The circus
View chords used in this chart
Am F G
Am
Call it new technology
F
And they use it to burn
G
And they show no concern
Am
Work for their prosperity
F
While the big wheels turn
G
Now it's too late to learn
C F
Don't upset the teacher
C F
Though we know he lied to you
Dm F
Don't upset the preacher
G F Em
Gonna close his eyes for you
Am
And it's a shame
Em
That you're so afraid
Am
Just a worker waiting
Em F
In the pouring rain
G
Putting back the pieces
Am F
Of a broken dream
G
Putting back the pieces
Am
Of a broken dream
Am
Father worked in industry
F
Now the work has moved on
G
And the factory's gone
Am
See them sell your history
F
Where once you were strong
G
And you used to belong
C F
There was once a future
C F
For a working man
Dm F
There was once a lifetime
G F
For a skilful hand
Em
Yesterday
Am
And it's a shame
Em
That you're so afraid
Am
Just a worker waiting
Em F
In the pouring rain
G
Putting back the pieces
Am F
Of a broken dream
G
Putting back the pieces
Am
Of a broken dream
Am F G
Am F G
C F
Don't upset the teacher
C F
Though we know he lied to you
Dm F
Don't upset the preacher
G F Em
Gonna close his eyes for you
Am
And it's a shame
Em
That you're so afraid
Am
Just a worker waiting
Em F
In the pouring rain
G
Putting back the pieces
Am
Of a broken dream
Am
Tempers fray so easily
F
In desperate despair
G
Is there anyone who cares
Am
Just another tragedy
F
Just a personal affair
G
In a room somewhere
C F
There was once a future
C F
For a working man
Dm F
There was once a lifetime
G F
For a skilful hand
Em
Yesterday
Am
And it's a shame
Em
That you're so afraid
Am
Just a worker waiting
Em F
In the pouring rain
G
Putting back the pieces
Am F
Of a broken dream
G
Putting back the pieces
Am F
Of a broken dream
G
Putting back the pieces
Am F
Of a broken dream
G
Of a broken dream
Am F
Of a broken dream
G
Putting back the pieces
Am
Of a broken dream
How to play The circus
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.