View chords used in this chart
INTRO lead:
e-|-------------------------------------------|
B-|-------------------------------------------|
G-|-------------------------------------------|
D-|-4---4-2---4---0-5-4---2---0-----2-0-------|
A-|---------------------------------------3---|
E-|-------------------------------------------|
e-|-------------------------------------------|
B-|-------------------------------------------|
G-|-------------------------------------------|
D-|-4---4-2---4---0-5-4---2---0---------------|
A-|---------------------------------3-2---0---|
E-|-------------------------------------------|
INTRO rhythm:
D G D Am C
D G D Am F
VERSE:
e-|--7-------8-------7-------5---------|
B-|--8-------8-------8-------5---------|
G-|--9-------9-------9-------6---------|
D-|--9-------10------9-------7---------|
A-|--7-------10------7-------7---------|
E-|--7-------8-------7-------5---------|
Em C Em A
leads into the chorus with F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F
CHORUS:
G C9 G C9 G C G/B Am F
LAST CHORUS:
A D A D A D A/C# Bm G
LYRICS:
Em C Em
I know
A Em C Em A
that the sunset empire shudders and shakes
Em C Em
and I know
A Em C Em A
there's a floodgate and a raging river
Em C Em
I say
A Em C Em A
see the silence of the ribbons of iron and steel
Em C
and I say
Em A Em C Em A
hear the punch drunk buddle as they drive on a hammer and wheel
F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F
G C9 G C9
sometimes you're beaten to the call sometimes
G C G/B Am
sometimes you're taken to the wall
F
but you don't give in
G C9 G C9
sometimes you're beaten to the call sometimes
G C G/B Am
sometimes you're taken to the wall
F
and you don't give in
Em C Em A Em C Em A
Em C Em
I know
A Em C Em A
that the cannibals wear smart suits and ties
Em C Em
I know
A Em C Em A
they arm-wrestle on the altar
Em C
I say
Em A Em C Em A
don't leave your heart in a hard place
F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F
G C9 G C9
sometimes you're beaten to the call sometimes
G C G/B Am
sometimes you're taken to the wall
F
and you don't give in
G C9 G C9
sometimes you're beaten to the call sometimes
G C G/B Am
sometimes your taken to the wall
Am F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F
but you don't give in
INTRO x2
[leads back into chorus with F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D]
A D A D
sometimes you're beaten to the call sometimes
A D A/C# Bm
sometimes you're taken to the wall
G
and you don't give in
A D A D
sometimes you're shaken to the core sometimes
A D A/C# Bm
sometimes your face is gonna fall
G
don't you let it
[another chorus]
Bm D
...but you don't give in
[ends on D with lead playing the following]
e-|-------------------------------------------|
B-|-------------------------------------------|
G-|-------------------------------2-----------| x2
D-|-0------------2-30---------------30--------|
A-|-------------------------------------------|
E-|-------------------------------------------|
p.s.
G/B: 3 A/C#: 0 C9: 3
0 2 3
0 2 0
0 2 2
2 4 3
- - -
Jonathan Hart
Oils@total.net
How to play #
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 B. 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.