Paint By Numbers
View chords used in this chart
Intro
Am G F G (8x)
[Verso 1]
Am G F G Am G F G
When all the help in the world won't get you by
Am G F G C
When all the friends that you lean on let you down
E
You'll wonder why
Am G F G/E
I see you there with your painting box
Am G F G/E
And your oils and brushes and your artist's smocks
C Dm F G
What'll you do if the Muse gets lost
Am
When I'm gone?
Instrumental
Am G F G x4
[Verso 2]
Am G F G Am G F G
You painted me in the way you said you knew
Am G F G C E
I don't believe that I saw myself in anything you drew
Am G F G/E
I say you never quite caught it right
Am G F G/E
You say you see me in a different light
C Dm F G
What'll you do with your black and white
Am G F G Am G F
When I'm gone
[Refrão]
A
You paint by numbers
G F E
I never noticed it before
A
You paint by numbers
G F G
It's just a closing of an open door
C B
When you're looking round
Bb Am
You won't see me no more
G F
You paint by numbers
Instrumental
Am G F G x4
Solo
Am G F G x14
[Verso 3]
Am G F G Am G F G
Staying here in this room just makes me pale
Am G F G C E
I never really could fit into your geometric scale
Am G F G/E
I see you measure my profile up
Am G F G/E
And you mix your paints in a broken cup
C Dm F G
What'll you do if the brush gets stuck
Am G F G Am G F
When I'm gone
[Refrão]
A
You paint by numbers
G F E
I never noticed it before
A
You paint by numbers
G F G
It's just a closing of an open door
C B
When you're looking round
Bb Am
You won't see me no more
G F
You paint by numbers
Instrumental
Am G F D7
Am G F D7
Outro
Am G F G
(repeat and fade)
How to play Paint By Numbers
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 Am. 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.