The Mute
View chords used in this chart
Intro: G C
Em C G
Well, as a child I mostly spoke inside my head
Em C G
I had conversations with the clouds, the dogs, the dead
Em C G
And they thought my broken, that my tongue was coated lead
D C Em
But I just couldn't make my words make sense to them
D C G
If you only listen with your ears... I can't get in
Em C G
And I spent my evenings pullin' stars out of the sky
Em C G
And I'd arrange them on the lawn where I would lie
Em C G
And in the wind I'd taste the dreams of distant lives
D C Em
And I would dress myself up in them through the night
D C G
While my folks would sleep in separate beds... and wonder why
( Em C G ) (3x)
( D C Em )
( D C D )
( G )
Em C G
And through them days I was a ghost atop my chair
Em C G
My dad considered me a cross he had to bear
Em C G
And in my head I'd sing apologies and stare
D C Em
As my mom would hang the clothes across the line
D C G
And she would try to keep the empty... from her eyes
Em C G
So, then one afternoon I dressed myself alone
Em C G
I packed my pillowcase with everything I owned
Em C G
And in my head I said "goodbye," then I was gone
D C Em
And I set out on the heels of the unknown
D C Em
So my folks could have a new life of their own
D C
So that maybe I could find someone
D C G
Who could hear the only words that I'd known
( Em C G ) (7x)
( D C Em )
( D C )
( D )
How to play The Mute
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 G. 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.