View chords used in this chart
Rhythm is pretty much the same throughout the song
 
D G D
 
D G D G D
Don't expect no favors
D G D G D
nothing in return
D G D G D
Tell all your cross-eyed neighbors
D G D G D
that it's none of their concern
 
Open the shades Melinda
let in the outside air
I'm deep in doubt and I can't get out
and it must be dark in there
 
Chorus 1:
A G D
I wanna walk with you in the morning mist
A G D
Though I should be home by now
A G D
And there must be some way outta this
A G D
I was thinking you'd know how
A G D
And my judgement may be shaky
A G D
And my shoes are soaking through
A G D
'Cause the weeds are wet and I haven't yet
A G D
Made any sense of you
 
All the midnight angels
Fold their wings by dawn
The same old wild-eyed strangers
Sit and watch em till they're gone
I let the night unravel
Forget my vain pursuits
'Cept to feel that gray rock gravel
On your road beneath my boots
 
Chorus 2:
I wanna walk with you in the changing light
When the shadows twist and play
And the ghosts that kept me out all night
We can chase em all away
And the talk of those that wonder
And the talk of those that curse
Let em have their thrill, they'll need it
We'll be no more for the worse
 
Bridge:
Bm D
Shine your eyes upon me
Bm G
whisper long and low
Bm D
Mindful of the longing
A G Bm
that we ever more may know
 
Up the ridge on past you
Looking down below
You can see the stacks of Danville
Wwhen the clouds don't hang so low
Should you take a mind to
Won't you join me there
Open the shades Melinda
Let in the outside air

How to play Melinda

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.

More chords by James McMurtry

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