The Joke Explained
View chords used in this chart
E A
I never held your gaze
E A E
I never know my place
D A
Oh, I stare at the eyes
E
Starin' at my face
A
It always ends in a tie
E A
There is no needing the divine
D A E
I cry at the joke explained
D A
Oh, but if I had known, if I had known
D E A E A
If I had known, I would've never believed
E A
I never smoked my chains
E A
Whoever measures the crest
D A E
Oh, they can have my broken chest
A
It's a staring contest
E A
In a hall of mirrors
D A E
I sweat tears, but I don't ever cry
D A
Oh, but if I had known, if I had known
D E A E A E
If I had known, I would've never believed
G D G D F#m E F#m E
A
I never knelt at a noose
E A
My pair perished in the pews
D A E
I climbed back into the yoke
A
It always ends in a tie
E A
There is no hitting the design
D A E
I cry at the joke explained
D A
Oh, but if I had known, if I had known
D E A
If I had known, I would've never believed
E A
I would've never believed
E D E A
I would've never believed
E A (x2)
How to play The Joke Explained
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 E. 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.