The Old Bard Song
View chords used in this chart
Intro D
Verse
A G D Em
What in the world do the old bard need?
A G F#m Em D
Ears to hear and the soul to heed
Em
Roof from the snow and the quiet craic
A D
Bit of a blanket to his back
A G D
Ears to hear and the soul to heed
A D
That do be, what the old bard need
Verse
A G D Em
What in the world do the old bard need?
A G F#m Em D
Ears to hear and the strength to heed
Em
Dab of tin for a night of work
A G A D
Glim of the lamp, stave off the dark
A G D
Ears to hear and the strength to heed
A D
That do be, what the old bard need
Verse
A G D Em
Soft dark wind in the hemlock-night
A G F#m Em D
Tap of the rain on the shingle tight
Em
Southeast wind in the bending reed
A D
Cup of the warm for the body's need
A G D
Ears to hear and a tear to weep
A D
And he'll be tucking him off to sleep
Verse
A G D Em
But what would you do for the old one's heart?
A G F#m Em D
A song or a tale of your own, to start
Em
The quiet word by the shifting fire
A D
Words of your own dear heart's desire
A G D
For the cares of the one are the cares of us all
A D
Your heart gives heart to another soul
Verse
A G D Em
Then, when the old path climbs again
A G F#m Em D
Threads of wonder, wish and pain
Em
He'll be weaving, the road along
A D
And you'll be the fabric of the song
A G D
Ears to hear and a soul to heed
A D
These for sure, do the old bard need
A G D
Ears to hear and a soul to heed
A D
These for sure, do the old bard need
How to play The Old Bard Song
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 D. 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.