The Way Things Were
View chords used in this chart
Intro
D Dsus2
(alternate between the two until the verse)
[Verso 1]
D Dsus2
Throwing rocks at trains along railroad tracks
D Dsus2 A
Dead end kids who slip beneath the cracks
Bm A
We spent our time getting high
G D
We did our best to get by
Bm A D Dsus2
And we say goodbye to the way things were
D Dsus2
D Dsus2
No one said that life would be so hard
D Dsus2 A
So I found out my escape with an old guitar
Bm A
I wrote a song with a stolen riff
G D
You ain't got a star, you ain't got shit
Bm A D Dsus2
And we say goodbye to the way things were
D Dsus2
[Refrão]
Bm A G
Sometimes I think of when we were young
D
We didn't have a care
Bm A G
Sometimes I wish that life would just stand still
Bm A
We lit the fire where it all began
G D
Then we watched it all burn down again
Bm A D Dsus2
And we say goodbye to the way things were
{Solo}
Bm A G D
Bm A G
Bm A G D
Bm A D Dsus2
[Refrão]
Bm A G
Sometimes I think of when we were young
D
We didn't have a care
Bm A G
I want to go back to a simple place in time
Bm A
As the night falls we shed a tear
G D
Watching freedoms disappear
Bm A D Dsus2
And we say goodbye to the way things were
D Dsus2 (Alternate between the two until the verse)
[Verso 2]
D Dsus2
I surely struck on luck now and I found love
D Dsus2 A
I didn't know how fortunate that I was
Bm A
I said I'm old and to let go
G D
Til it's time to leave this world
Bm A D Dsus2
And we say goodbye to the way things were
[Refrão]
Bm A G
Sometimes I think of when we were young
D
We didn't have a care
Bm A G
Why do all good things come to an end?
Bm A
Like it was just yesterday
G D
Watching old dreams fade away
Outro
Bm A D
And you say goodbye to the way things were
Bm A D
And you say goodbye to the way things were
Bm A G
And you say goodbye to the way things were
D Dsus2
End on D
How to play The Way Things Were
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.