse 1]
Gbmaj7 Bbm
Let me set the scene:
Ab
10 years old, 6 months pregnant with a jheri curl that’s lime green
Gbmaj7 Bbm
Mom says I’m not fat
Ab
But she also says I’m not sad so I’m not sure what worth her word had
Gbmaj7 Ab
My counselor says I'll make friends real soon
Bbm
But I'm too white for the black kids
Ab
And too black to be a token coon
Gbmaj7 Ab
Another school where I don't fit in
Bbm Ab Gbmaj7 Gbmaj7
Another year waiting for summer so I can trail behind my brother and his friends
N.C.
but I don't think they like me either
[Chorus 1]
Gbmaj7
Did I do something wrong?
Ab Fm7
Am I broken, am I an alien?
Bbm C Db Eb
I don't think there's anywhere I belong
Gbmaj7 Ab
I don't talk enough because I think too much
Fm7
If I was white would it be this rough?
Bbm C Db Eb Gbmaj7 Gbmaj7 Gbmaj7 Gbmaj7
This can't be growing up
[Verse 2]
Gbmaj7 Bbm
6th grade, won't spend another year feeling alone
Ab Gbmaj7
Joined the band to play drums but they put me on the fucking trombone
Bbm Ab
This year I'm being approachable, friendly, but stern
Gbmaj7
Do other kids like Rocky Horror and Dragon Riders of Pern??
Ab
I just want other black kids to like me someday
Bbm Ab
My white friends say the N word and that it’s okay because even they're blacker than me
Gbmaj7 Ab
A few months later I invited them to my birthday
Bbm
And they said yes!
Ab. Gbmaj7 Gbmaj7
Spent the rest of the week grinning, nothing could stop me
N.C.
Except none of them showed - I haven't celebrated a birthday since
[Chorus 2]
Gbmaj7
Did I do something wrong?
Ab Fm7
Am I broken, am I an alien?
Bbm C Db Eb
I don't think there's anywhere I belong
Gbmaj7 Ab
I don't talk enough because I think too much
Fm7
If I was white would it be this rough?
Bbm C Db Eb Gbmaj7 Gbmaj7 Gbmaj7 Gbmaj7
This can't be growing up
[Instrumental]
Gbmaj7 Ab Fm7 Bbm
[Bridge]
Gbmaj7
I can’t lie for a while it really fucked me up
Ab
Too young to get it I just got that I wasn’t enough
Fm7
For the longest time I thought that maybe it’s just my luck
Bbm
No portraits and my forehead would never be kissed or made important, fuck
Gbmaj7
'Cause when you’re different they'll gladly treat you badly
Ab
Say you’ll end up snatching xannies, mashing patties, hair all nappy
Fm7
Smashing Nattys outside the party 'cause no one would give you the addy
Bbm
Hella trashy on TV screaming: "Maury, I am not the daddy!"
Gbmaj7
But now I know that believing it was one my worst habits
Ab
Now I’m true to myself regardless of social status
Fm7
I’m not afraid to be me, I could sneak into the Met Gala
Bbm
In the loudest suit and walk out with Zoe and Lenny Kravitz
Gbmaj7
I used to be in constant crisis about who I was
Ab
Now I know it takes time to learn self love
Fm7
To look in the mirror and say: "I am and will always be enough”
Bbm
Because I am, I am
Believe me, I am
[Chorus 3]
Gbmaj7 Ab
I am strong enough, I am smart enough
Fm7 Bbm C Db Eb
I am likable, I will forge my own path from now on
Gbmaj7 Ab
I am kind enough, I am beautiful
Fm7 Bbm C Db Eb
I will live as such, I can go anywhere and belong
[Instrumental]
Gbmaj7 Ab Fm7 Bbm
Gbmaj7 Ab Fm7 Bbm
How to play Lime Green Jheri Curl
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 Db. 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.