Paint By Numbers
View chords used in this chart
C D F C F G
C G F
on the playground you learned how to share with the kids,
C F G
but you still didn't feel you fit in.
C G F
how fitting your confusion when you turned 16:
C F D G C
you knew how to paint by numbers, but you knew it wasn't rock and roll.
C G F
you learned tight pants, spray paint, and eyeliner.
C F D
you said glam rock would save your soul.
C F
but you couldn't grasp that the rebellion you wanted
D G C
wasn't something you could ever be sold.
G D F
and I never understood how someone could be so willing to be
G D F
absorbed into what I never thought could pass as identity.
D C
and I always felt bad for the kids who had to share their faces
G D F
with sad teenagers across the world
C F
who'd found something to fill their loss,
F G C
without ever addressing the cause.
C F
then I saw your speech impediment imitated exactly
G C
by a girl in seattle and a guy in minneapolis,
C F G C
so i guess you must have learned that from tv
C F
you said you'd find yourself for real,
G C
but fell that far from the goal-
C F G7 C
you had to paint by numbers but knew it wasn't r-r-r-r-rock and roll .
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 C. 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.